Grasshopper Point
Grasshopper Point is the closest real swimming hole to town — a deep, green pool on Oak Creek just a couple of miles north of Uptown Sedona, tucked into a shaded canyon. Locals come to swim, picnic under the sycamores, and (for the brave) jump from the low cliffs into the cold water.
What it is
Grasshopper Point is a Forest Service day-use area where Oak Creek pools deep against a red sandstone cliff. The pool is genuinely swimmable, the canyon is shaded most of the day, and a short connector links to the Allens Bend Trail and the longer Huckaby Trail for a walk along the creek. It's smaller and quieter than Slide Rock, and far closer to town.
Getting there
Head north on AZ-89A from Uptown about 1.5 miles and turn at the signed Grasshopper Point entrance; a narrow road drops to the creek-level lot. The lot is small and fills early on summer weekends — arrive before 10am or come midweek. There's a day-use fee (or Red Rock Pass); rangers do check.
Good to know
The water is cold year-round (50s–60s°F) and there are no lifeguards — depth and current vary, so check before jumping and never dive headfirst. Bring water shoes for the rocky entry, plus a towel and reef-safe sunscreen. After heavy rain the creek can run high and murky and may close for bacteria; check the entrance board.
