Dinosaur Tracks
Tuba City, Arizona
2.9 miles SW of Tuba City, ArizonaThe Tuba City Dinosaur Tracks are one of the more well-known sets of dinosaur footprints in the world. There are several examples of dinosaur footprints embedded in the rock. Hand-painted signs mark the turnoff, and there will be guides at the parking lot available to show you the best footprints. The Tuba City Dinosaur Tracks are one of the more well-known sets of dinosaur footprints in the world. There are several examples of dinosaur footprints embedded in the rock. Hand-painted signs mark the turnoff, and there will be guides at the parking lot available to show you the best footprints. Courtesy of AllTrails.com
Cave Springs
Sedona, Arizona
8.8 miles N of Sedona, ArizonaCave Springs Campground is a scenic campground that sits in Oak Creek Canyon. Cave Springs is nestled perfectly in the town of Sedona, giving the campground the notorious Sedona red views. Uniquely, Cave Springs Campground is lush and green. The campsite is located right on the bank of the Oak Creek making it a perfect location for cool water play during the scorching summer sun. The campsite itself is comprised of 84 campsites, and they operate on a one tent per campsite rule. Each campsite comes equipped with picnic tables with natural shade from the trees, campfire rings, a grill, and restrooms. The campground is also close to many of the popular attractions in Sedona such as the swimming holes, Slide Rock, and the 1.8-million acre Coconino National Forest. The area is also known for fish. The fish that Oak Creek has to offer are trout and native trout.
You can make a reservation for the campsite at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232194 which needs to be made at least three days in advance. Campsites are $22 per night and operate from May to September.
Mormons Crossing
Cornville, Arizona
2.4 miles NE of Cornville, ArizonaMormons Crossing is a little area along Oak Creek in Cornville, Arizona. Along this creek there are several holes deep enough to swim in, some rapids, and even a rope swing. It's a great spot to cool off, with plenty of trees shading this riparian beauty.
This place is closed to camping and campfires until further notice.
Verde Hot Springs
Camp Verde, Arizona
17.4 miles SE of Camp Verde, ArizonaVerde Hot Springs are a few natural hot spring pools located along the Verde River, near Sedona, Arizona. Once a resort, now all that remains are the foundations and the hot pools themselves.
To get to the hot springs, you'll need to follow a trail and wade upstream a bit from Child's Dispersed Camping Area, which has no amenities.
Though nudity is officially prohibited, many visitors treat the site as bathing-suit optional.
Fossil Creek Waterfall
Pine, Arizona
9.2 miles W of Pine, ArizonaFossil Creek is one of Arizona's two designated "Wild and Scenic" rivers. The waterfall is the most popular place to visit to cool off and see the natural beauty. Located between the towns of Strawberry and Camp Verde, south of Flagstaff, the creek is a uniquely lush piece of Arizona's Coconino National Forest. The waterfall is a short hike away from the parking area, which is itself a long drive down a dirt gravel road. At the base of the falls is a pool deep enough to swim in, and refresh from a hot day.
There is a restroom at the trailhead, but there is no potable water or trash service, so be sure to pack out all trash to keep the environment clean for the others who follow behind. Take care to stay on the trail, since many have seen snakes along the path.
Note that this hike does not lead to the old Fossil Creek Dam, or the "Toilet Bowl", as that is a separate trail.
From April to October, registration and a $10 pre-printed parking permit is required for day use at the site. You cannot get a permit on site, so make sure to have it before you leave. The rest of the year, no permit or registration is required. You can get your permits at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/251863
Maxwell Trail No. 37
Happy Jack, Arizona
12.6 miles S of Happy Jack, ArizonaThe Maxwell Trail leads over the Mongollan Rim down the canyon into West Clear Creek. Although still somewhat steep, it is an easier hike than shorter neighboring Tramway trail, which shares its trailhead. From the parking lot, be sure to take the trail from the northwest corner. The trail officially ends at the creek, although it is possible to play in and explore the creek for fish, small caves, and swimming holes. Be sure to bring water shoes for the bottom if you don’t want your hiking boots to get wet!
There is poison ivy in the area, so take care to stay on the trail to avoid the plant. Be sure to bring plenty of water for the hike down, and some water treatment if you plan on refilling from the river.
The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek
Rimrock, Arizona
4.6 miles NE of Rimrock, ArizonaThe Crack is a popular swimming hole found by hiking the Bell Trail down to Wet Beaver Creek. After following the trail for about 3.5 miles away from the parking lot, take a detour to the left just before crossing the creek. From there, you will find the area known as The Crack, with water that is typically crystal clear, and rocks high enough to jump from. The Bell Trail winds along near the creek for most of the way, with side trails that will take you to the water periodically. The first time the trail crosses the river is just below The Crack, so if you're still looking for it, you've gone too far!Â
Most of the hike is through rocky red desert terrain, so be sure to bring plenty of water, extra sunscreen, and maybe a hat to protect from the hot sun. Never jump into water if you're not sure how deep it is.
Horses and their riders can access this trail by taking the Bruce Brockett Trail; there is trailer parking at the trailhead for the Bruce Brockett Trail.
Bullpen Day Use Area
Camp Verde, Arizona
8.5 miles E of Camp Verde, ArizonaBullpen has something for everyone. Whether you park here and use the trail head to start on one of several hikes that lead down West Clear Creek, or stay nearby to use the picnic areas and splash in the water below, there's a lot of opportunities to cool off.
A short hike from the parking lot leads to the waters of West Clear Creek. There is a popular spot with a big red rock that many enjoy jumping from into the creek. There are lots of opportunities for more water fun and hikes along the creek and surrounding canyon. You could spend days exploring the wilderness below the Mogollan Rim, or stay nearby and enjoy your afternoon swim.
There are restrooms available here, but no trash service, so be sure to pack out all of your trash. Some dispersed camping is allowed further down the creek for backpackers, but in this area there is no overnight camping allowed, and is day use only.