These 8 Water Hikes In Arizona Will Keep You Cool This Summer
Hiking out in the Arizona wilderness is certainly a fun activity but there’s nothing more refreshing than dipping your toes into a cool creek or lake right afterwards. If that’s the sort of hiking experience you’re looking for, check out our suggestions for great places in Arizona that would be perfect for a water hike.
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Located near the edge of the Mogollon Rim, Bell Trail runs the oddly named “The Crack,” a spot that looks perfect for jumping into the creek but be careful as it is often only a few feet deep. Hiking from the trailhead to this point and back is approximately 7 miles and is just enough to make you break a sweat.
Trail map and information: Hike Arizona
Trail map and information: Hike Arizona
In case you couldn’t tell, the Mogollon Rim is rife with beautiful hiking trails! Another spot to check out is this 10-miler near the Airplane Flat campground at the bottom of the rim. Follow Canyon Creek (also labeled Sheep Creek) and you might find people fishing for trout along the creek.
Trail map and information: Hike Arizona
Trail map and information: Hike Arizona
These two trails sit in Sycamore Canyon, not too far off the from the Red Rock Wilderness area. Kelsey Trail is the longer of the two, measuring almost 5.5 miles one way, but if you combine these two trails, you can get a small loop that measures 7.3 miles.
Trail map and information: US Forest Service
Trail map and information: US Forest Service
This is a popular day hike area that takes you on a journey along Horton Creek, the surrounding pine trees, and even a few waterfalls. The hike is a relatively easy one that measures just over 7 miles as a round trip.
Trail map and information: Hike Arizona
Trail map and information: Hike Arizona
This easy trail in Arizona’s White Mountains follows the Black River and reveals the beautiful landscapes of the area. The trail is a fairly easy one that measures a total of 5 miles.
Trail map and information: Hike Arizona
Trail map and information: Hike Arizona
This easy hike is just over two miles long in total and will lead you along a well-marked trail to the waterfall at Fossil Creek. The water is cool and perfectly refreshing.
Trail map and information: Recreation.gov
Trail map and information: Recreation.gov
Who could leave out this trail when discussing hikes along rivers and creeks? This trail is a 6-mile round trip journey through Oak Creek Canyon and its similarly named creek, making it a hike with beautiful views you won’t soon forget.
Trail map and information: US Forest Service
Trail map and information: US Forest Service
This trail is located on the east side of the state south of Greer, leading you through a beautiful collection of trees and grassy meadows to the west fork of the Black River. The trail overall is 6 miles and a pretty easy one.
Trail map and information: Hike Arizona
Trail map and information: Hike Arizona
Those places were pretty amazing, don’t you think? Just don’t forget to obtain your park use permit and to leave no trace when you visit these natural areas. If you want some more hiking options, be sure to check out our article on Arizona trails that will lead you to some incredible places.
