There are different ways to get to Red Rock Crossing:
•   Drive up to Crescent Moon Ranch and pay the fee of $9.00
•   Hike alternative trails such as the Baldwin trail, Old Post Trail, Templeton, Ridge Trail.
I collected all information and pre-hiked in August. I picked up the Ridge Trail and hiked on down to Red Rock Crossing, because this well-maintained trail is relatively flat through a grove of Arizona cypress and junipers with spectacular views along the way.

We started at Old Post-Ridge trailhead, and turned left on the Ridge trail. A few parts of the trail are rocky and slickrock, but it is not too steep nor too difficult. The red dirt path steadily climbs through the rolling hills. It goes up and down the slope, winding among the boulders and trees. We stop several times to enjoy the view of Carroll Canyon, Cathedral Rock, and Wilson Mountain.

After paying the fee of $2.00 per person we enter Crescent Moon Ranch. During the fall months, large oaks and maple trees tower overhead, completely blocking the sky.

I confess to the group that I only pre-hiked Ridge Trail down to Crescent Moon Ranch. I’ve never hiked Baldwin Trail-Templeton Trail to Cathedral Rock. In August it was too hot, so I must hike back with my dog to avoid burning his paws on the trail.

We cross Oak Creek by stepping on red stones. At first Dave wants to go with us, but after stepping over the first stone he decides to turn back, because he doesn’t want to risk falling down in the creek and hurting his knee (just recovered from knee surgery). He hikes a little bit along the other side of Oak Creek bank. When we hike the Baldwin trail along Oak Creek, we wave to him.

When looking for the spires in between the two main domes of Cathedral Rock, some say “It’s commonly referred to as ‘the family’ because it reminds people of a man and a woman standing back-to-back with a child at their side”.

We hike the Baldwin trail with the excellent view of Cathedral Rock and many other red rock formations.

When we get to the T-intersection with an official sign “Baldwin Trail” and small unofficial markings on the sign “Templeton Trail”, we get confused and keep right on Baldwin Trail instead of straight ahead on the Templeton Trail.

We hike off trail about a quarter mile, and decide to hike back and take the Templeton Trail toward Cathedral Rock.

The Templeton Trail is flat and sandy at first. The sandy track continues through a deep and varied riparian forest. Wild grapes grow amid towering cottonwoods and sycamores.

After walking through a forest, we hike up several switchbacks to the base of Cathedral Rock until it intersects with Cathedral Rock trail 170, marked by a sign and large cairns.

Some of us climb up the steep stairs of sandstone to the top of Cathedral Rock. The trail up is well marked with cairns and is very steep. It requires some boulder-scrambling. After they get down, they regret that they don’t have time to climb up to the spires. All of them plan to go back to climb up to spires some day. They said that at the top of the trail there are wonderful views in all directions.

When hiking back, some of us cross Oak Creek at the area called “Buddha Beach” where visitors construct some pillars from the river rock. We see hundreds of the rock structures. Others went back downstream to cross Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing back to the park.

We meet Dave and we regroup to hike back the same way. On the way back the trail is not too hard, but we want to take stops to enjoy the beautiful views again and again.

We stop at McCafe Market Place for refreshments before we get back home.

Beautiful fall color:

Late blooming wildflowers:

Cactus:

This was one spectacular hike and a new favorite. I plan on doing this hike again next year in the fall. Thanks to all for coming to support my third time in hike leading. Happy Trails.

Photos courtesy by Bill, Dave, Eileen, Jim, Quy, George, and Wayne.