The Best Kept Summer Secret in Arizona Is This Remote Swimming Spot

As the desert heat rises to triple digits, you’ll find Arizonans on the natural waterslides at Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, or cliff jumping at Saguaro Lake near Phoenix. While these spots offer a refreshing place to cool off, there’s a remote oasis that many consider one of the best swimming holes in Arizona. A seven-mile hike inside the Wet Beaver Wilderness Area in Rimrock, and you can swim in a cool emerald pool or jump off the striking red rock cliffs. Known as The Crack because of the large gap between the canyon walls, this natural desert oasis makes spending summers in Arizona worth it.  

What Makes This Spot So Special

Well, aside from its unusual name, which in part is the reason why it stands out, the spring-fed pool at The Crack is surrounded by dramatic red sandstone canyons. The deep gorge was carved thousands of years ago by Wet Beaver Creek, which winds through the wilderness area in the Coconino National Forest. Because of desert conditions, many swimming holes in Arizona are seasonal and will be dry in the summer. However, when you hike through the rugged terrain to this swimming spot, a cool emerald-green pool will be waiting for you all summer long.   

Unlike many of Arizona’s easily accessible swimming holes, you’ll need to put in some work to get to this hidden spot. In fact, the four-mile trek along Bell Trail (one way) includes some rocky and steep sections. Sure, that doesn’t sound too bad, but when you add the summer heat and little to no shade, the desert hike can be grueling. That said, only the true outdoor enthusiasts find their way to this remote swimming oasis in the desert. 

What It’s Like to Visit

Over the years, The Crack received major buzz from social media, and its proximity to major cities makes it popular in the summer for locals. The good news is that due to the exposed hike, many Arizonans and visitors will skip this haven, meaning it will be less crowded than the more popular swimming spots. Don’t expect solitude, though, but you can avoid the large crowds by hiking early or going on weekdays. 

The path starts flat but gets rocky; it winds along the creek, and the last stretch opens up to striking views of the canyon. It will feel like you’re on a journey to a secret spot in the wilderness (and you are!). Once you get to the swimming hole, you’ll be sweaty and ready to jump in the refreshing water. The towering cliffs jutting out above the emerald pool will make it feel like a natural waterpark, and it is.

Cliff jumping is one of the reasons people visit. So, if you’re brave enough, you too can take the plunge. With that in mind, if you’re standing at the cliff edge questioning your choices, you probably should wade or swim in the cool spring water instead. It’s the perfect treat for a hot summer day in Arizona. And when you need a break, there are little spots where you can sit, relax, and enjoy a snack before getting back in the water.          

How to Get There

As mentioned, you’ll need to hike the rocky trail to get to the swimming hole, but if you ask me, that’s part of the adventure. The trailhead is an easy drive from Camp Verde along Interstate 17. It’s located on a paved road off Forest Service Road 618, at the turnoff for the Beaver Creek Work Center. It’s not too far from the Beaver Creek Picnic and Day Use Area, and you’ll see the signs for the trailhead as well as for the overflow lot. The large parking lot has spaces for about 40 to 50 cars, but if it’s crowded, drive less than a mile to the Bruce Brockett Trailhead for additional parking. From there, you can easily connect to Bell Trail.  

What to Know Before You Go

The swimming hole might be popular, but it remains fairly unknown to visitors to Arizona, making it feel like a local secret. You’ll find locals (in the know) from nearby cities like Sedona, Flagstaff, and Phoenix hanging out at this free natural pool. This could arguably be one of the best summer spots in Arizona, but hike here in the spring or fall for a more secluded experience. 

Keep in mind, if you’re here in the summer, bring more water than you think you need — about a gallon. Staying hydrated is half the battle when hiking in the desert. Also, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Cliff jumping can be dangerous, so if you’re not used to this activity, we don’t recommend it. But don’t worry, swimming is fun too, so make sure to bring your swimsuit and a towel with you. Plan to spend the day, and bring snacks and plenty to drink. Please be mindful of any heat advisories before your visit by checking the National Weather Service website.

All in all, the remote hike to this natural swimming spot in Arizona is just as much part of the adventure. Between the striking canyon, the flowing creek, the natural cliffs, and the refreshing pool, it’s easy to see why The Crack is a hidden gem in Arizona, and a must-visit spot for the summer. A recent hiker had this to say, “The cliff jumping is incredible, the water is refreshing, and after putting in the miles to get there, it feels like the ultimate reward.”