174.8K Payson Area Swimming Holes by freearenas
first prev 1 next lastThe classic swimming holes of Arizona's Rim Country in the Tonto National Forest around Payson, Pine and the Verde River, from Fossil Creek's travertine pools to Ellison Creek Falls, Christopher Creek Gorge and the remote Hell's Gate.
Hell's Gate
Payson, Arizona
12.9 miles E of Payson, ArizonaHellsgate Wilderness hides deep canyon pools possibly separated by impassable falls in a remote 37,000-acre preserve — a true adventure for spring and fall explorers.
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Swim Added on 13 Aug 2026 0.2-0.6 mi
Ellison Creek Falls
Payson, Arizona
9.1 miles N of Payson, ArizonaFour waterfalls, multiple swimming holes, and trout fishing along Ellison Creek near Payson — the most popular stop is a short walk from the parking lot.
Dive, Hike, Swim Added on 13 Aug 2026 0.4 mi
Christopher Creek Gorge
Payson, Arizona
16.4 miles E of Payson, ArizonaCold, clear swimming holes and rappellable waterfalls in a canyon just outside Payson — cold year-round, with a wetsuit recommended in cooler months.
Canyoneer, Hike, Swim Added on 13 Aug 2026 1.1 mi
Fossil Creek Waterfall
Pine, Arizona
9.2 miles W of Pine, ArizonaOne of Arizona's two Wild and Scenic rivers, with a short hike from a dirt-road parking area to a deep pool at the base of the falls — watch for snakes on the trail.
Hike, Swim Added on 13 Aug 2026 1.1-4.6 mi
Fossil Creek Dam (Toilet Bowl)
Pine, Arizona
6.6 miles W of Pine, ArizonaA waterfall over an old Fossil Creek dam with a spinning natural rock slide that launches swimmers into the main pool — plus a shallow cave for shade on hot Arizona days.
Dive, Hike, Swim Added on 13 Aug 2026 0.1-3.8 mi
Fossil Springs Trail No. 18
Pine, Arizona
6.6 miles W of Pine, ArizonaA 4.75-mile desert canyon trail to the springs and an old dam in the Fossil Springs Wilderness — little shade and a brutal uphill return make summer visits genuinely dangerous.
Hike, Horseback, Swim Added on 13 Aug 2026
Verde Hot Springs
Camp Verde, Arizona
17.4 miles SE of Camp Verde, ArizonaNatural hot spring pools beside the Verde River — the remnants of an old resort — reached by wading upstream from a dispersed camping area with no amenities near Sedona.
Camp, Hike, Hot Springs Added on 13 Aug 2026
Haigler Canyon Campground
Payson, Arizona
20.7 miles E of Payson, ArizonaA 2007-built campground along Haigler Creek with 14 overnight sites, trout fishing stocked April through late August, and chiseled canyon swimming holes nearby.
Camp, Hike, Swim Added on 13 Aug 2026
