Arizona, known for its arid desert landscapes, might not be the first place you think of for a swim. But the Grand Canyon State is home to some stunning natural swimming holes and waterfalls, making it a perfect destination for those seeking cool relief from the hot sun. And Arizona Shuttle makes getting to these unique spots more accessible than ever.
Here's a look at some of Arizona's best waterfalls and swimming holes that are not to be missed.
Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls is one of Arizona's most famous and photographed waterfalls. This waterfall is located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation and is only accessible by foot, horse, or helicopter. Lake Havasu trip details The turquoise blue water, set against the red rock cliffs, creates a truly breathtaking sight. A dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall is the perfect way to beat the heat and enjoy this serene setting. Lake Havasu shuttle details
Lake Havasu trip details
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. This beautiful area is located near Sedona and features a large rock formation that acts as a natural diving board. Sedona travel guide The crystal clear water is perfect for swimming, and the scenery is breathtaking.
Fossil Creek
Fossil Creek is a remote and secluded spot that is a true hidden gem. This area is known for its clear, turquoise water, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Fossil Creek access Fossil Creek is located in the Coconino National Forest and requires a bit of a hike, but it's well worth the effort.
Sycamore Falls
Sycamore Falls is located in the Tonto National Forest and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. The waterfall is surrounded by towering sycamore trees, making it a beautiful and peaceful setting. The water is crystal clear and perfect for a refreshing swim.
Arizona Shuttle is a transportation company that provides reliable and safe ground transportation services to customers in the state of Arizona. The company offers a wide range of transportation options, including private car services, airport transfers, shuttle services, and group transportation. Arizona Shuttle's goal is to provide high-quality and convenient transportation solutions to meet the needs of travelers, tourists, and locals alike. The company's fleet of vehicles is well-maintained, and their experienced and friendly drivers are dedicated to making every trip a comfortable and memorable experience. Whether you're in Arizona for business or pleasure, Arizona Shuttle has the perfect transportation solution for you.
With Arizona Shuttle, exploring these stunning waterfalls and swimming holes is easy and stress-free. The professional and knowledgeable drivers will take you to these unique destinations, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access Havasu Falls?
Havasu Falls is within the Havasupai Indian Reservation and can only be reached by foot, horseback, or helicopter.
Is Cathedral Rock a good spot for swimming and diving?
Yes, Cathedral Rock features clear water perfect for swimming, and its large rock formation makes it ideal for natural diving.
What's the best way to reach Fossil Creek?
Fossil Creek is located in the Coconino National Forest and requires a hike, but it offers clear turquoise waters for swimming and relaxing.
Can I visit Sycamore Falls with Arizona Shuttle?
Sycamore Falls is accessible via Tonto National Forest; while Arizona Shuttle doesn't directly service it, they offer reliable transportation options to nearby areas.
More Arizona Waterfalls and Swimming Holes Worth the Drive
The four spots above are only the beginning. Arizona's canyons, rivers, and reservoirs hold multiple swimming destinations within a couple hours of Phoenix, and each offers a different kind of adventure — from a lazy river float to a cliff-jumping creek hidden in the Coconino National Forest. Here are more of the state's best waterfalls and swimming holes, with the access details you need to plan your trip.
Saguaro Lake
Saguaro Lake is one of the closest and most popular places to swim near Phoenix, sitting along the scenic State Route 87 (the Beeline Highway) at the end of the Bush Highway. With more than 10,000 acres of water and over 100 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy. It's an easy-access option for families: you can swim from the shore, rent a kayak, or launch a boat. There is a per-vehicle day-use fee (check the Tonto National Forest website for current rates before you go), and arriving before 8–9 a.m. gives you the best chance at easier parking, smaller crowds, and cooler temperatures.
The Crack on Wet Beaver Creek (Bell Trail)
Often simply called "The Crack," this swimming hole on Wet Beaver Creek between Sedona and Camp Verde is one of central Arizona's most beloved summer destinations. Reaching it means hiking the Bell Trail — roughly 7 miles round trip with about 1,057 feet of elevation gain on the full route — so start early and carry more water than you think you need (a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day is the standard recommendation for Arizona summer hiking). The reward is a narrow slickrock chute where the creek funnels through a gap, creating deep, cold water that's popular with swimmers and cliff jumpers alike.
Salt River Float near Mesa
Not every swimming adventure requires a hike. The Salt River, northeast of Mesa in the Tonto National Forest, is a gentle river with wild horses that frequently graze along the banks. Rent a tube or bring your own for a family-friendly float — many outfitters run shuttle-inclusive trips, and choosing the earliest time slot means you can be on the water before the midday heat peaks. You'll get wet, cool off, and spot wildlife all at once. Just remember to follow Leave No Trace practices and pack out everything you bring.
East Clear Creek
East Clear Creek, on the Mogollon Rim near Payson and Winslow, is a lesser-known gem for swimmers who don't mind a little extra effort. You can access the creek right next to Forest Road 95 (about 0.1 miles of walking), via the Kinder Crossing Trail (roughly 1.2 miles), or make a loop and see it all (about 7.6 miles) — meaning the elevation gain ranges from nearly flat to around 667 feet depending on the route you pick. The water is cold, clear, and framed by sandstone walls, making it a rewarding northern Arizona alternative to the crowded hot-weather classics.
Quick Comparison: Arizona's Best Waterfalls and Swimming Holes
| Destination | Near | Difficulty | Permit/Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havasu Falls | Havasupai Reservation | Strenuous (10-mile hike) | Reservation permit required | Multi-day bucket-list trip |
| Fossil Creek | Camp Verde / Payson | Moderate | Seasonal permit required | Turquoise water, waterfalls |
| The Crack (Wet Beaver Creek) | Sedona / Camp Verde | Moderate–strenuous (7 miles) | Red Rock Pass area | Deep swimming, cliff jumping |
| East Clear Creek | Mogollon Rim | Easy to moderate (0.1–7.6 miles) | None typically required | Secluded canyon swimming |
| Saguaro Lake | Bush Highway, near Phoenix | Easy | Per-vehicle day-use fee | Easy lake day, boating, kayaking |
| Salt River | Mesa / Tonto National Forest | Easy | Outfitter fees may apply | Tubing, wild horse sightings |
Permit and fee requirements change from season to season, so always confirm current rules with the managing agency — the U.S. Forest Service or the Havasupai Tribe — before you leave.
When to Go: Timing Your Arizona Swimming Adventure
The short answer: late spring through early fall, with a strong preference for early mornings. Arizona summers regularly push temperatures well past 100°F in the Phoenix area, so a pre-dawn start pays off. Arriving before 8–9 a.m. gives you the best chance at easier parking, smaller crowds, and cooler temperatures — especially at popular spots along the Bush Highway and in Sedona's canyon drainages. Monsoon season (roughly July through September) brings a bonus risk: flash floods can strike slot canyons and creek beds even when the sky above you is blue. Always check the weather forecast and any flash flood warnings before heading into narrow canyons like Wet Beaver Creek or the Havasupai tributaries.
Safety First: What Every Swimmer Should Know
- Flash floods are the #1 danger. Rain falling miles upstream can send a wall of water through a dry canyon. Never enter a slot canyon or creek when storms are forecast anywhere in the drainage.
- Carry more water than you think you need. Plan on a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day, and more if you're hiking with elevation gain.
- Never dive into unknown water. Rocks, logs, and shifting sandbars make depth unpredictable. Feet-first entry is always safer, even at well-known jumping spots like The Crack.
- Watch for slick rock. Travertine and algae-coated stone — like the formations at Fossil Creek — are beautiful but slippery. Water shoes with good grip are worth packing.
- Don't swim alone. Many of these swimming holes are remote, with spotty cell service. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.
Access and Permits: Plan Before You Park
Arizona's most famous swimming spots are also its most regulated, and for good reason. Havasu Falls requires a reservation permit from the Havasupai Tribe plus a 10-mile hike into the canyon — making it more of a multi-day trip than a casual swim. Fossil Creek uses a seasonal permit system to limit daily visitors, and permits typically sell out quickly in summer. Saguaro Lake and other Tonto National Forest sites charge a per-vehicle day-use fee. Check the managing agency's official website the week of your trip to confirm permit windows, road conditions, and any fire-related closures before you commit to the drive.
What to Pack for Arizona Swimming Holes
- At least 1 gallon of water per person per day, plus electrolyte replacement
- Water shoes with grippy soles for slick travertine and rocky creek beds
- Quick-dry clothing, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen
- A dry bag for keys, phones, and snacks
- Plenty of salty snacks — swimming and hiking burn more energy than you'd expect
- A trash bag: follow Leave No Trace and pack out everything you bring in
- Offline maps — cell service disappears fast once you leave the highway
Tips for Visiting Swimming Holes in Sedona (Best Time to Go + What to Know)
Sedona's swimming holes — including The Crack on Wet Beaver Creek and the creeks below Cathedral Rock and Slide Rock State Park — share a few rules of thumb. Go early: trailhead parking lots along Highway 89A and FR 618 fill quickly on summer weekends, and afternoon temperatures in the red rock canyons are punishing. Go on weekdays when you can. Check the weather for the entire watershed, not just Sedona itself, since monsoon storms upstream can flood the creek hours later. And remember that Slide Rock State Park, one of the area's most popular natural waterslides, is a state park with its own entrance fee and seasonal hours — arrive at opening time to beat the crowds. If you'd rather skip the rental car entirely, a Phoenix airport to Sedona shuttle can get you to the trailheads rested and ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Havasu Falls?
Yes. Havasu Falls sits within the Havasupai Indian Reservation, and all visitors must secure a reservation permit from the tribe in advance. Reaching the falls also requires a 10-mile hike into the canyon, so most visitors plan it as an overnight or multi-day trip.
What is the closest swimming hole to Phoenix?
Saguaro Lake, along the Bush Highway northeast of the city, is one of the closest and most popular places to swim near Phoenix, with easy shoreline access, kayaking, and boating.
Is it safe to swim in Arizona creeks during monsoon season?
It depends entirely on the weather. Flash floods can reach a swimming hole from storms many miles upstream, even under clear skies. Always check the forecast and flash flood warnings before entering a canyon, and exit the water at the first sign of rising flow or distant thunder.
How much water should I bring on an Arizona swimming hole hike?
A minimum of 1 gallon per person per day is the widely recommended baseline for Arizona summer conditions — and more if your hike involves significant elevation gain, like the 7-mile Bell Trail to The Crack.
Can you see wild horses while swimming in Arizona?
Yes. The Salt River northeast of Mesa is famous for its wild horses, which are often spotted along the banks during a lazy tube float through the Tonto National Forest.
Can Arizona Shuttle take me to Sedona or Flagstaff swimming spots?
Absolutely. Arizona Shuttle provides ground transportation across the state, including routes serving Sedona and Flagstaff — both ideal basecamps for northern Arizona's waterfalls and swimming holes. Rather than navigating winding canyon roads after a long swim, let a professional driver handle the drive.
Final Thoughts on Swimming Holes in Arizona
Arizona's best waterfalls and swimming holes prove that the Grand Canyon State is far more than desert. From the legendary turquoise cascades of Havasu Falls to the easy-access shores of Saguaro Lake, there's a swimming adventure here for every fitness level and schedule. Plan ahead for permits, start early, respect the water, and let Arizona Shuttle get you there safely — so all you have to think about is the next refreshing plunge.
