Crescent Moon via Harkenham & Ridge Trails

Overview

Crescent Moon Picnic Area and Ranch sits on the banks of Oak Creek near Sedona, Arizona. It is famous for providing great views of the nearby Cathedral Rock with its reflection in the pools of Oak Creek. Reaching the ranch requires no hiking. In fact, most people drive to the area. I will describe here a 7.5 mile one way hike from Route 89A in Sedona 400 vertical feet down Harkenham Trail to the ranch, then back up Ridge Trail to Shelby Street in Sedona. I did this hike as part of a 14 mile one way hike in combination with other trails. You could use Old Post Trail as shown on the map to create a 10 mile loop with Harkenham and Ridge Trails. Entering Crescent Moon Ranch requires a fee even for the hikers.

Getting There

Directions to Crescent Moon Ranch:

From the intersections of Routes 89A and 179 in Sedona, drive 4.2 miles south (west) on Route 89A to Upper Red Rock Loop Road and turn left (south) onto it. Follow the road 1.8 miles to Chavez Ranch Road and then Red Rock Crossing Road as shown on the map to reach the ranch. You need to pay to enter the ranch.

Harkenham Trail starts at the junction of Route 89A and Upper Red Rock Loop Road. The only parking is at Cultural Park Trailhead north of Route 89A. There is no parking for Ridge Trail on Shelby Street.

Route Description

From the intersections of Route 89A and Upper Red Rock Loop Road hike a short distance south and turn left (east) onto Over Easy Trail and then Harkenham Trail. The trail goes downhill providing you with good views of Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Butte.

Red earth slopes.

Lower down the slopes you will get onto Old Post and Ramshead Trails.

View of Point 4498 ft and Scheurman Mountain.

The trail crosses Chavez Ranch Road and then joins Ridge Trail to reach a spot on top of a cliff 100 ft above Crescent Moon Ranch with great views.

Cathedral Rock.

Capitol Butte.

Point 4460 ft.

Looking toward Lee Mountain and Munds Mountain.

Follow the trail a short distance west to reach Red Rock Crossing Road. Pay and enter Crescent Moon Picnic Area and Ranch. Cathedral Rock from the ranch.

Cathedral Rock reflecting in Oak Creek.

Cathedral Rock from another spot.

Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek.

Exit the ranch and get back on Ridge Trail following it uphill.  Looking toward Munds Mountain.

Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock.

Cathedral Rock.

Another look at Cathedral Rock from farther up.

Looking northwest.

Flurries on red earth.

Capitol Butte.

You will then reach trailhead on Shelby Street. To make a loop, get on Old Post and then Skywalker Trails to get back to the start of Harkenham Trail.

Essential Gear

Hiking equipment.