Bootlegger Picnic Area

Bootlegger Picnic Area is one of those Sedona spots that locals quietly love while tourists scroll past it looking for named hikes. Managed by the Coconino National Forest along AZ-89A, it's a shaded picnic ground right on the banks of Oak Creek — and for families with kids, it's close to perfect.

The draw is simple: a cold, clear creek running between towering red canyon walls, with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms to make a full family outing comfortable. Kids don't need a hiking itinerary here. They wade into the creek, collect rocks, chase minnows, and splash around for an hour while parents sit at a picnic table actually eating lunch without rushing.

Creek access is easy — the banks aren't steep, and there are rocky ledges that serve as natural wading platforms. Water shoes are a must; the creek bottom has loose rocks that are slippery under bare feet. Bring a change of clothes for every kid because they will get wet, no matter how many times you say 'just wade a little bit.'

Practical details: The area is free and managed by the USFS. Restrooms are available on site. Summer weekends fill the parking lot fast — arrive by 9am to guarantee a spot. Weekday mornings are uncrowded and genuinely serene.

The creek level changes significantly by season. Spring visits (March-May) feature higher, faster water from snowmelt — wade carefully with toddlers and keep a hand on young children. By July the water is lower and calmer, though monsoon storms can raise it quickly. Fall visits offer the most predictable, comfortable conditions.