Mormons Crossing

Tucked along the banks of Oak Creek between Sedona and Cornville, Mormon's Crossing is the kind of swimming hole that feels like a secret even when you're standing in it. This unofficial, undeveloped stretch of creek has long been a favorite among locals who know that the best water in Arizona doesn't always come with a parking lot and a fee booth. What you'll find here instead is raw, honest nature: smooth red rock underfoot, cold clear water rushing over ancient stone, and the kind of quiet that reminds you why you came to the desert in the first place.

The Setting and Landscape

Oak Creek carves its way through a corridor of cottonwoods, willows, and riparian brush, and Mormon's Crossing sits within this green ribbon like a reward for those willing to make the effort. The creek narrows and deepens in places, forming a natural swimming pool that invites you to jump in and stay a while. Natural rock formations frame the water on multiple sides, and the surrounding vegetation creates a canopy effect that offers shade and a lush contrast to the red and tan cliffs of the greater Sedona landscape. The sound of small rapids fills the air, and the slick rock surfaces worn smooth by centuries of flowing water give the site a sense of geological permanence that no human-built attraction can replicate.

Swimming, the Rope Swing, and the Slick Rock Slide

The water in Oak Creek runs clear and refreshingly cool, fed by snowmelt and springs upstream. You'll feel it the moment you wade in — a clean, bracing cold that cuts right through a hot Arizona afternoon. The swimming hole is deep enough for a proper dip, and the rope swing positioned above the pool gives adventurous visitors the chance to launch themselves out over the water for a satisfying plunge. Just downstream, a natural slick rock slide lets you position yourself on the smooth stone and let the current carry you into calmer water — a feature that draws equal delight from children and adults alike. There are no lifeguards on duty at this unofficial site, so swimmers should assess their own abilities and exercise caution, especially with younger children or during periods of higher water flow.

Plan Your Visit

Getting to Mormon's Crossing requires some effort — expect gravel roads and trail hiking that call for sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness. The site has no formal facilities: no restrooms, no picnic tables, and no confirmed fee, so come prepared with everything you need, including water, snacks, and a way to pack out your trash. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, roughly May through September, when warm temperatures make swimming genuinely enjoyable. Winters, while too cold for a swim, are beautiful for photography and streamside hiking. There is no camping at the site itself, but campgrounds are available north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon. Mormon's Crossing is most easily approached from either Sedona or Cornville, both of which offer food, fuel, and lodging. Sedona in particular — just a short drive away — is a full-service destination with restaurants, gear shops, and accommodations to round out your trip.

Possible ties to early Mormon pioneers and the spirit of exploration in Arizona’s history.

Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and avoid disturbing natural habitats.