It’s no secret that Arizona summers can be absolutely brutal. The only way to avoid being pent up indoors all season long is to find the best places to cool off, and this stunning swimming hole is one such spot. The next time you’re in the Mogollon Rim area, consider devoting a day to hiking the Bell Trail to a pristine tropical oasis that is the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the water after diving in to cool off!
The Bell Trail was first carved nearly a century ago as a route to lead cattle across the Mogollon Rim.
With a 1,200-foot elevation gain, towering red canyon walls, and a crystal-clear spring waiting at the end, it's not hard to see why it’s one of the valley's most popular hikes.
Though it stretches for 6.9 miles, the Bell Trail is a long, yet fairly easy hike.
It's the only developed path leading through Wet Beaver Creek Canyon, so visitors come from all corners of Arizona to experience its remote natural beauty.
The well-marked trail is hard to get lost on, but you can add a little adventure to your trek by taking one of the many offshoots that lead to smaller swimming holes and fishing spots down by the riverbed.
Make sure to wear sunscreen and pack plenty of water, as the first half of the trail offers little shade; however, the expansive view it provides - especially at sunset - is well worth it.
There’s one tricky spot on this otherwise easy-to-follow route, but the extra effort to navigate the rocky terrain will reward you with a stunning swimming hole known as The Crack.
Just beyond the three-mile point, the Bell Trail crosses the river. Rather than crossing, veer to the left and stay parallel to the shoreline for a short distance and you arrive at a pristine swimming hole in what feels like a tropical oasis.
Pro Tip: Start your adventure early to avoid the midday heat and time your trek so that you reach the swimming hole by lunchtime. You can enjoy a lovely waterfront picnic before jumping in to cool off!
There’s nothing quite like a cool, natural pool when you’re sweaty and tired from hiking. The refreshing creek is a welcome respite from the sweltering summer heat.
If you’re brave, take a leap from The Crack! Its a short drop with just enough air time to give you an adrenaline rush without being too intimidating. Make a game out of it and see who can create the biggest splash!
Safety Tip: Make sure to check the depth of the water below before jumping in; this is a natural creek, so the underwater terrain can shift and change. You don’t want to ruin an otherwise perfect day with a preventable injury!
Though officially rated as moderately difficult, we consider this trail fairly easy compared to others in the area. The Bell Trail is dog-friendly (on leash) and is open year-round. For more information, visit the Forest Service website here.
To reach the Bell Trail from Flagstaff, head south on Interstate 17 for 40 miles to the AZ-179 interchange. Turn east beneath the highway and continue driving for 1.5 miles to the old Beaver Creek Ranger Station turnoff. From here, continue north for just 0.25 miles and you’ll arrive at the parking area and trailhead.
GPS Coordinates: 34°40'26.0"N, 111°42'50.0"W
Have you ever hiked Bell Trail? Are there any other Arizona hikes that lead to breathtaking swimming holes? If so, let us know your favorites! Here's one of ours: This 2.5-Mile Hike In Arizona Leads To The Dreamiest Swimming Hole.
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