5 arizona by nawwal120
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Fossil Creek Dam (Toilet Bowl)
Pine, Arizona
6.6 miles W of Pine, ArizonaHidden within the vast Arizona desert is an oasis of a river that brings the surrounding banks to life around it. This is Fossil Creek--one of Arizona's two designated "Wild and Scenic" rivers. The creek offers a natural shelter for native wildlife, and has several destinations for people to enjoy themselves--including two waterfalls. One waterfall has a short, one mile hike from the parking lot; this is not that hike.
Despite the name, the Toilet Bowl is a beloved hiking destination due to its beautiful waterfall over the old dam along Fossil Creek. The name comes from a round slide on the side of the river into which many enjoy diving. The bowl will spin the diver around, and out into the main pool from the base of the falls. There is also a shallow cave from which swimmers can hide from the sun.
The dam can be accessed by hiking either Flume Trail to the west, or Fossil Springs Trail from the east. Be sure to bring plenty of water, no matter which trail you choose to hike down and back. The water at the falls is not safe to drink without purification.
Both trailheads require a $10 preprinted parking permit during the months of April through October, so be sure to register online and have that ready before leaving.
Bullpen Day Use Area
Camp Verde, Arizona
8.5 miles E of Camp Verde, ArizonaBullpen has something for everyone. Whether you park here and use the trail head to start on one of several hikes that lead down West Clear Creek, or stay nearby to use the picnic areas and splash in the water below, there's a lot of opportunities to cool off.
A short hike from the parking lot leads to the waters of West Clear Creek. There is a popular spot with a big red rock that many enjoy jumping from into the creek. There are lots of opportunities for more water fun and hikes along the creek and surrounding canyon. You could spend days exploring the wilderness below the Mogollan Rim, or stay nearby and enjoy your afternoon swim.
There are restrooms available here, but no trash service, so be sure to pack out all of your trash. Some dispersed camping is allowed further down the creek for backpackers, but in this area there is no overnight camping allowed, and is day use only.
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!Â
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.
Clear Creek Campground
Camp Verde, Arizona
6.0 miles SE of Camp Verde, ArizonaWest 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 sunfish populate the stream near the campground. The oasis bordering the creek and extending into the campground is an excellent place for wildlife watching. It provides a productive home to a number of species of colorful songbirds and raptors. Beyond those lush environs, the Sonoran desert bristles with cactus and adds variety to any hike. Clear Creek Campground is grassy and flat with shade provided by tall cottonwoods. It has a relaxed and open atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year. Just a short gravel road separates the campground from nearby paved SR 260.Courtesy of fs.usda.gov
Devil's Bridge
Sedona, Arizona
3.6 miles NW of Sedona, ArizonaWe loved the red rock views on this hike! It's a 3.6 mile round-trip trail, on rocky/sandy ground, and is fairly easy, until the last mile, which is steep. Dozens of jeeps and ATVs passed us - there are plenty of local tourist companies that can take you up there if you don't want to hike the whole way. Lots of dogs on the trail (use a leash). At the end, Devil's Bridge was AMAZING and beautiful! We hiked on Memorial Day weekend, and it was suuuper busy, so people were waiting in line to go out onto the rock bridge and take a selfie. We didn't want to wait forever so we just took a picture from the mountain. :) The weather at the end of May was lovely - not a cloud in the sky, but breezy enough that we didn't get too hot (probably 80 degrees F while we were hiking at 1:00 pm). There were soooo many cars that we had to park on the main road, and that added about a mile to our hike each way. We hiked with our 1 year old toddler, and just ended up taking turns carrying him the whole way since we didn't have a baby backpack. It took us about 2 hours to get up and about 90 minutes to get down.
Recommendations:
Take plenty of water. Go early so you can park in the parking lot or at least close to the trailhead. The trail is not good for a stroller; use a backpack for your baby. You'll want a camera - the views are breathtaking!
