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Best Lakes Near Phoenix, Arizona

Best Lakes Near Phoenix, Arizona

by daniellenfairbanks | Mar 27, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures, Arizona Seasons, Phoenix

Best Lakes Near Phoenix, Arizona If you’re looking to escape the heat, a lake day at one of the beautiful lakes near Phoenix is a great choice. Luckily, there are several options within a short drive of the city—ranging from easy-access spots with beaches and...
Best Swimming Holes in Arizona (Local Guide for 2026)

Best Swimming Holes in Arizona (Local Guide for 2026)

by daniellenfairbanks | Mar 26, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures

Best Swimming Holes in Arizona (Local Guide for 2026) Arizona might be known for its desert landscapes, but it’s also home to some incredible places to cool off—especially in the warmer months. From easy-access swimming holes in Sedona to hidden creek spots near...
Easy Hikes in Sedona: 10 Scenic Trails for Beginners

Easy Hikes in Sedona: 10 Scenic Trails for Beginners

by daniellenfairbanks | Feb 19, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures, Sedona

Easy Hikes in Sedona: 10 Scenic Trails for Beginners Sedona is known for its jaw-dropping red rock hikes — but not all of them require steep scrambles or heart-pounding climbs. In fact, some of the most beautiful trails in Sedona are also the most accessible. Whether...
Where To Stay in Prescott, Arizona

Where To Stay in Prescott, Arizona

by daniellenfairbanks | Feb 13, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Food, Stays, & Experiences, Prescott

Where To Stay in Prescott, Arizona Nestled in the mountains of northern Arizona, Prescott is one of the most charming weekend getaways from Phoenix. Known for its pine forests, historic downtown, and mild four-season climate, this small mountain town offers everything...
Things To Do in Marble Canyon, Arizona

Things To Do in Marble Canyon, Arizona

by daniellenfairbanks | Feb 13, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Destinations, Grand Canyon

Things To Do in Marble Canyon, Arizona Marble Canyon is one of those places you’ve probably driven past on the way to Page or the Grand Canyon… without realizing how much you’re missing. Tucked between the Vermilion Cliffs and the Colorado River along Highway 89A,...
Where to Find Wildflowers Near Phoenix, Arizona

Where to Find Wildflowers Near Phoenix, Arizona

by daniellenfairbanks | Feb 9, 2026 | Arizona, Arizona Hikes & Outdoor Adventures, Arizona Seasons, Phoenix, Superstition Mountains

Where to Find Wildflowers Near Phoenix, Arizona Every spring, the Sonoran Desert transforms in a way that honestly feels hard to believe until you see it for yourself. What looks like dry, rugged desert most of the year suddenly bursts into color — hillsides covered...
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this hidden oasis in arizona feels unreal 💧 fossi this hidden oasis in arizona feels unreal 💧

fossil springs & fossil creek are amazing water hikes for summer in arizona!

fossil creek (camp verde side): the dixon/ waterfall trail is about 2.1 miles out and back, pretty mellow, and you end up at this wide cascade with a swimming hole right at the base. 

fossil springs (strawberry side): the bob bear trail is closer to 9 miles out and back with real elevation gain. you will feel every mile on the way back up. same water source, completely different vibe

if you want to read more, comment 💦 for my blog post review on both!
everything you need to know about fossil springs i everything you need to know about fossil springs in arizona 💦

fossil springs is the larger/ more dramatic waterfall accessed via bob bear trail in strawberry — while fossil creek is the smaller spot near camp verde. fossil springs is absolutely worth the extra effort, the views are unreal!

🎟️: $6 per vehicle purchased online either 1 month or 48 hrs in advance! print & bring your permit — rangers WILL check. parking opens at 8, you have to be in by 4

🚗: the drive is much more manageable than fossil creek — paved roads to the trailhead. no high clearance needed!

🥾: 8.6 mile total out & back, ~1,400 ft gain — this one is a real hike! plan for it

🐶: allowed!

🚽: at the trailhead, but pack out your trash

💧: the trail drops steeply to the creek — going down is easy, coming back up in the heat is brutal. start early!

☀️: it’s HOT. we started at 8-9am, out by noon and it was already scorching. do not underestimate arizona heat!

⏰: 2+ hr drive from phoenix, 4+ hrs hiking — make it a full day (or camp!)

gear:
🎒 @rei daypack
☀️ @mountainhardwear sunshirt
👙 @rei trailmade shorts
👟 @teva water sandals & @dannerboots
they literally built the world’s hot springs in ut they literally built the world’s hot springs in utah 🌍🫧

worldsprings at zion has 50+ pools inspired by the most iconic thermal destinations on earth — and you can experience all of them in one day 👇

🇮🇸 blue lagoon, iceland
🇯🇴 dead sea
🇳🇿 rotara-tuapo, new zealand
🇫🇷 vichy, france
🇬🇧 bath, england
🇯🇵 hokkaido, japan
🇰🇷 osaek, south korea
🇮🇩 bali, indonesia
🇲🇽 grutas tolantongo, mexico
🇬🇹 fuentes georginas, guatemala
🇦🇺 yarrangobilly, australia
🇹🇷 kereshehir, turkey
🇮🇹 chiancianco therme, italy
🇺🇸 iron mountain hot springs, co
…and that’s not even all of them 😭

right outside zion national park in la verkin, utah — this place is so underrated it actually hurts

save this for your utah bucket list 🔖
everything you need to know about fossil creek in everything you need to know about fossil creek in arizona 💦

fossil creek is a great water hike & swimming hole to cool off in summer ☀️ fossil creek is the smaller/ shorter waterfall accessed via an easier hike from camp verde while fossil springs is accessed via bob bear trail in strawberry. both are beautiful!

🎟️: $6 per vehicle purchased online either 1 month or 48 hrs in advance! the dixon lewis lot is closest fyi! you should print & bring your permit with- you will be checked by rangers! parking opens at 8, you have to be in by 4

🚘: 14 mile washboard dirt road, rocky at the end. high clearance is best! 

🥾: 2.1 mile total, 136 ft gain

🐶: allowed!

🚽: at parking lots, but trash is pack out

💦: people die or are injured yearly here. don’t swim under the waterfalls! water sandals to change into make a huge difference for walking through the water! 

☀️: it’s hot as crap ok! we hiked at 830am, out by 11 and it was 80 and felt like 100.

⏰: 3 hr drive to trailhead from phoenix, 3+ hours hike & swim, so that’s a 9 hour minimum day!

gear:
🧢 @cotopaxi bucket hat
🎒 @gregorypacks 
☀️ @mountainhardwear sunshirt
🩳 @aerie shorts & sports bra
🥾 @teva water sandals & @dannerboots 

leave any other questions below 🏜️✨

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