I'm so glad I was told by a Sedona local about this beautiful park.
It has a few names and it's tucked away in a little neighborhood down past Sedona High School, so you might wonder if you are on a wild goose chase as you get ready to visit. Once you arrive though, your family will love it. The Forest Service which oversees the park, calls it Crescent Moon Picnic Site. But it is So Much More than a picnic site! There are picnic tables, bathrooms, a large open area, some historical buildings and things from when it was a ranch, Oak Creek runs right through it, there's a trail alongside the creek and if you look up, Cathedral Rock is right there. It's so scenic there they hold weddings there.
Crescent Moon Picnic Site is a great place to spend the day splashing in the water. Much of it is shaded by trees so even in the summer it's pleasant. Spring is a great time to visit because the river will be at it's fullest. That's when I visited. Some sections of the river have sandy spots, some have rock, some are secluded, some more crowded, there's a place for everyone to feel like they have the perfect spot. From the parking lot follow the trail that is alongside the water for as long as you care to go. (But there are only bathrooms at the park itself so keep that in mind as the idyllic river draws you farther and farther away!)
The Details:
Park info can be found Here. It costs $12 for a day pass to enter. The photos in this article are all from my trip to Crescent Moon a couple of years ago giving an accurate representation of what it looks like. You might also see it called Crescent Moon Ranch and Red Rock Crossing if you look up alternative sources of info as you plan your visit.
Packing Suggestions:
Aside from the water, snacks, jacket, book, toy, phone and charger... that you probably grab any time you are headed out for a day with the kids you might want to also bring
- their bathing suits, water safe shoes/sandals, change of clothing, and beach towels for the water play
- beach balls for the water or soccer/baseballs for the open areas
- good closed toe athletic shoes if you go on a trail or scramble around on rocks
- an ice chest holding enough snacks, drinks and food to get you through the day without too many stops to interrupt your day.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Pack what can be packed the night before.
- Gather up the kids and load the ice chest with any perishable food/drinks and head to Sedona in the morning. Early-ish if possible!
- Stop off at Clark's Market - right off the 179 as you go through the Village of Oak Creek Store Info Here to buy ice, sandwiches and some side dishes from their deli for lunch.
- Go to Crescent Moon and enjoy the day exploring the river and enjoying the scenery.
- Head to Pisa Lisa for an early dinner. It's right on the way home on the 89A. I love the magic mushrooms (Not psychedelic, but delicious) and lemon arugula pizza. Info Here. I first noticed the restaurant just because my name is Lisa but I've been there twice and both times thought it was delicious. The food is probably not toddler friendly but school aged children should be happy getting a cheese or pepperoni pizza. Plus there's gelato and really good meatballs you can order as a side dish.
- If the kids can handle it and it's not too late (shops and galleries close at 6 pm), take an early evening stroll through Tlaquepaque. It's so pretty, shaded and cool after a day playing in the sun. This elegant shopping and restaurant area is right on the 179 as you are headed home making it a super convenient add on. https://www.tlaq.com If you have never been, you can go and spend a lot of money or you can go and simply enjoy the ambiance as you wander through the lovely Spanish style walkways and courtyards. I recommend the second option. The photo of this beautiful statue was taken there.
I hope you can find a day this spring or summer to enjoy Crescent Moon Park with your family!
