Most People Don’t Know There’s A Fountain Of Youth Hiding Deep In Arizona's Woods

What is the Bull Pen in Arizona? 

The Bull Pen is a picture-perfect little spot for swimming in Camp Verde, Arizona. There’s a short, winding hike to reach it, but it’s worth every step! The current is very weak, resulting in a perfect place to swim or simply soak your legs. It’s not as cold as nearby bodies of water tend to be - it’s usually a nice, pleasantly chilled little slice of paradise. The Bull Pen is near West Clear Creek, which is well known for its stunningly clear water and beautiful surrounding woods.  

Where are the best hiking trails in Arizona?  

Arizona is a ridiculously photogenic state; as a result, it’s got more than 3,000 trails winding throughout. One of the most popular is the incredible (but challenging) Devil’s Bridge Trail, which takes you to one of the most incredible hidden views of Sedona you’ll ever see. While in Sedona, make sure to also hike Cathedral Rock Trail, which offers more stellar views of the world-famous red rocks. West Fork Trail, close to Sedona inside Oak Creek Canyon, has been named one of the top ten most beautiful hikes in the USA. If you prefer to stay near the Phoenix metro, a hike on Camelback Mountain is always an amazing adventure with epic views!  

Are there any secret swimming holes in Arizona? 

Who says you can’t go swimming in the desert? In fact, there are quite a few great ones. In Sedona, Grasshopper Point is popular for a reason: it’s perfect! Get there early in the morning during the week to minimize dealing with crowds. Havasu Falls is an adventure only for the truly hardcore outdoors enthusiasts in AZ: it’s a waterfall cascading into blue-green waters below, which you’ll arrive at following a 10+ mile hike. In the same area is Mooney Falls, which is a slightly smaller (but still incredible) waterfall and pond. They aren’t necessarily “secrets”, but they are accessed by only a handful of hikers every year.