Cave Creek Swimming Hole
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 deep in the Sonoran Desert north of Phoenix, the Cave Creek Swimming Hole is a refreshing reward at the end of a true desert trek. Tucked along Cave Creek Trail #4 in the Seven Springs area of the Tonto National Forest, this clear, cool pool is a little oasis of water and shade in a landscape of cactus and canyon — and reaching it is half the adventure.
The hike in runs roughly four miles, following Cave Creek as the trail meanders through fragrant juniper, climbs onto sunny canyon slopes, and dips back toward the water. Much of the route is open desert where saguaros are your only company, but the trail repeatedly meets the creek, with shaded pockets of cottonwood and sycamore where you can cool off along the way. When the creek is flowing, it's a genuinely beautiful and peaceful walk.
At the swimming hole, the creek widens and deepens into a pool that's plenty refreshing after the miles of desert sun — the perfect place to wade in, float, and recharge before the hike back out. This is a day-use area, so plan to enjoy it and head out before evening.
A few desert-smart tips. Water levels in Cave Creek rise and fall with the seasons and can surge after a storm, so take care around the creek after rain and be alert to flash-flood risk. Carry far more water than you think you'll need for the round trip — and if you filter from the creek, treat it first, since it isn't safe to drink untreated. Sturdy shoes, sun protection, and an early start will make the desert miles much more pleasant.
The Cave Creek Swimming Hole is best from spring through early summer and again in the cooler fall, when the creek runs and the desert heat is bearable. Earn it with the hike, and you'll find one of the Phoenix area's most rewarding hidden swims.
More Information
Hike to the Cave Creek Swimming Hole - Hidden Swimming Holes
Find hikes, GPS routes, photos and triplogs journals. Extensive collection of flora, fauna, geology and culture labels. Archaeologist, biologist, book authors,
https://www.hiddenswimmingholes.com/swimming-holes/cave-creek-azswimmingholes.org Arizona Swimming Holes and Hot Springs rivers creek springs falls hiking camping o
THE web site for beautiful, natural places for a cool dip or hot soak.
https://www.swimmingholes.org/az.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Cave Creek, Arizona
- Head east on E Cave Creek Rd toward N Hidden Valley Dr (1.9 mi)
- At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on E Cave Creek Rd (8.8 mi)
- Continue onto Rd 24/7 Springs Rd/N Seven Springs Rd (2.8 mi)
- Slight left onto Rd 24/Cave Creek Rd/N Seven Springs Rd (6.1 mi)
- Turn right onto Rd 24/7 Springs Rd/N Seven Springs RdDestination will be on the left(0.9 mi)
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
scott heffner
1/3/22 3:28 pm
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