Sedona, Arizona, is famous for its red rock formations, stunning hikes, and beautiful outdoor adventures. But did you know that Sedona also has some incredible swimming holes perfect for cooling off after a hot day of exploring? During our family trip, we spent as much time swimming as we did hiking—thanks to these fantastic spots!

Plus, I’ll show you how to save money with the Red Rock Pass, which helped us enjoy these beautiful locations for less. Here’s how we did it!

Swimming Holes in Sedona You Can’t Miss

While Sedona is known for its desert landscape, it also has some of the best natural swimming spots, and we were fortunate enough to explore them during our visit. Here are a few of our favorite swimming holes:

1. Slide Rock State Park

This is by far one of the most popular swimming spots in Sedona, and for a good reason. The natural rock water slide is a blast for kids and adults alike. We went early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and it was absolutely perfect! The cool water felt amazing after hiking through the red rocks. Make sure to bring some water shoes—those rocks can be slippery!

2. Crescent Moon Ranch

This is another gorgeous spot, with stunning views of Cathedral Rock in the background. The waters here are serene, perfect for a relaxing swim. We spent a few hours at Crescent Moon, taking in the views and cooling off. There’s a small entrance fee here, but the peaceful surroundings are totally worth it.

3. Bootlegger Day Use Area

A less crowded option, Bootlegger offers crystal-clear waters and easy access to the creek. This spot was perfect for our family, offering a great place to swim and explore. It’s definitely one of Sedona’s hidden gems!

4. Grasshopper Point

This is a wonderful spot for families looking for a peaceful swim with stunning views of the surrounding red rocks. Grasshopper Point has multiple entry points into the water, so it’s easy to find a spot that’s perfect for you. It’s a great spot to swim, relax, and even enjoy a picnic by the water.

5. Encinoso Picnic Site

If you’re looking for a quieter, more secluded swimming experience, Encinoso is the place to go. Located along Oak Creek, this spot is surrounded by the beautiful red rocks, offering a tranquil atmosphere that’s perfect for families. This is a great place for a peaceful swim and a scenic lunch by the water.

How the Red Rock Pass Helped Save Us Money

If you’re planning to visit any of these incredible swimming spots, you’ll want to consider purchasing a Red Rock Pass. This pass is a conservation tool that helps maintain these beautiful areas, and it also offers a way to save money during your visit.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The Red Rock Pass is required if you plan to leave your vehicle at certain recreation sites in Sedona, including many of the swimming hole areas. The pass helps fund conservation efforts, ensuring these spots remain pristine and accessible for future generations.
• The Grand Annual Red Rock Pass is a steal at $45 and covers not only the recreation sites but also popular spots like Crescent Moon Ranch and Grasshopper Point. For a family trip, it’s worth considering if you plan on visiting multiple sites.
• You can buy the Red Rock Pass directly at the entrance to the fee sites or online. But, if you’re planning to visit multiple areas, the Grand Annual Red Rock Pass is the best option for the most value.

Not only did the Red Rock Pass help us explore more areas for less, but it also gave us the chance to swim and hike without worrying about additional fees at each location. Plus, we were able to make the most of our trip by staying at amazing spots like Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, where we used my points to book our stay!

How We Stayed in Sedona for Less: Points and Miles Magic

While our trip to Sedona was filled with fun activities, one of the best ways we saved money was by using points and miles! We stayed at the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona for 3 nights, and I used 36,000 My Favorite Points to book our stay. Here’s how it worked:

• The Hyatt Residence Club Sedona is a perfect base for exploring the area. With plenty of activities for the kids (like ping pong, corn hole, and a poolside popcorn bar), it felt like a mini-resort, all for a fraction of the price thanks to my points.
• The best part? This property only costs 12,000 points per night, making it an incredible value for a family getaway.
• Parking was included, which was another great perk since many Sedona hotels charge extra for parking.

What’s even better is that My Favorite Beginner Card helped me earn the points I needed for this stay. I transferred my points directly to Hyatt, and just like that, we had a luxurious stay at a fraction of the price.

Here’s How You Can Do It Too!

We had such an unforgettable time swimming, exploring, and relaxing in Sedona, all while saving money using the Red Rock Pass and points and miles. I hope this inspires you to make your own Sedona memories without breaking the bank.

Be sure to check out my previous posts, How I Took My Family to Sedona for Less Using Points and Miles, Best Hikes in Sedona, and Arizona and Utah National Parks + Sedona on Points and Miles, for more tips on making your Sedona adventure budget-friendly!

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