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Dinosaur Tracks
Tuba City, Arizona
2.9 miles SW of Tuba City, ArizonaThe Tuba City Dinosaur Tracks are one of the more well-known sets of dinosaur footprints in the world. There are several examples of dinosaur footprints embedded in the rock. Hand-painted signs mark the turnoff, and there will be guides at the parking lot available to show you the best footprints. The Tuba City Dinosaur Tracks are one of the more well-known sets of dinosaur footprints in the world. There are several examples of dinosaur footprints embedded in the rock. Hand-painted signs mark the turnoff, and there will be guides at the parking lot available to show you the best footprints. Courtesy of AllTrails.com
0.1-0.7 mi
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Cave Springs
Sedona, Arizona
8.8 miles N of Sedona, ArizonaCave Springs Campground is a scenic campground that sits in Oak Creek Canyon. Cave Springs is nestled perfectly in the town of Sedona, giving the campground the notorious Sedona red views. Uniquely, Cave Springs Campground is lush and green. The campsite is located right on the bank of the Oak Creek making it a perfect location for cool water play during the scorching summer sun. The campsite itself is comprised of 84 campsites, and they operate on a one tent per campsite rule. Each campsite comes equipped with picnic tables with natural shade from the trees, campfire rings, a grill, and restrooms. The campground is also close to many of the popular attractions in Sedona such as the swimming holes, Slide Rock, and the 1.8-million acre Coconino National Forest. The area is also known for fish. The fish that Oak Creek has to offer are trout and native trout.
You can make a reservation for the campsite at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232194 which needs to be made at least three days in advance. Campsites are $22 per night and operate from May to September.
0.2 mi
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Mormons Crossing
Cornville, Arizona
2.4 miles NE of Cornville, ArizonaMormons Crossing is one of the Verde Valley's most beloved summer hideaways — a string of clear, cool swimming holes strung along Oak Creek in Cornville, Arizona, just down the canyon from Sedona's red rocks. Locals have been cooling off here for generations, and it's easy to see why: shady cottonwoods, gentle rapids, a rope swing, and even a set of small waterfalls, all within an easy walk of the parking lot.
The creek puts on a little bit of everything. Several pools run deep enough for a real swim, short riffles and rapids give the kids something to splash through, and a well-loved rope swing hangs over one of the deeper holes. Follow the water downstream and you'll find a trio of small waterfalls — the third and largest spills into a calm, deep pool where the current finally eases off. That's the spot people stake out with pool floats, drifting in the shade while the falls do all the work. There's even a natural slick-rock slide worn smooth by centuries of flowing water.
Part of the magic is the setting. One bank is lush and green, draped in trees and leafy riparian growth, while the other rises in dramatic gray rock — a striking contrast that makes the whole canyon feel like a hidden oasis. The water itself runs clear and refreshingly cold, fed by snowmelt and springs higher up the creek, which is exactly what you want on a 100-degree Arizona afternoon.
Getting to the best pools is half the fun. From the free dirt lot beside the creek, a path follows the water before you step in and wade your way upstream — generally ankle- to knee-deep, hopping between exposed rocks. The creek bottom is rocky and the current can push in spots, so sturdy water shoes are the move here; they'll save your feet and your footing. Tuck your phone into a waterproof bag too, since a surprise dunk is all part of the adventure.
A few friendly tips to make the most of it. This is a day-use spot — there's no camping or campfires, and no restrooms or picnic tables, so pack in what you need and pack out every bit of trash to keep it beautiful for the next crew. There are no lifeguards, so pick your jumps, keep an eye on little ones, and check the water before you leap. After heavy rain or spring snowmelt the creek can run high and fast, so it's best to let it settle and visit when the flow is friendly.
The sweet spot for a visit runs from late spring into early fall, roughly May through September, when the days are hot and the swimming is just right. Pack a picnic, grab your water shoes, and come claim a shady pool — Mormons Crossing is the kind of easygoing creek day the Verde Valley does best.
Verde Hot Springs
Camp Verde, Arizona
17.4 miles SE of Camp Verde, ArizonaVerde Hot Springs is one of Arizona's most atmospheric and adventurous soaks — a cluster of natural hot pools tucked among the graffiti-covered ruins of a long-gone 1920s resort, perched on the bank of the Verde River deep in the forest west of Camp Verde. Reaching it takes some effort and a river crossing, which is exactly why this remote, free hot spring has such a devoted following.
The springs sit across the river from the Childs Dispersed Camping Area, near the site of the old Childs power plant. The historic Verde Hot Springs Resort that once stood here burned down in 1962, and today its concrete foundations — now layered in colorful murals and graffiti — cradle the main soaking pool, with several more primitive pools tucked into the cliffside above the river. Soaking in the warm mineral water with the Verde flowing past and canyon walls rising overhead is a genuinely magical experience.
Getting there is part of the adventure, and it demands respect. The drive in is a long, rough dirt road where a high-clearance (ideally four-wheel-drive) vehicle is strongly recommended. From the Childs area it's a short hike of roughly 2.5 miles round trip — but you must ford the Verde River to reach the pools. On a calm day the crossing can be ankle-deep and easy; after rain or during spring runoff it can run knee- to waist-deep with a dangerous current. Never cross when the river is high or fast, check conditions before you go, and turn back if it doesn't look safe.
The site is free and open to the public with no permit required. Come fully prepared for the remote desert backcountry: bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes for the ford, and pack out absolutely everything. Late fall through spring offers the most pleasant temperatures and the calmest, safest river crossings. Earn it, respect the river, and Verde Hot Springs rewards you with one of the Southwest's most unforgettable soaks.
1.1 mi
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Fossil Creek Waterfall
Pine, Arizona
9.2 miles W of Pine, ArizonaFossil Creek is one of Arizona's two designated "Wild and Scenic" rivers. The waterfall is the most popular place to visit to cool off and see the natural beauty. Located between the towns of Strawberry and Camp Verde, south of Flagstaff, the creek is a uniquely lush piece of Arizona's Coconino National Forest. The waterfall is a short hike away from the parking area, which is itself a long drive down a dirt gravel road. At the base of the falls is a pool deep enough to swim in, and refresh from a hot day.
There is a restroom at the trailhead, but there is no potable water or trash service, so be sure to pack out all trash to keep the environment clean for the others who follow behind. Take care to stay on the trail, since many have seen snakes along the path.
Note that this hike does not lead to the old Fossil Creek Dam, or the "Toilet Bowl", as that is a separate trail.
From April to October, registration and a $10 pre-printed parking permit is required for day use at the site. You cannot get a permit on site, so make sure to have it before you leave. The rest of the year, no permit or registration is required. You can get your permits at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/251863
1.0 mi
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Maxwell Trail No. 37
Happy Jack, Arizona
12.6 miles S of Happy Jack, ArizonaThe Maxwell Trail leads over the Mongollan Rim down the canyon into West Clear Creek. Although still somewhat steep, it is an easier hike than shorter neighboring Tramway trail, which shares its trailhead. From the parking lot, be sure to take the trail from the northwest corner. The trail officially ends at the creek, although it is possible to play in and explore the creek for fish, small caves, and swimming holes. Be sure to bring water shoes for the bottom if you don’t want your hiking boots to get wet!
There is poison ivy in the area, so take care to stay on the trail to avoid the plant. Be sure to bring plenty of water for the hike down, and some water treatment if you plan on refilling from the river.
7.1 mi
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The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek
Rimrock, Arizona
4.6 miles NE of Rimrock, ArizonaThe Crack is a popular swimming hole found by hiking the Bell Trail down to Wet Beaver Creek. After following the trail for about 3.5 miles away from the parking lot, take a detour to the left just before crossing the creek. From there, you will find the area known as The Crack, with water that is typically crystal clear, and rocks high enough to jump from. The Bell Trail winds along near the creek for most of the way, with side trails that will take you to the water periodically. The first time the trail crosses the river is just below The Crack, so if you're still looking for it, you've gone too far!
Most of the hike is through rocky red desert terrain, so be sure to bring plenty of water, extra sunscreen, and maybe a hat to protect from the hot sun. Never jump into water if you're not sure how deep it is.
Horses and their riders can access this trail by taking the Bruce Brockett Trail; there is trailer parking at the trailhead for the Bruce Brockett Trail.
Bullpen Day Use Area
Camp Verde, Arizona
8.5 miles E of Camp Verde, ArizonaBullpen Day Use Area — better known to locals as the Bull Pen swimming hole — is a shady, family-friendly stretch of West Clear Creek below the Mogollon Rim near Camp Verde, Arizona. It's one of the most beloved cool-off spots in the Verde Valley: clear creek water, red-rock canyon walls, cliffs for jumping, and (if you're lucky) a rope swing or two, all within an easy walk of the parking area.
A short hike of about three-quarters of a mile from the lot leads down to the water, where a popular spot with a big red rock draws jumpers of all nerve levels — there are ledges of a few different heights, and the creek reaches around 7 feet deep in the swimming hole. It's a great spot for kids and families, with plenty of shallow water to splash in too. Beyond the swimming hole, the West Clear Creek Trail continues up a gorgeous canyon, so you can turn a quick swim into a full day of exploring, wading, and rock-hopping deeper into the wilderness.
The setting is the payoff. West Clear Creek carves one of the longest and most rugged canyons below the Mogollon Rim, and the water here runs clear and cool even when the desert above is baking. Anglers fish the creek, hikers work their way up the canyon, and on a hot afternoon the shaded pools are pure relief.
A few practical notes. Getting there involves a drive on Forest Road 618 (off Highway 260 east of Camp Verde), including some dirt road, so allow time. There's a vault toilet and room to park and picnic, but no trash service, so pack out everything you bring. This is a day-use area only — no overnight camping is allowed at Bullpen or the trailhead, though backpackers can find dispersed camping farther down the creek in the West Clear Creek Wilderness.
West Clear Creek is also a gateway to real backcountry. Strong hikers and backpackers use the trailhead here to launch multi-day trips deep into the West Clear Creek Wilderness, following the canyon upstream through a maze of pools, boulder gardens, and sheer red-and-cream cliffs — some sections require swimming through deep, cold pools with your pack. Even if you never go that far, the wildlife-rich riparian corridor, alive with birds, dragonflies, and the odd deer coming down to drink, makes the shaded creekside a lovely place to linger.
Come prepared with water shoes for the rocky creek bed, sun protection, and plenty of drinking water, and always check the depth before you jump, since water levels change with the season and flash floods can roar through this canyon after summer storms. Late spring through early fall is prime swimming season. Whether you stay by the swimming hole or venture up the canyon, Bull Pen is a classic Arizona creek day.
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