Sedona has swimming holes from end to end, each with distinctive characteristics and appealing attributes.

Located off of the first turn that can be made upon entering West Sedona on State Route 89A is Crescent Moon Ranch, while Midgley Bridge marks the final stop before truly entering Oak Creek Canyon. One has everything for a full day of activities, while the other requires a bit more work to access.

“Having this just versatilty …. We have this and the Grand Canyon on the other side, so you always have something to do up here,” said David Scott, a Peoria native and Northern Arizona University student. “Lake Pleasant is what I live by, and it’s manmade, to say the least.”

Crescent Moon Ranch is a day use only area that caters to families and groups looking to stick around for a while. It has a large amount of parking spaces that stretch back to a close proximity with the swimming area.

There are bathrooms and barbecues, so visitors can stay and hike, swim and eat from 8 a.m. until dusk — though with current fire restrictions, barbecues are off limits, so bring your food ready-to-eat. On weekends, the park is usually full from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The first swimming spot is located just past the end of the parking lot. At the near edge there is plenty of tree coverage providing shade, and on the other side there is a small, uncovered beach. In the middle is a slab of slick red rock, and swimmers usually leave their belongings at one of these three places.

Oak Creek flows alongside the slab of rock and dumps into a small pool, but gazing upstream, visitors are met by a view of Cathedral Rock and its “bride and groom.”

“It’s easy to get to from where you park if you’re feeling lazy on that day,” said Vicki DeVine, a frequent visitor from Lake Tahoe, Calif. “This one has got a killer view. The water isn’t as blue, but it’s not as cold [as up higher in the canyon]. I like how gradual it is when you get in.”

Sometimes referred to as Red Rock Crossing, Crescent Moon is dog-friendly, unlike some other local spots.

Continuing along the original trail, two other swimming spots are easily found. One is at the other side of a clearing filled with boulders — uncovered by trees — and the second is a short distance further along that does have some foliage.

Up and down the creek, visitors can usually find their own patch of land. It is one of the more popular swimming holes in the area that has welcomed generations of visitors.

“I’ve painted this place like 20 times,” said Syri Hall, a local. “This was a ranch and a campground ran parallel to the creek. I have a soft spot for this place, so I bring my grandson here.”

To get there, go south on Upper Red Rock Loop Road and travel past Sedona Red Rock High School. After following some curves, there will be a left turn at Chavez Ranch Road, and after that a right at Red Rock Crossing Road before coming upon the park on the left.

It costs $10 per vehicle to enter [up to five passengers, $2 per additional person], or $2 to walk or bike in.

Midgley Bridge

This spot requires a bit more work to get to than Crescent Moon Ranch. After parking next to the bridge itself above, it is a 0.6-mile hike down to the water that takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

One drawback is that there is hardly any shade, but there is plenty of flat, open space to leave coolers and set up music.

“I think it’s gorgeous. Being the first time coming here, I think it’s a really cool place,” said visitor Spencer House.

The creek flows at a pace strong enough to push bathers down, and like Slide Rock State Park, there is a natural slide built in as well. The cool, clear water dumps into a deep cove where the current diminishes and swimmers can relax.

“The overall swimming area is just great. There’s a lot to do and there’s a lot of cool different spots,” Scott said. “If you like to swim, obviously that. You can get a floatie and cruise down the whole pool all the way to the bottom. You’ve got to start with liking the hike.”

There are numerous shallow pools where swimmers can sit and be in the water without being fully immersed.

Further down there are more rocks to relax as well. It is a popular spot for Northern Arizona University students from spring and through summer.

“I like that this one’s local. This is the spot that most college kids go to, so that’s mainly why we chose here and we’ve been here before,” said Madeline Rabe, an NAU student. “It’s a great place just to hang out and you can also get in the water, and the fact that you can sit down and still get in the water.”

To get down to the water, visitors must first buy a Daily Red Rock Pass for $5, which are not valid at Grasshopper Point or Crescent Moon Ranch. Then travel down Huckaby Trail 161 as it switches back a few times before getting to the creek’s edge.

Continue walking along the creek and over some rock before coming to a small, wooden foot bridge. The main swimming area is just past the bridge.