Grasshopper Point Day Use Area - Sedona, Arizona

Introduction

Nestled along the scenic AZ-89A, just a stone's throw from the vibrant town of Sedona, Arizona, lies a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure - the Grasshopper Point Day Use Area.Managed by the Coconino National Forest, this picturesque spot is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike, drawing visitors with its stunning red rock formations, crystal-clear creek, and abundant recreational opportunities.

Main Services

• Picnic Grounds: Grasshopper Point offers a spacious picnic area with tables and grills, providing an ideal setting for family gatherings, reunions, or a quiet lunch escape.
• Hiking Area: The area boasts several hiking trails, including the popular 1.4-mile West Fork Trail, which leads to a stunning waterfall and offers ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and wildflower viewing.
• Scenic Spot: With its striking red rock formations and lush greenery, Grasshopper Point delivers a breathtaking backdrop for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Location and Access

The Grasshopper Point Day Use Area is located at Address: AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States, approximately 5 miles north of Sedona's uptown district. From AZ-89A, turn west onto Forest Road 211B and continue for about 0.5 miles to reach the parking lot. The area is easily accessible and offers ample parking, with spaces for both vehicles and trailers.

Public transportation is limited in the area, so having a car is recommended. The closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about 115 miles south of Grasshopper Point. From there, renting a car or using a rideshare service would be the most convenient way to reach the day use area.

Featured Characteristics

• Oak Creek: The highlight of Grasshopper Point is its picturesque location along the banks of Oak Creek. The cool, clear waters of the creek provide an inviting spot for swimming, wading, and fishing, with numerous shallow pools perfect for children to play in.
• Cliff Jumping: For the more adventurous, Grasshopper Point offers several low-height cliff jumping opportunities into the deeper pools of Oak Creek. These spots range from 5 to 15 feet in height and are accessible via a short hike from the picnic area.
• Wildlife and Flora: The day use area is home to an abundance of native flora, including juniper, ponderosa pine, and manzanita, as well as diverse wildlife such as deer, javelina, and various bird species. Visitors may also encounter wildflowers in the spring, with species like lupine, penstemon, and larkspur putting on a vibrant show.

Practical Information

• Facilities: Grasshopper Point offers restrooms, water fountains, and trash receptacles. There are also grills and picnic tables available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Fees: There is no entrance fee for the Grasshopper Point Day Use Area. However, a Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking in the area, which can be purchased at the site or online (Northwest Forest Pass).
• Hours of Operation: The day use area is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset. However, hours may be limited during the winter months, and the area may be closed temporarily due to snow or other weather conditions.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the Grasshopper Point Day Use Area for its family-friendly atmosphere, with many mentioning the clear and clean waters of Oak Creek as a highlight. The shaded picnic grounds are also a popular feature, providing a welcome respite from the Arizona sun. The area's beautiful scenery and abundant recreational opportunities are frequently cited as reasons for returning visitors, with many mentioning the fun cliff jumping spots and challenging hiking trails.

The Grasshopper Point Day Use Area maintains an average opinion of 4.6/5 on Google My Business, with 152 reviews highlighting its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere. With its stunning location, abundant amenities, and positive reviews, it's no wonder that Grasshopper Point is a beloved destination for both locals and tourists alike.

👍 Reviews of Grasshopper Point Day Use Area

Amanda E.

5/5

Family friendly area. Mostly shaded so the water is super cold but clear and clean. Pretty busy even on a week day but plenty of parking. Walk down to the creek is not bad but easier with shoes than flip flops.

joe M.

5/5

Beautiful spot. Caught a nice brown here after the HS graduation party was through jumping off the cliff. They were having great fun!

Katy

4/5

It was very cold but very nice. There is, I would say, tiny cliffs that you can jump off of. It's really nice and refreshing. Watch out, though, lots of slippery rocks inside the water.

Ciriac G.

5/5

Neve a dull moment here. We always get amazing spots to have a family picnic as this place is rarely crowded. The place is clean and the water is really cold. Swimming during winters is a ball buster 🥶🥶
The creek is even more beautiful during the fall time. No glass or open bottles allowed. Its bit of a tiny trek so get good shoes. The parking accepts only cash payment as there is no card machine here. Its on Honor system though.

Kaitlyn _. R.

1/5

They do not accept the national Park access pass here even though it's a national Park.... I guess disabled, vets, and retired elderly ppl aren't welcome in almost all Sedona national Park lands and state parks that are on Nat lands.. just a heads up for those who would go out of their way to come here, be prepared to pay full price (15$) or go to the picnic areas as those are the only places in Sedona area that accept the pass. Definitely not worth 15$ for us for the hour we were planning on. At the picnic areas there are only picnic tables, garbage cans, and bathrooms without running water at those. No booth with Nat Park employee.

Shirley

5/5

It's a good place to spend your free time in 🔥🥵 hot summer. June and July are the peak seasons make sure to come before 9am in the morning for a parking 🅿️ place.

Amanda G.

5/5

Fun, easy short hike down. The water was refreshing and there weren't too many people down there. Very friendly people. There was a lot of trash though.
The cliff jumping was fun, there were small cliffs and taller cliffs. The water is a little shallow so be careful! We didn't have swim shoes and I highly recommend that for anyone visiting this watering hole.

Cesar G.

5/5

I've been wanting to visit Sedona for years and it didn't disappoint. This place gets crowded and parking is very limited. The earlier you can arrive, the better chances of finding a nice spot and parking spot. Make sure to bring snacks, sun screen, etc. because there are no stores nearby and you likely won't want to leave the premises once you're there (or you will lose your parking spot).