The Little-Known Hiking Trail In Arizona With 4 Enchanting Natural Springs
Beautiful swimming holes abound here in Arizona, but most of them are packed all spring and summer long. We’ve discovered a trail boasting not just one, but four little-known natural springs with crystal-clear water and hardly any tourists. Take a peek:
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Hiding within three different national forests, Sycamore Canyon is one of Northern Arizona’s best-kept secrets. A designated wilderness area, no roads or campgrounds are to be found here — hiking and horseback riding are the only means of access.
Pardon Springs Trail is the most popular route, and for good reason. Upon embarking on the 7.2-mile, moderately difficult trek, visitors are lead over peaks and through valleys to a series of enchanting natural springs.
Just under halfway through, you’ll come upon what the locals have dubbed "Blue Hole." While by far the largest and most beautiful spring, it definitely isn’t the only one.
Turning around at Blue Hole has become so commonplace, very few even consider going further. Break the status quo and you’ll be duly rewarded by at least three more springs.
Exactly how many additional pools are hiding along the trail remains uncertain, but we can assure you this: it’s very likely you’ll have them all to yourself. Soak the day away in the deepest, most peaceful solitude.
There are several river crossings, so please use caution and turn around if the water is deep or flowing swiftly. Aside from that, the trail is flat and fairly straightforward thanks to cairns made by hikers over the years.
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
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