Secret Slickrock

USA :: Sedona :: Secret Slickrock

GPS Track

Cathedral Rock reflected in shallow water on Secret Slickrock Plateau

Trip Summary

Dec 7, 2023

Secret Slickrock is short trail in Red Rock State Park linking top of Chavez Road with wide plateau above Oak Creek with one of best views of Iconic Cathedral Rock. Scenic Loop presented here visits all highlights of this exceptional area, including Buddha Beach - one of best known Sedona Vortex sites - and Picturesque Crescent Moon Recreation Site.

Red Rock Arizona State Park charges day-parking fee at Crescent Moon (America The Beautiful Pass is not Valid). In addition gate is closed at Dusk - this option should be last on your list. Instead, free parking can be found at top of Chavez Ranch Road (follow Red Rock Loop Rd from Hwy 89a, then turn into Chavez and drive to the Gate at top of the Hill. This is also Secret Slickrock Trailhead (GPS Waypoint "0 - Chavez Road", download Top of Page). Loop can be hiked in either direction, but CW direction, as presented in the Gallery, is by far better option as it leaves main Highlight - Secret Slickrock Plateau - for the End.

Chavez Road continues past the gate but this is private property; find trail on left (north) side and follow down the hill, then cross expansive meadow towards Oak Creek. Views of Cathedral Rock are stunning. Wonder around Oak Creek with mandatory visit to Buddha Beach. Templeton Trail is on the other side, but there is no bridge. Continue on variety of trails towards Crescent Moon, then after touring Historic Water Mill and Visiting Red Rock Crossing walk up the Road and find Ridge Trail just past Recreation Gate. Hike up to Secret Slickrock Plateau with out-of-this-world views. On weekends weddings are often organized here. From photography standpoint it is well worth bringing Tripod for some long exposure past-sunset shots, if light conditions are right. Loop closes by brief hike finally on Slickrock Trail proper, starting at north side of the Plateau, back to Chavez Parking.

Gallery
Cathedral Rock Panorama Cathedral Rock and Distant Courthouse Butte from Chavez Road Trailhead - Classic American Southwest Prairie Panorama

Chavez Crossing Trail heading across meadow towards Oak Creek

Old Water Mill Old Water Mill near Buddha Beach

Oak Creek Lovely Bend of Oak Creek near Water Mill Site

Buddha Cairn Rock Cairn nearby Buddha Beach

Oak Creek Picturesque Oak Creek Detail by Buddha Beach

Buddha Reflections Cathedral Rock Reflected in Oak Creek Calm Water just downstream of Buddha Beach

Crescent Moon Iconic Cathedral Rock towering above Crescent Moon Ranch Cabin

Crescent Moon Water Mill Historic Brick Water Mill at Crescent Moon Recreation Site

Red Rock Crossing Colony of Ducks near Red Rock Crossing just below Crescent Moon

Secret Slickrock Secret Slickrock lit by late Afternoon Sun after hiking up Ridge Trail from Crescent Moon

Cathedral Reflections Cathedral Rock reflected in shallow water on Secret Slickrock Plateau

North Butte of Iconic Cathedral Rock lit by setting Sun. Click to Zoom

Secret Slickrock Another view of Cathedral Rock after Sunset. Secret Slickrock trail heads left and reaches Chavez Trailhead in 10-15minutes

Abstract

Overall Difficulty	D1/2	Mostly easy walk with some rocky sections on Ridge Trail between Crescent Moon and Secret Slickrock Plateau
Scenery	Oak Creek and Crescent Moon. Secret Slickrock Plateau is one of best places in Sedona for Cathedral Rock close-up photos
Trail/Marking	Good	Unmarked Descent from Chavez Road to Buddha Beach. Ridge Trail start at Crescent Moon not obvious
Suggested Time	2 hrs	Full loop allowing time for photography at Crescent Moon and Secret Slickrock Plateau
Elevation	Start: 1235m Max: 1485m Total: ~220m		Round Trip: 4km
Gear	Light hikers are sufficient
Water	Water can be found at Crescent Moon Recreation Site. Carry 0.5L at most
Dog Friendly	Yes	Busy area - keep dog on leash

Secret Slickrock GAIA Map

Secret Slickrock Elevation Profile

Google Map

USA :: Sedona :: Secret Slickrock

GPS Track

Dec 7, 2023

Abstract