Kinder Crossing Trail #19 is a short but thrilling hike down to the cool, clear waters of East Clear Creek on the Mogollon Rim near Happy Jack, Arizona — a favorite summer escape for those looking to swim and play in a hidden canyon pool deep in the Coconino National Forest. Originally a route for driving sheep through the rugged canyons, today it's the quickest way to reach some of the prettiest swimming holes on the Rim.

Don't let the short distance fool you: the trail is steep, dropping nearly 500 feet in about three-quarters of a mile along the crumbling, fossil-laden limestone walls of Yeager Canyon (roughly 2.9 miles round trip in all). The reward at the bottom is East Clear Creek and its inviting pools — including a large swimming hole near the creekside campsite, about the size of a baseball infield and perfect for a refreshing dip beneath the canyon walls.

A few practical notes. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the drive in on Forest Road 95T, which gets very slick when wet and is closed during winter snows. Some stretches near the creek require a bit of bushwhacking, so wear sturdy shoes and long pants. As always on the Rim, be alert to fast-changing weather and the real risk of flash flooding in the canyon after storms.

Late spring through early fall is the season, when the road is open and the creek is inviting (summer afternoons can bring monsoon storms, so watch the sky). Bring plenty of water for the steep climb back out, pack out all your trash, and Kinder Crossing rewards you with one of the Mogollon Rim's most refreshing hidden swimming holes.