Sedona Waterfall Hikes: Where to Find Water in the Desert (Best Trails & Tours)
A practical guide to Sedona waterfall hikes, swimming holes and guided options around Oak Creek Canyon and the Verde Valley.
Top creek hikes and waterfalls near Sedona
For Sedona waterfall hikes and other waterfalls near Sedona, focus on Oak Creek Canyon and nearby Verde Valley corridors. These trails offer creek crossings, pools and, for short drives, deeper waterfall swims.
Slide Rock State Park (Oak Creek Canyon, ≈6–7 miles north of Sedona)
Slide Rock State Park is a classic Oak Creek Canyon stop with a sandstone chute, natural pools and short creek walks. The site has restrooms and a small market; entry/parking fees and occasional water‑quality advisories apply.
Expect heavy visitation in summer—arrive early or later in the day to beat crowds.
Best for: Sedona hikes with swimming holes and a natural rock slide.
Access & logistics: Oak Creek Canyon (≈6–7 miles north of Sedona); paid entry and limited parking.
Seasonal note: flows and advisories change with weather—check the Slide Rock page before you go.
West Fork Trail (West Fork of Oak Creek — Call of the Canyon trailhead, ≈10–15 min north of Sedona)
West Fork Trail runs through a shaded canyon with repeated creek crossings—one of the most water‑focused Oak Creek Canyon waterfall hikes near Sedona. Sections can require wading or careful rock steps.
The trail is popular spring through fall and for fall color; parking and access are managed at the Call of the Canyon day‑use area.
Best for: longer creek‑centered hikes and cooler microclimates.
Access & logistics: Call of the Canyon / West Fork day‑use area; parking fills quickly on weekends and during peak color.
Guide option: guided waterfall tours near Sedona often include pickup to avoid parking and help with creek navigation.
Soldier Pass Trail — Seven Sacred Pools & Devil’s Kitchen (Brins Mesa / south of Uptown Sedona)
Soldier Pass Trail passes the seasonal Seven Sacred Pools (sandstone tinajas) and Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole—distinctive water‑formed features inside Sedona. These tinajas are small and may be dry in low‑precipitation periods.
The trail also includes Soldier’s Pass Arch and some uphill sections; parking can be limited on busy days.
Best for: short to moderate hikes with unique sandstone pools and geology inside Sedona.
Access & logistics: Soldier Pass trailhead in the Brins Mesa/Soldier Pass area south of Uptown Sedona; limited parking—consider a shuttle or guided pickup.
Seasonal note: Seven Sacred Pools depend on recent rain and may be dry outside wetter months.
In-town creek access and short water stops
If you want quick water access from Uptown Sedona, these Oak Creek spots provide easy wading, reflections and picnic options—good for short visits or photos.
Crescent Moon Ranch / Red Rock Crossing (southwest Sedona)
Crescent Moon Ranch offers flat, easy access to Oak Creek for wading and photos, with the classic Cathedral Rock reflection. It’s a short walk from the parking area and family‑friendly when water is present.
The site is managed by Coconino National Forest and typically requires a Red Rock Pass or day‑use fee; parking is limited at peak times.
Best for: photo ops of Cathedral Rock, easy wading and family picnics.
Access & logistics: Red Rock Pass required; close to Uptown Sedona and the historic Hart Store.
Tip: pair a short visit with Uptown shopping and a stop at Mi Amore Sedona inside the Hart Store for gifts or a post‑hike souvenir.
Midgley Bridge (Oak Creek access / ‘Budda Beach’ area — north of Sedona on Highway 89A)
Midgley Bridge gives quick Oak Creek access with shallow pools and small sandy creekside areas—convenient for brief wading breaks and photos near town.
Parking is limited and subject to Red Rock Pass rules; this spot suits short stops more than long swims.
Best for: quick creek access from town and short family breaks.
Access & logistics: small parking area on 89A; obey posted rules and carry a Red Rock Pass.
Note: midday summer crowds are common—visit early for calmer conditions.
Grasshopper Point Day Use Area (Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Sedona)
Grasshopper Point is a Forest Service day‑use swimming area with shaded pools and informal cliff spots used for wading and occasional jumping. Facilities are basic and parking is limited.
It can be a quieter alternative to Slide Rock when conditions permit, but still fills up on warm days.
Relevant Sedona Tours
These are the Viator listings that best match what this article is already talking about, which is apparently too much to ask from software most days.
Sedona Creekside of Cathedral Rock Hike With a Private Guide
From $285 • 240 minutes • 5.0★ (38 reviews)
This inspiring hike will take you to one of the most iconic vortex areas in Sedona. Best of all, this adventure offers unique experiences with wildlife, escapes crowds, and provides diverse views throughout the entire walk. The trail starts along the tranquil banks of Oak Creek, before ascending to the base of Cathedral Rock for impressive elevated views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Twin Buttes, Gibraltar Rock, Lee Mountain, Wilson Mountain, and Airport Mesa. One of the best easy to moderate hikes in Sedona for photography, sunsets, sunrises, and exploring Oak Creek and the area's vortices. If you're hoping to connect with Sedona and experience the sacred grandeur of Red Rock Country, then this adventure is perfect for you! This hike is in it's seasonal prime from April - November.
Total Sedona Half Day Sightseeing Tour
From $109 • 330 minutes • 5.0★ (57 reviews)
This tour covers the East, West, North, and South sides of Sedona. Your professional guide will help you experience the magic of Sedona. We make 5 stops, a break for lunch, and take incredible photos with your skilled phone photographer guide. Enjoy riding in a climate-controlled comfortable van. Our most popular tour! Highly recommended for the start of your Sedona visit. You will learn and see details you may want to explore more during your stay. See the most spectacular rock formations- Cathedral Rock (most photographed rock in Arizona), Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, and Steamboat Rock. Take a short drive thru one of the Top Ten Scenic Drives in America. Passing by Slide Rock State Park, the Rainbow Trout Farm, and what some say is some of the purest water in America. See Boynton Canyon. Enjoy a stop for lunch in Uptown (lunch cost is not included) Learn the history of Sedona, animals, plants, and geology. Take in the breathtaking views and photo opps at the Airport Overlook.
Voted Best in Sedona- Excellent Value Private Wine Tour!
From $195 • 5.0★ (23 reviews)
Big Discount after 5 people! We specialize in creating FUN filled elevated experiences Expect to experience the beauty and deliciousness of Sedona wine country like a local. Tours are private and customizable to your tastes. Savor and enjoy the moment! We are your personal guide for the day, pampering you along the way, not just a driver. *Includes a personal Charcuterie plate, Fruit plate, or Hummus plate so you can enjoy the wine with food. Please note, a potential consideration is that while tasting fees are not included, the tour offers exclusive discounts at the wineries. *Perfect for bachelorette or birthday parties. Door to Door VIP Service is INCLUDED. Water and Sparkling water will be provided. You can BYOB and snacks in the van and control the music you listen to. We will guide you to 3 incredible stops where you can choose from vineyards, breweries, or even a distillery. The choice is yours to customize. WE ARE PET FRIENDLY! Book now for your next tour.
Mogollon Rim (80+ Mile) - Sedona Helicopter Tour
From $713 • 5.0★ (17 reviews)
The Mogollon Rim helicopter tour spans 3 wilderness areas that are extremely hard to get to any other way. We start out from the Sedona Airport for immediate, amazing views, right as we take off! We then fly around Sedona showing off the famous rock formations before heading deep into the canyons to show off the ancient ruins. Our route includes the Sycamore Canyon, Secret Mountain, and Munds Mountain wilderness areas where you will have the opportunity to see all of the ancient ruins included in the shorter tours plus many more! Our pilots are trained by the most experienced in the area and know where ruins are that have been lost for centuries! This tour covers everything all of our other tours cover so if you want it all, this is it!
Sedona Helicopter Tour: Wild West Tour
From $695 • 5.0★ (36 reviews)
This 50-55 minute helicopter tour over the Greater Sedona Area is dream flight for photographers. The canyons, rivers and desert sprawls painting this journey make it one of the most striking aerial excursions in America. Among the sights you'll see, historical markers include one of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid's hideouts as well as the old mining town of Jerome.
Sedona Sacred Canyons Loop Hike With a Private Guide
From $275 • 240 minutes • 5.0★ (24 reviews)
Your private experience will allow you to hike at your pace, learn about what you're most interested in, and dial in the perfect adventure for you and your group. Our guides will offer a fully customizable hike for your private group to ensure every hiker is inspired, comfortable, safe, and ready for an epic adventure the will never forget in Red Rock Country!!
Best for: shaded swimming pools close to Sedona when Slide Rock is crowded.
Access & logistics: day‑use site in Oak Creek Canyon; bring water and expect tight parking.
Safety: cliff areas are used for jumping—check depth and signage before entering the water.
Guided waterfall tours, parking and logistics
Guided waterfall tours Sedona can simplify parking, timing and provide local knowledge on seasonal flows and safe swimming spots.
Guides: TrailLovers / Sedona Mountain Bike & Hiking Guides and other local operators
Local operators such as TrailLovers / Sedona Mountain Bike & Hiking Guides offer private and small‑group hikes across Red Rock country, including creekside outings to West Fork, Slide Rock and Crescent Moon Ranch.
Guides commonly provide pickup from Sedona lodging, help with parking logistics, and offer interpretation on seasonal stream behavior and safe water access.
Best for: visitors with limited time, families who want support, or anyone preferring logistics handled.
Logistics: many guides offer hotel pickup—confirm whether trailhead parking or shuttle is included.
Booking tip: book guided creek hikes in advance for peak season and fall‑color weekends.
Parking, passes and access to know
Many Oak Creek access points require a Red Rock Pass or have entry fees (Slide Rock). Parking at Slide Rock, West Fork (Call of the Canyon) and Crescent Moon Ranch fills early on busy days.
Most trailheads are reachable in a regular vehicle, but conditions can change—check Forest Service notices and local trip reports before you go.
Fees & permits: Slide Rock charges an entry fee; many Coconino National Forest sites expect a Red Rock Pass.
Shuttle & pickup: guided operators commonly provide pickup from Uptown Sedona to avoid overcrowded parking.
Road note: verify road and trail conditions; seasonal closures or temporary restrictions can affect access.
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Seasonal flow, safety and planning for Sedona waterfall hikes
Water in the desert is seasonal and variable. Plan for changing flows, follow site rules, and prioritize safety around pools and cliffs.
When do Sedona waterfalls and pools flow?
When do Sedona waterfalls flow? Flows often increase with spring snowmelt and during monsoon storms (July–September). Larger corridors like Oak Creek Canyon and West Fork generally retain water longer than small sandstone tinajas.
Wet Beaver Falls (The Crack) and other Verde Valley waterfalls are reachable as day trips and can offer deeper pools but still vary by year—check current conditions before you go.
Reliable flows: larger corridors such as West Fork of Oak Creek and Slide Rock tend to hold water longer.
Variable flows: Soldier Pass — Seven Sacred Pools are small tinajas and may be dry outside wetter months.
Check before you go: Forest Service pages, recent trail reports, or a local guide can confirm current flows and closures.
Safety, legality and what to bring
Swimming is allowed at designated day‑use sites, but cliff‑jumping and unsupervised swims carry risks and may be discouraged or restricted at some locations. Follow posted rules at Slide Rock, Crescent Moon Ranch and Coconino National Forest sites.
Bring water shoes for creek hikes like West Fork, sun protection, plenty of water and a basic first‑aid kit. If swimming, check depth and hazards and avoid going alone.
Permits & rules: carry a Red Rock Pass where required and follow posted site rules.
Safety gear: water shoes, dry pack for electronics, partner or guide for creek swims.
Legal note: some activities may be restricted at specific sites—obey signage and Forest Service guidance.
Related Sedona Guides
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Sedona Shuttle Guide: How to Use the Trailhead Shuttle to Reach Red Rock Trails
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Local Tips Before You Go
Sedona trails are beautiful, but a little planning goes a long way, especially during busy seasons.
Start earlier than you think on popular trails because parking lots can fill fast, especially in spring, fall, and holiday weekends.
Bring more water than feels necessary because Sedona’s dry air catches people off guard even on short hikes.
If you want a less hectic experience, weekday mornings usually feel calmer than midday weekends around the most famous trailheads.
Planning your Sedona visit? Here are answers to common questions about shopping in Sedona and finding meaningful Arizona gifts at Mi Amore Sedona. We look forward to welcoming you in.