Crescent Moon Ranch

Crescent Moon Ranch is an historic U.S. Forest Service recreation area set along Oak Creek in one of Sedona's most photogenic locations — directly beneath the soaring sandstone spires of Cathedral Rock. The site preserves elements of a working cattle ranch that once operated here, while providing access to the creek and the red rock landscape that surrounds it.

For families, the experience centers on Oak Creek. The creek flows through the property with clear, cold water over smooth sandstone and gravel, creating excellent conditions for wading, rock hopping, and simple water play. The shallows are accessible for toddlers and young children while older kids explore further downstream.

The iconic Cathedral Rock reflection photo — the one that appears in virtually every Arizona tourism publication — is taken from the creek bank here, and capturing your family's version of that image is a genuinely worthwhile goal.

The ranch structures that remain from the site's agricultural history add an interesting layer for curious older children. The original corral and remnants of outbuildings create a sense of place and history that pure wilderness sites lack. The property was used as a filming location for numerous Western films in the mid-20th century, adding to its cultural story.

Crescent Moon Ranch shares its parking area and Red Rock Pass requirement with the adjacent Crescent Moon Picnic Site — visiting both in the same trip is easy and adds only 30-60 minutes. Camping is available at the Crescent Moon Ranch campground; sites must be booked on Recreation.gov well in advance, especially during spring and fall.

The site is open 9am to 5pm. A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required for parking.