10 Water Holes for Cooling Off in Arizona

Chances are, if you live in Arizona, you are always on the lookout for places to spend your summer to cool off from the desert heat – I know we do.

While the community pool is a great option, there are also other places like Sunsplash, Lake Pleasant, Canyon Lake, and even your own backyard (complete with a sprinkler…) that’ll help you stick through the long, dry summers. While we do have a monsoon season, in many cases the rain lasts for a mere few seconds (at least it feels like seconds, right?) before the sun is back out again, the heat even more harsh than before the rain swept through.

Thankfully Arizona has some pretty amazing swimming holes – some require a longer hike than others, and many (which are not even listed here) are just too difficult for kids – there are a few that are only accessed by rappelling down cliffs. That might not be an option for all of us :)

I don’t know about you but at this point in my life I won’t be rappelling down ANY cliff. 

These 10 Arizona Water Holes are great for cooling off – most are very kid friendly (when we say kids we don’t mean infants or toddlers, but those who are ages 6-7 and up).  Bring a few dollars to park, stock up on water and snacks, and take a light hike to relax in the cool water and shade provided by some of the most beautiful areas in the state.

Remember: Always bring plenty of water, along with water shoes and snacks – just in case you get in a pickle.

#1 – Parsons Trail Spring, Sycamore Canyon, Cottonwood

Parsons Trailhead is 76 miles from Flagstaff – and 33 miles from Sedona, near Clarkdale and Cottonwood.  The hike is a 4-mile distance each way, and canyon walls have the shade of thick trees and wonderful views.

The trail is relatively easy despite the 8 mile venture, but there is a challenging 200 foot stairway drop from the trailhead to the bottom of the canyon.

A kid-friendly hike, it’ll take you 5-8 hours round trip, and you will need to have plenty of drinking water as there isn’t any available there at the trail.

#2 – Kinder Crossing, NE Arizona

Kinder Crossing is a relatively short hike of just over 2 miles round trip – at an elevation of 1,700 feet. It’s a moderate trail that leads to a beautiful creek, with shallow entry points.

The water gets deeper downstream, and you can find sandstone cliffs there as well.  Dogs are permitted provided they are on a leash.

#3 – Romero Canyon / Romero Pools

Romero Canyon Trail leads down to Romero Pools, over a 5.9 mile out and back stretch near Tucson.  

The trail is moderate – and you’ll find a series of pools 3-6 feet deep.  The water flows seasonally and it can get quite hot so bring plenty of water if you plan on hiking in the warmer months.

#4 – Hells Hole (Big Dipper), Prescott

Hells Hole is a trail that leads down a deep canyon where Thief Creek and Poland Creek join together. The Big Dipper is a waterfall oasis on the slopes of the Bradshaw Mountains.

It’s a long 2 miles into Big Dipper Falls, which will run you 5-6 hours, and is a moderate difficulty. It might be best for couples, perhaps not for the youngest of kids.

#5 – Tonto Creek, Payson

Located in between Pine and Payson, the Creek is part of the Tonto Natural Bridge (the longest travertine bridge in the world – 400 feet in length).  

Hike down into the canyon for a close up of the waterfall (off one of 3 walking paths in the park), and a dip into the creek.

#6 – Fossil Creek

Fossil Creek is a stream near to Strawberry – it flows from the Mogollon Rim to the larger stream near the Child’s Power Plant.

Not only is it beautiful, the Fossil Creek System is the 4th largest producer of travertine in the United States. 

Fossil Creek flows from Fossil Springs (it’s source) – it’s one of 2 wild and scenic rivers in Arizona. It’s water pours at 20,000 gallons per hour from springs at the bottom of a 1,600 foot deep canyon (src). To visit, you’ll need a permit – through permits are not required all year, just October 2nd – April 30th.

#7 – Water Wheel Falls, Payson

Water Wheel Falls is a 2-mile back trail located near Payson that features a waterfall and is good for most skill levels. You can bring dogs, but they should be kept on a leash.

The location is great for families with kids that are 6-7 and up.   It’s a perfect hike for those who are moderately active. Some things to remember:

• Bring water shoes
• GPS and Cell will not get service
• Bring bug spray with you
• Swimmers should be intermediate and above
• It’s a self-pay area {honor system}
• Gets very busy in the warmer months

#8 – Slide Rock State Park ~ Sedona

Located in Sedona, the park is originally the Pendley Homestead – a 43 acre apple farm in Oak Creek Canyon. Frank L. Pendley established a unique irrigation system that they still use at the park today.  It’s now named one of America’s top 10 Swimming Holes – per the travel channel.

The park is named after Slide Rock – a stretch of slippery creek next to the homestead. You can wade along the creek or slide down a water chute.  

Admission is $20 per vehicle, Monday to Thursday or, $30 per vehicle Friday – Sunday — that’s for 1 to 4 adults. Additional people are more.

#9 – Seven Falls, Tucson

Seven Falls is a 4.6 mile trail located in Tucson that features a waterfall – the trail is a moderate hike, best visited September to March when the chances for rain are greater.

The trail is accessed through Sabino Canyon Rec Area – 30 minutes from downtown Tucson.  You’ll hike 8 miles round trip, and the cost is just $5 for a day pass (per car) or $20 for an annual pass.

Grasshopper Creek Photo Credit http://www.fs.usda.gov/

#10 – Grasshopper Creek, Sedona

If Slide Rock is too busy, head to Grasshopper Point – it has great cliff jumping and warm water. Crowds are usually smaller, too.

Once you park, follow the paved walkway until it turns to dirt, then turn left and cross a sandy ravine – listen for the sound of everyone having fun in the water and you will know exactly where to go.  There is plenty of shade.

If you are going there from Sedona, head north from the roundabout of the 89A and Hwy 179 –  and travel 2.5 miles and turn right just after the big bridge.