Let’s face it, Arizona summers are hot. One of the best ways to beat the heat in the Valley of the Sun is to go for a dip in the water. Whether you’re looking for a new spot near Queen Creek to cool down this summer or you’re just visiting, check out the best swimming holes in the Queen Creek area.
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Slide Rock, Sedona
A wildly popular summer attraction, nothing beats dipping your toes into the Oak Creek at Slide Rock. Sedona is a tourist’s mecca and something off a postcard to behold. A natural water feature, Slide Rock has a chute in the red rock that lets you slide along the bottom. There’s space for wading and sunbathing, too. Slide Rock isn’t your relaxing getaway. It’s a high-energy, fun-filled attraction that’s perfect for older children and adults.
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Ellison Creek, Payson
Nestled in the Tonto National Forest just past Payson lies the crown jewel of the Mogollon Rim area: Ellison Creek. If you’re in the mood for an ice-cold dip, then this is your place. To get to the water, you’ll need to walk a mile down a dirt road or take the scenic tour through the desert. An inviting, clear, cold swimming hole is your reward for the trip. Head up during the week for a near private oasis.
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Fossil Creek, Camp Verde
Visit Fossil Creek for sunbathing, hiking, bird-watching, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the creek. Designated a “Wild and Scenic River,” it’s a prime destination for making a splash.
A family-friendly swimming hole is just steps from the Fossil Creek Bridge. For those kids that can make the mile hike up to the waterfall, the area offers excellent swimming opportunities, too. The road into Fossil Creek is a bit primitive, so drive slowly and consider taking a vehicle with four-wheel drive. Guests must purchase a $6 permit to use the park between April 1 and October 1.
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Seven Falls, Tucson
Nestled in the Bear Canyon region outside of Tucson awaits one of Arizona’s best swimming holes. To get to this local gem, you’re going to have to put in an 8-mile round-trip hike.
Stop at the visitor center, and get a map of the trail before you head out. You can also pick up the tram at the center, which will shuttle you to the trailhead, cutting the hike down to just 3.5 miles roundtrip. There are restrooms and water at the trailhead.
Head up into the canyon, and be prepared to cross the stream several times on your way to the falls. Cottonwoods provide shade along the way, but remember to bring enough water for both the hike in and out. The trail is well-marked, and the walk takes up to two hours each way.
When summer hits in Arizona, there’s no escaping the heat. It’s time to throw on a swimsuit, load up the kids, and head to some of the best swimming holes in Arizona.
Image via Flickr by Bill Morrow. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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