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Blink and it is gone.....A Spring Snapshot of Crescent Moon Ranch

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty NRDS # 146013739

Crescent Moon Ranch Park in Sedona AZ

Crescent Moon Ranch Park

Blink and it's gone....

Crescent Moon Ranch in Sedona Arizona is one of my favorite areas to visit. However, this image is generally only available during a short time in spring.  I am talking specifically about the green grass. The grass is wild. It will wither and turn brown without any rain, and it will do that rather quickly! So the scene above is not quite as appealing without the grass.

Cathedral Rock

 Lower Oak Creek...

The image to the right, is a two minute walk on a trail to the right of the shed in the picture above. Lower Oak Creek borders this property. Water was and is a valuable resource. Even more so, if it borders your property.  Early settlers looked for prime property near water sources to raise livestock, or farm. It was too costly or near impossible to get thousands of gallons of water to a large portion of land if you could not have irrigation ditches or canals right off of a water source such as a creek or river.

The OK Ranch...

The Native Americans knew this. There is evidence all around the Verde Valley where ancient tribes such as the Sinaguan people who farmed and hunted on this land and lived close to the creeks and rivers during the growing season as early as 700-900 AD. 

Fast forward to the mid to late 1800's...

In 1880, this 160 acre property was homesteaded in the 19th century by cattleman John Lee. He named it the "OK Ranch". The land changed hands numerous times and the ranch also changed names at least 3 times. As a REALTOR® it was interesting to see the price that was paid each time it was sold. 

Elizabeth Ragsdale bought the ranch for $750. She spent a colorful 6 years there because of who she married, Charles "Bear" Howard.  He was convicted of murder and was sent to San Quentin Prison where he escaped two times. As you probably would guess, the marriage did not last long! "Bear" got his name because it was rumored he killed 5 bears with just his knife. 

Strictly Speculation....

In 1902, Ragsdale sold the ranch to the Schnebly's - T. C. and Sedona. Yes, the one and only! T.C. ran the post office and named it after his wife, Sedona, and the area took her name. They bought the property on pure speculation for $1000 and sold it 2 years later for a whopping $2000. The next owner sold it shortly after the purchase for $2200.

To give you some perspective as to how that speculation paid off, the average annual U.S. salary in 1900 according to the census, was $450.  

A Thriving Business...

The Schuerman and Dumas families turned this property into successful orchard and cannery. In the next 15 years over 1500 fruit trees were planted. 

"Palo Bonito"

In 1936 - Crescent Moon Ranch changed ownership again. The Baldwins paid $6000 for this orchard that had needed some tender loving care to get it back to tip top condition. A cannery was run right out of the kitchen of the cabin. The miners in Jerome bought produce from the orchard and it was also transported to as far away as Chicago and as close to the Phoenix area to be distributed to the surrounding areas. The orchards produced award winning peaches.

 

Water WheelAlong Comes Electricity!

In 1937, the Baldwins hired C. Jones to run the ranch. There was no electricity so a brick water wheel was added to make electricity to run the irrigation pumps.

The Baldwin Ranch was sold in 1953 to Mrs. Nick Duncan. 

The Era of the

U.S. Forest Service

Tourism replaced farming and ranching in the 1970's. The decline forced the land to be put up for sale once again. It wasn't until 1980 that the Forest Service purchased the ranch using land and water conservation grants designed to preserve land from development and for the enjoyment of future generations. Not sure when the property was named "Crescent Moon Ranch" but it is one of the most popular places to take pictures in all of the Sedona Area. 

Fees...

If you are thinking of going to Crescent Moon Ranch picnic area, the Forest Service does charge a fee. You can also rent out the original Baldwin cabin. You can read additional details here. Currently, the fee is around $200 an night. My guess is that you may have to book months in advance of your stay. 

 

 

The North Meets The South....

Crescent Moon Ranch stradles Red Rock Crossing which can be reached from Red Rock Crossing Rd on the north side of Oak Creek and Verde School Road on the south side of the creek. There are stepping stones at the shallow point in the creek where you can cross to each side. 

Cathedral Rock Red Rock Crossing

 Cathedral Rock at Red Rock Crossing on Verde School Road

Map of Crescent Moon Ranch and picnic area If you are planning to go to Crescent Moon Ranch day use area, take Red Rock Loop Rd. on the north side and get there early. There is parking off Verde Valley Rd but part of the road is unpaved and so is the parking lot. It is a short hike to Red Rock Crossing. 

  References - Charles "Bear" Howard: http://theproperfunction.com/oak-creek-canyon/


 

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As a Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Sedona Arizona REALTOR®, my primary goal is to help my customers obtain their dreams, as well as satisfy their financial goals and objectives through real estate.  From the moment I am contacted, you will observe my seasoned ability to provide you with "World Class Service" and that "personal touch" while utilizing a complete package of technology options that are of the utmost importance and so critical in today's market. I will tailor real solutions to fit your specific needs. 

 

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Comments (20)

Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Sheri

What a fascinating story and bit of history, and with gorgeous photos to illustrate it.  That would be a fun place to visit for sure!

Jeff

Mar 26, 2018 09:50 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Hi Jeff Dowler - It is a nice place to pack a lunch and enjoy a hike by Oak Creek.

Mar 27, 2018 07:02 AM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Sheri.

I'd be a player at 25K.  Think I've got a chance? LOL . Anyway, one of these days I may take a road trip and see what I've been missing

Mar 27, 2018 02:45 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

LOL! James Dray - I have been trying to find out what the Forest Service paid for the property in 1980. My guess is this property would be 8 figures now. 

Mar 27, 2018 07:06 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Truly elegant pictures, Sheri.  But, that part of your world, doesn't know how to do ugly.

Mar 27, 2018 03:50 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Hi Myrl Jeffcoat - Thank you! Our inspiration comes right from Mother Nature. There is no way to go wrong! 

Mar 27, 2018 07:08 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Sheri, on having this blog FEATURED in the PHOTOS group!

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Mar 27, 2018 03:51 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

It is always such an honor to be featured...Thank you Myrl Jeffcoat .

Mar 27, 2018 07:09 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Sheri. A definite sight to see! Wow. Thanks! Enjoy your day!

Mar 27, 2018 05:16 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Hi Wayne Martin - Thank you! I am fresh out of listings to sell. Last night we concluded a 6 hour negotiation from offer to contract! I have to get busy farming.

Mar 27, 2018 07:13 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Sheri Sperry - MCNE® ,

The photos are spectacular and the history is fascinating. What a great piece to entice people to come to your neck of the woods! Well done!

Mar 27, 2018 05:22 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Thanks so much Dorie Dillard . I learned about history (Texas) when I was going to grammer school in Houston, Texas ...So it kind of stuck with me. LOL 

Mar 27, 2018 07:21 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Sheri... I'm sitting here simply gob-smacked by the beauty of this area and the photos!

Mar 27, 2018 05:55 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Hi Nina Hollander - Glad you like it!  This area is the most photographed area. Once Easter is over, I am going back for a few more pics from additional angles and a close up of the waterwheel and storage shed. 

Mar 27, 2018 07:25 AM
Carol Williams

Nina Hollander ,  If you have never been to Sedona you MUST put it on your bucket list.  If you don't have a bucket list, make one just for Sedona! 

Mar 30, 2018 05:32 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Sheri. I wish I could could transport myself today into your lovely photos.

Mar 27, 2018 06:31 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Oh, that is so nice of you to say Sheila Anderson. We are fortunate to have HD and internet to be "transported" to areas to enjoy from the comfort of our home. 

Mar 27, 2018 07:27 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

We would love to explore your gorgeous area, and this magical spot is no exception. The post and the photos are both very enjoyable. This area would make a super video opportunity. 

Mar 27, 2018 08:22 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Hi Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - Good point about making a video in this area. I will keep this in mind!  Thank you.

Mar 28, 2018 11:52 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for sharing your photographs and some of your wonderful local history. This is a great blog topic!

Mar 27, 2018 11:12 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Thank you Roy Kelley , I appreciate that. We have the Sedona Heritage Museum which has two walls of research material available. Our history is not that "ancient" which adds a different dimension as well. 

Mar 28, 2018 11:57 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Sheri- how excellent is this?!  It is such a contrast to what we see here every day and I wouldn't mind exploring it.

Mar 27, 2018 03:23 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

HI Kathy Streib - I am glad you enjoyed it. Some topics give me a chance to do some historical research and I really enjoy learning about the history of the area and I want to share it. 

Mar 28, 2018 12:01 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Sedona is both earthy and otherworldly at the same time! Love it there so much! I think I may need a brand new refresher down there really soon!

Mar 27, 2018 11:47 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Hi Laura Cerrano - we all have to get our bare feet into the soil every once and awhile!

Mar 28, 2018 12:02 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Sheri Sperry - MCNE® I just saw this on a reblog from Roy Kelley .... I enjoyed the history lesson and the photos make me want to buy another jeep wrangler and enjoy the terrain and views....

Mar 28, 2018 03:21 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

HI Barbara Todaro - That jeep is a rock climber and there is a long story associated with it. My husband bought it brand new and unexpected (to me) back in 2003. It has only 29,000 miles on it. We came from California where we averaged 35,000 miles per car every year!  So it is like brand new still!

Mar 28, 2018 12:08 PM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Good morning Sheri.  Thanks for the information and these awesome images from the Crescent Moon Ranch.

Mar 28, 2018 04:46 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Glad to do it Gabe Sanders !  Thanks for stopping by. 

Mar 28, 2018 12:09 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Sheri - Thanks for this information.  It is a wonderful destination when visiting the beautiful Sedona area.

Mar 28, 2018 04:58 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

HI Grant Schneider - It is an iconic location that people from out of the area really appreciate. Just get there early for a parking space!

Mar 28, 2018 12:11 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Sheri, what a beautiful area, and bet that grass withers with your heat in the summer.

Mar 28, 2018 06:25 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Hi Joan Cox - the grass starts turning very fast. We don't get that much rain from now until July.  

Mar 28, 2018 12:15 PM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Hello Sheri,

We went down by the Crescent Moon Ranch but the gate was closed, maybe we got there too late.

Mar 28, 2018 06:16 PM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

That is a excellent photo with the reflection in the pool of water. What beautiful landscape you have around you, Sheri.

Mar 28, 2018 07:52 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Sheri,

What an interesting history.  I will never get tired of visiting the Sedona area or looking at pictures.  I've been many places in the world, and no place surpasses the beauty of where you live!

Mar 30, 2018 05:31 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

You and your creative husband always find the best of the best of Sedona Sheri Sperry - MCNE® 

Apr 02, 2018 09:17 PM