The Waters

Swimming Spots in Sedona

Sedona’s swimming holes are the antidote to a desert summer. Tucked into Oak Creek Canyon and scattered across the red rock backcountry, these spots range from natural rock waterslides to quiet, shaded pools where the only sound is the creek. Below are seven of the best, with current access and fee details so you can plan your day without surprises. Grab your swimsuit and water shoes, the rocks get slippery, and pick your spot.

1. Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon Recreation Area)

Address: 333 Red Rock Crossing Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

This is the postcard shot of Sedona, calm stretches of Oak Creek with Cathedral Rock towering behind. It’s a relaxed wade-and-swim spot rather than a deep plunge, which makes it great for families and anyone chasing that famous reflection at sunset.

Heads up on access: this is officially the Crescent Moon Recreation Area, and your Red Rock Pass and America the Beautiful pass are not accepted here. You’ll pay a day-use fee at the gate (around 11 to 12 dollars per vehicle) or use the Grand Annual Red Rock Pass. Parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends. Please follow Leave No Trace principles.

2. Oak Creek Canyon

Address: Oak Creek Canyon, along State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

The heart of Sedona swimming culture. Crystal-clear water, towering canyon walls, and a string of secluded spots if you’re willing to explore. There’s no single entrance, you’ll find pullouts and access points along 89A heading north toward Flagstaff.

No single pass covers the whole
canyon, but parking fees apply at most developed access points, and many trailhead lots require a Red Rock Pass. Watch for private property signs and respect posted regulations, plenty of the creek frontage is privately owned.

3. Seven Sacred Pools (via Soldier Pass Trail)

Address: Soldier Pass Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

Seven Sacred Pools: where legend meets reality. Tucked away in Soldier Pass, these pools offer more than just a refreshing dip – they're a glimpse into Sedona's mystical past.

No specific passes required, but a Red Rock Pass may be needed for parking at the trailhead. The Seven Sacred Pools are natural water features formed by cascading waterfalls. The pools may dry up during drier seasons, so check conditions before visiting.

4. Grasshopper Point

Address: State Route 89A (about 2 miles north of uptown Sedona), Sedona, AZ 86336

Lounge on the sun-warmed rocks, take a dip in the cool creek, and let the day slow down. Grasshopper Point sits beneath the red cliffs just off 89A and is one of the most popular swimming and picnic spots in the canyon. Some visitors cliff jump here, but it isn’t advised, always check water depth and flow first.

There’s a day-use parking fee (roughly 12 to 15 dollars per vehicle, card payment), or you can use a Coconino Recreation “Big 3” pass. Your Red Rock Pass and America the Beautiful pass are not valid here. The lot is small, once it fills the gate closes until a space opens, so arrive early.

5. Midgley Bridge Picnic Area

Address: State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

Where relaxation meets a little adrenaline. There’s no formal swimming area at Midgley Bridge, but it’s a popular jumping-off point to access Oak Creek below, plus killer canyon views from the bridge itself. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it.

A Red Rock Pass is required to park here. Be cautious of currents, and always supervise children near the water, the creek access involves a steep, rocky descent.

6. Buddha Beach

Address: Off Verde Valley School Rd, accessed via the Baldwin Loop Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336

A serene, sandy stretch of Oak Creek that’s quieter than the headline spots, perfect for wading and unwinding. It’s named for the stacked-rock cairns the area is known for. One thing worth knowing: Buddha Beach sits within the Crescent Moon area, the legal way to reach it on foot is via the Baldwin Loop Trail across the creek, not by walking in from the Crescent Moon gate side without paying.

No dedicated parking lot, most people reach it via the Baldwin Trailhead, which requires a Red Rock Pass. Less crowded than Slide Rock or Grasshopper Point, which is exactly its appeal.

7. Slide Rock State Park

Address: 6871 N. Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

Nature’s water park. Slide down the smooth, creek-carved rock chutes, splash through the natural pools, and make a day of it. It’s the most popular swimming destination in Sedona, which means it’s also the most crowded, especially on summer weekends and holidays.

Slide Rock charges an entrance fee per vehicle (around 20 dollars on weekdays, higher on weekends and in peak summer, with a per-person walk-in rate). Hours run roughly 8 AM to 6 PM in spring and fall, with extended summer hours and reduced winter hours, last entry is one hour before closing. New for 2026: vehicles can no longer line up and wait on Highway 89A when the lot is full, the park now closes the entrance until enough spaces reopen. Translation: get there early or have a backup plan.

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