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8 Swimming Holes in Arizona You Need To Dip Into

If there’s one thing that locals in Arizona are experts on, it’s beating the heat and tolerating those steep triple-digit temperatures that frequently occur over the summer months. Staying indoors is always an option, however, if you need to get your fix of Mother Nature, here are some of the best swimming holes in the state!

Grasshopper Point Grasshopper Point
Credit: Grasshopper Point by © Maria Feklistova | Dreamstime.com

Grasshopper Point

Grasshopper Point in Sedona is just about two miles south of Encinoso Picnic Area and a budget-friendly natural swimming hole. What’s great about this pool is that it’s fun for those who just like to wade in the water to cool off. Although many people cliff jump here, it’s discouraged due to the pool’s varying depths and possible hidden objects.

Slide Rock View at Slide Rock State Park
Credit: View at Slide Rock State Park by © Avikgenxt | Dreamstime.com

Slide Rock

Despite its size, Sedona is one of the biggest tourist towns in the state of Arizona and is also home to Slide Rock State Park, which has one of the best natural swimming holes. The park can be found just six miles north of the Oak Creek Canyon and is named for its waterslide-like rock formations that surround Oak Creek’s cool waters that people love to wade in. For those who plan on spending an entire day there, be sure to get there early and pack lots of sunscreen.

Seven Falls Waterfall at Seven Falls
Credit: Waterfall at Seven Falls by © - Dreamstime.com

Seven Falls

Swimming at Seven Falls isn’t just your average spring or summer treat, but it’s also a reward for completing the four-mile hike out to get to it in the Bear Canyon region of Tucson’s Sabino Canyon. For those who don’t really like the hiking aspect, there is a tram that leaves each hour that will take visitors within a half-mile of the falls. Just keep in mind that this is one of the town’s most popular swimming holes, so it’s a good idea to head that way early in the day if it’s warm outside.

Fossil Creek Fossil Creek
Credit: Fossil Creek by Alan Stark via Flickr

Fossil Creek

Just a few miles out of Phoenix is a spot that locals love to visit time and again when it gets too hot outside to bear. About 17 miles down Fossil Creek Road is where you’ll find the trailhead to take a short hike to the Fossil Creek Bridge, which is the starting point for all the awesome waterworks in the area. The creek itself is fun to swim in, but there are also some gorgeous waterfalls that are worth taking a dip under!

Havasu Falls Havasu Falls
Credit: Havasu Falls by Bigstock.com

Havasu Falls

One time rated by Life Magazine as “America’s best swimming hole”, Havasu Falls is without a doubt Arizona’s biggest and most popular natural pool. It’s located just under two miles north of the Grand Canyon and has a fairly consistent temperature of 70 degrees, which some might argue is a bit chilly, but refreshing! Most of the water parts in Havasu Falls get to about five feet deep, an ideal depth for swimming and jumping in, and the surrounding beaches are perfect for getting some outdoor rays.

Wet Beaver Creek Wet Beaver Creek
Credit: Wet Beaver Creek by Coconino National Forest via Flickr

Wet Beaver Creek

Camp Verde, Arizona is most known for its wildlife attractions such as the Bearizona Park and the Out of Africa Park, however, it also has a sweet natural swimming pool that is one of the area’s hidden gems. The cool and clear water is roughly 10 degrees warmer than most natural streams in the area and is located near the small and very popular Beaver Creek Campground.

Romero Pools Romero Pools
Credit: Romero Pools by Debbie via Flickr

Romero Pools

Deep in the wooded area of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson is where travelers can find the famous local swimming hole, Romero Pools. There’s plenty of public facilities available such as restrooms and picnic areas. The water runs fairly clear and remains cool throughout the year. In addition to that, plan on doing a little bit of hiking to get up to the good parts for a little remote and rural swimming.

Bull Pen Bull Pen
Credit: Bull Pen by Daina Dajevskis via Flickr

Bull Pen

Just a short 15 miles to the east of Camp Verde is another one of Arizona’s best watering holes. At its most shallow point, there’s a beach with a nice wading area that’s perfect for families with little ones. A little further out it gets to about three feet deep, and at its deepest point, there’s an area that reaches between nine and ten feet deep. The water is usually fairly warm and the surrounding area is very picturesque, which means that this spot makes for an awesome summer day’s swim.

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