Cave Creek Swimming Hole - Hike and Swim near Cave Creek, Arizona
N Seven Springs Rd, Seven Springs, AZ, USA,Cave Creek,Arizona
33.97247751379733, -111.86649441719055
10.8 miles NE of Cave Creek, Arizona
Address: N Seven Springs Rd, Seven Springs, AZ, USA
GPS: 33°58'20.9"N 111°51'59.4"W
Maps | Directions
State: Arizona
Trails/Routes: 3.9 mi

Rivers

Hike and Swim

Hidden along Cave Creek Trail #4 is a swimming hole deep enough to refresh from the summer heat. It takes almost four miles of hiking in Arizona desert to reach the swimming hole, but the water is refreshing enough to be worth it. Although much of the hike takes place where only cactus will keep you company, the trail does intersect with shaded areas where you can cool off for a bit.

Water levels in the creek will fluctuate after rain, so take care after a storm. Be careful not to drink the water without treating it first. There may be fish in the pool, so keep an eye out.

2.0K Edited by camilledupar

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

Read More
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Cave Creek, Arizona

  1. Head east on E Cave Creek Rd toward N Hidden Valley Dr (1.9 mi)
  2. At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on E Cave Creek Rd (8.8 mi)
  3. Continue onto Rd 24/7 Springs Rd/N Seven Springs Rd (2.8 mi)
  4. Slight left onto Rd 24/Cave Creek Rd/N Seven Springs Rd (6.1 mi)
  5. Turn right onto Rd 24/7 Springs Rd/N Seven Springs Rd
    Destination will be on the left
    (0.9 mi)
or

In the Seven Springs Recreation Area of the Tonto National Forest. To get there, take I-17 north from Phoenix to Exit 223. Follow the Carefree Highway east to Cave Creek Rd. north. DO NOT turn off at signs to the "Cave Creek Recreation Area", which is a local park near here. (Make sure you get drinking water as there is none further up.) Stay on Cave Creek Rd. for many miles, through the towns of Cave Creek and Carefree, past numerous subdivisions, to the sign for the Cave Creek Ranger District office. STOP AT THIS RANGER STATION FOR MAPS AND INFORMATION. Continue up Cave Creek Rd. as it changes to FR 24, a dirt road which has some wash boarding but negotiable with a passenger car. About 9 miles past the ranger station you will see the Seven Springs picnic area. Park here and hike.

Hike from the Seven Springs picnic area. A network of five trails originates in this area; the one along Cave Creek to the swimming hole is known prosaically as "Trail Number 4". (SEE THE TRAIL MAP YOU PICKED UP AT THE RANGER STATION) The trailhead for #4 is just a short walk up Cave Creek Road (FR 24) from the campground, on your left after you splash through the creek on a low water bridge.

The trail descends and heads west, closely following Cave Creek. It meanders initially through fragrant juniper stands, then up onto the canyon slope high above the water. Stop and enjoy the view: Saguaro cactus standing sentinel over clumpy prickly pear all the way down the canyon. As you cross through the creek the second time, about 3 miles in, the swimming hole is just downstream behind some rocks. There are said to be other swimming holes along this trail as it continues beyond this point for a total length of 9.9 miles, eventually coming our on another forest road (FR 1533 and FR 48).Courtesy of swimmingholes.org

to add photos & videos and suggest edits

Guest Review/Comments

/5
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Edit Review Delete Review

scott heffner

1/3/22 3:28 pm
went up there after the ruins at sears kay. a lot of water in the winter time very muddy looking.
Reply
Edit Review Delete Review
Reply Cancel
Monsoon season | Cave Creek | Portal | AZ | 2015-08-01at11-57-384 courtesy of HarmonyonPlanetEarth Monsoon season | Cave Creek | Portal | AZ | 2015-08-01at11-57-384 courtesy of HarmonyonPlanetEarth↗

Trails

Distance ?

3.9 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-347 feet

Real Ascent ?

673 feet

Real Descent ?

1,020 feet

Avg Grade (-1°)

-2%

Grade (-30° to 25°)

-57% to 48%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby

Add Location 5.8 mi

Go John Trail

Cave Creek, Arizona

12.4 miles SW

The Go John Trail is a 5.8 mile loop trail outside of Cave Creek, Arizona, that is moderately trafficked, used by both hikers and mountain bikers. It is an excellent opportunity to view the desert...

Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

horseback Horseback Trail

Clay Mine Trail

Cave Creek, Arizona

13.3 miles SW

Clay Mine Trail is a 1.6 mile out-and-back, beginner friendly trail in Cave Creek Regional Park. This is a trail that is very close to the Visitor Center. It's not too difficult but there...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Brown Ranch Trail to Cone Mountain Trail

Scottsdale, Arizona

14.6 miles S

Hike near Scottsdale, Arizona

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Jane Rau Brown's Canyon Trail

Scottsdale, Arizona

14.7 miles S

The Jane Rau Brown Canyon Trail was named after Jane Rau Brown, one of the pioneers of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, for her determination and passion in preserving the desert and the park....

Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

horseback Horseback Trail

Pima and Dynamite Trail

Scottsdale, Arizona

14.7 miles S

Pima and Dynamite is an area with a network of trails for hiking, but more popularly for mountain biking, in North Scottsdale, Arizona.  The area feautures a variety of trails for...

Hike, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

Pinnacle Peak Trail

Scottsdale, Arizona

16.9 miles S

Pinnacle Peak is a 3.5 mile out-and-back, moderate hiking trail, that includes rock climbing routes (for experienced climbers), within the Sonoran Desert.  This trail, and park, in...

Hike, Horseback, Rock Climb

rock climb Rock Climbing Wall

hike Hiking Trail

horseback Horseback Trail

Tower Road - Sonoran Preserve

Phoenix, Arizona

17.3 miles SW

Short and steep (.6 mile each way) out and back asphalt road to the radio tower.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Sidewinder-Ocotillo-West Loop

Phoenix, Arizona

17.3 miles SW

This loop starts at Carefree Hwy and 7th Ave, be aware there is limited parking at the trailhead. The Ocotillo part of the trail is relatively flat and the Sidewinder part has some good...

Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

horseback Horseback Trail

Ocotillo/Ridgeback/Sidewinder Loop Trail

Phoenix, Arizona

17.4 miles SW

Great moderate loop which includes a summit, great views and Classic Sonoran Desert scenery. Multiple access points and other connecting trails allows for the loop to be changed if...

Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

horseback Horseback Trail

Sidewinder, Apache Vista, Ocotillo Loop Trail

Phoenix, Arizona

17.5 miles SW

This is an excellent loop that is very well maintained, well sign posted and if you include the vista summit trail, a moderate work out. Massive Car Park, good restrooms, and plenty of...

Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

horseback Horseback Trail

Apache Wash Trail

Phoenix, Arizona

17.8 miles SW

Start west on Ocitillo to Ridgeback north till you get to the crossing of Sidewinder then head west. Keep on Sidewinder toil you come to the crossing of Octillio and head east back to...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Bobcat Trail - Sonoran Preserve

Phoenix, Arizona

19.4 miles SW

Bobcat Trail is a short, easy trail, often used for connecting to other bigger trails in the Sonoran Desert Preserve. This is a 2 mile out-and back trail.  There isn't much of a parking...

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

2.2 mi

Marcus Landslide Trail

Scottsdale, Arizona

19.5 miles S

The Marcus Landslide Trail is named after ASU professor Melvin Marcus, a renouned geographer, after the discovery and recognition of the interesting geographical area in 2002. More than 500,000...

Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb

rock climb Rock Climbing Wall

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

horseback Horseback Trail

Tom's Thumb Trail

Scottsdale, Arizona

19.6 miles S

Tom's Thumb Trail is a popular trail on the McDowell Sonoran Preserve due to its unique thumb-like granite rock formation. This is a 4.7 out-and-back, intermediate trail because of its 1,200...

Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb

rock climb Rock Climbing Wall

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

Tom's Thumb, Feldspar, and Marcus Landslide Loop

Scottsdale, Arizona

19.6 miles S

Hike near Scottsdale, Arizona

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Wagner Trail

Scottsdale, Arizona

20.7 miles S

Wagner Trail is a 2.2 mile, beginner to intermediate loop trail located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  The trail is well-marked and easy to follow; this wide, but rugged...

Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

horseback Horseback Trail

Wagner-Granite-Bluff Trails

Scottsdale, Arizona

20.8 miles S

Hike and Mountain Bike near Scottsdale, Arizona

Hike, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

Dixie Summit Trail

Phoenix, Arizona

20.8 miles SW

A steep and difficult short trail using many switchbacks to get to the summit. You will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Hike

hike Hiking Trail

Dixie Mountain Loop Trail

Phoenix, Arizona

20.8 miles SW

The main loop trail at Phoenix's Sonoran Preserve provides plenty of options for either a short walk or a longer hike. The elevation gain is accumulated through small ups-and-downs along the...

Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

horseback Horseback Trail

2.8 mi

Desert Tortoise

Phoenix, Arizona

20.8 miles SW

At just over a mile long, Desert Tortoise is a doubletrack connector to the Valle Verde Trail. Very good hiking area with a good range of difficulty levels. Starts with a short climb from the...

Hike, Mountain Bike

mountain bike Mountain Bike Trail

hike Hiking Trail

More Similar Arenas Near Cave Creek Swimming Hole:

Swimming Holes Hiking Trails Things to Do

Nearby Campsites

Add Location

Verde Hot Springs

Camp Verde, Arizona

27.7 miles N

Verde Hot Springs are a few natural hot spring pools located along the Verde River, near Sedona, Arizona. Once a resort, now all that remains are the foundations and the hot pools...

Camp, Hike, Hot Springs

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

hot springs Hot Spring

2.1 mi

Lower Salt River Nature Trail

Fort McDowell, Arizona

31.8 miles S

The Lower Salt River Nature Trail is a scenic walk to take at the Tonto National Forest. This trail provides stunning views as you walk alongside the Salt River. This rustic trail is older and less...

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

Buckhorn Campground Nature Trail

Apache Junction, Arizona

37.3 miles S

Camp and Hike near Apache Junction, Arizona

Camp, Hike

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

0.4 mi

Clear Creek Campground

Camp Verde, Arizona

38.0 miles N

West Clear Creek flows along the boundary of this desert canyon country camp and is a popular place for hiking, swimming, wading and fishing. Cool water species such as smallmouth bass and green...

Camp, Hike, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

Hell's Gate

Payson, Arizona

47.1 miles E

This Wilderness was established in 1984, and contains approximately 37,440 rough acres with a major canyon and perennial stream extending its entire length. Deep pools of water may be separated by...

Backpack, Camp, Hike, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

backpack Backpacking Trail

0.1-7.8 mi

Wolf Creek Falls

Sedona, Arizona

47.9 miles NW

Wolf Creek Falls is a wonderful space to explore and be immersed in nature. With it's six miles of trails, beautiful waterfalls and two campgrounds this is the perfect place to spend a...

Camp, Hike, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

hike Hiking Trail

camp Campsite

Beaver Creek Campground

Camp Verde, Arizona

49.0 miles N

Camp, Canoe, Kayak, and Swim near Camp Verde, Arizona

Camp, Canoe, Kayak, Swim

swim Swimming Hole

camp Campsite

canoe Canoeing Area

kayak Kayaking Area

Beaver Creek Dispersed Camping

49.1 miles N

Free dispersed camping on the cliffs above Beaver Creek.

Camp

camp Campsite

More Campsites Near Cave Creek Swimming Hole:

Campsites

Embed Arena

Where do you plan to embed this code?

<script src="https://www.freearenas.com/embed/ab6f17958"></script>

Copy
×
loading...

New Collection

Donate to the Cause

Help us inspire and inform every person to enjoy life and the great outdoors in a responsible way. There's a lot of ways to do this. Here's a few ways we're working on our mission right now: Providing information, Building and maintaining local trails, Helping and teaching kids to fix their bikes, Cleaning up local parks to provide safe and clean places to enjoy nature. Learn More

Add an Arena

Just some quick info about this location to get started...

Edit Your Experience

Log Your Visit to This Location

We've logged that you went. Is there anything else you want to add?

Thank you for your review/comment

We've recorded your comments. Is there anything else you want to add?

By recording your visit on FreeArenas.com, you'll have a collection of all the great places you've been and provide valuable information for yourself and others in the future.

Have you been to this location?

/5
Cancel

Update Review

/5