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 Payson and scenic lakes around Phoenix, there are more options than you might expect.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best swimming holes in Arizona, including a mix of popular spots and lesser-known gems. Whether you’re looking for a quick place to dip your feet, a full day by the water, or a more adventurous hike to a hidden swimming hole, there’s something here for every type of trip.
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Best Swimming Holes in Arizona (Quick Guide)
If you’re trying to decide which swimming hole in Sedona to visit, here’s a quick breakdown of the best spots. Each one offers something a little different—from easy access and family-friendly areas to more adventurous hikes with deeper water and cliff jumping.
Tips for Visiting Swimming Holes in Sedona (Best Time to Go + What to Know)
Go Early (Especially in Summer)
Arizona’s most popular swimming holes fill up quickly, especially between late morning and early afternoon. Arriving before 8–9am gives you the best chance at easier parking, smaller crowds, and cooler temperatures.
Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time to visit swimming holes in Arizona is typically late spring through early fall (April–September) when temperatures are warm enough to comfortably swim.
- Summer (June–August): Best for swimming, but expect heat and crowds
- Spring & Fall: Fewer crowds, but water may be colder
- Winter: Not ideal for swimming, but still beautiful for hiking
Watch for Monsoon Season
If you’re visiting between July and September, keep an eye on the weather. Flash flooding can happen quickly in canyons and creek areas—even if storms are miles away. Always check the forecast before heading out and avoid swimming holes if storms are expected.
Bring Water Shoes
Many of Arizona’s swimming holes have rocky or slippery creek beds, so water shoes or sandals with grip make a big difference.
Pack More Water Than You Think
Even if you’re planning to spend time near the water, Sedona heat is no joke—especially on exposed trails. Bring plenty of water and consider adding electrolytes if you’re hiking in.
Respect the Area
Arizona’s natural areas are incredibly special, so be sure to practice Leave No Trace:
- Pack out all trash
- Stay on designated trails
- Avoid disturbing wildlife
Best Swimming Holes in Sedona
From easy-access creek spots to more adventurous hikes with hidden swimming holes, Sedona has a surprising variety of places to cool off in the warmer months. Whether you’re looking for a quick stop after a hike or planning a full day by the water, each of these locations offers something a little different.
Below are some of the best swimming holes in Sedona, including what makes each one unique and how to choose the right spot based on your time, comfort level, and the type of experience you’re looking for
Best for: Families, easy access, natural waterslide
Difficulty: Easy
Fee: $20–$30 per vehicle depending on season (higher in summer)
Slide Rock State Park is one of the most popular swimming holes in Sedona, known for its natural red rock waterslide and easy access right from the parking area. It’s a fun and scenic spot to cool off, especially in the summer.
That said, it gets very busy, so arriving early is key if you want to avoid crowds. I don’t go here often because of crowds, but it is beautiful.
Grasshopper Point
Best for: Quick swim, relaxing, easy access
Difficulty: Easy
Fee: $10 per vehicle (cash only)
Grasshopper Point is one of the easiest and most popular places to swim in Sedona, with a short walk from the parking lot leading to a calm section of Oak Creek. It’s a great spot to relax by the water, swim, or even do a small cliff jump from the surrounding rocks.
Because of its easy access, it can get busy in the summer, so arriving early is the best way to get a good spot.
West Fork Trail of Oak Creek
Best for: Shaded hike, scenic creek crossings
Difficulty: Moderate
Fee: $12 per vehicle
West Fork Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Sedona, with multiple creek crossings, shaded canyon walls, and several spots where you can stop to cool off in the water. While it’s not a traditional “swimming hole,” you’ll find plenty of areas to wade and relax along the creek.
Because of its popularity—especially in the fall and summer—parking can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended. Below is a photo of me hiking there in the fall, but I have been in summer as well!
“The Crack” At Wet Beaver Creek
Best for: Adventure, cliff jumping, swimming hole
Difficulty: Moderate
Fee: Free
The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek is one of the most unique swimming holes near Sedona, featuring a deep, narrow section of water surrounded by red rock canyon walls. It requires a longer hike to reach, but the payoff is a refreshing place to swim—with optional cliff jumping for those feeling adventurous.
Because of the hike in, it tends to be less crowded than easier-access spots, but it can still get busy on weekends—especially in the summer.
Crescent Moon Ranch/ Buddha Beach
Best for: Iconic views, relaxing by the water
Difficulty: Easy
Fee: $12 per vehicle
Crescent Moon Ranch is one of the most scenic places to relax by the water in Sedona, with calm sections of Oak Creek and incredible views of Cathedral Rock. It’s an easy-access spot where you can wade, cool off, or just enjoy the setting.
It’s a popular location—especially for sunset—so expect some crowds and plan to arrive early if you want a good spot.
Best Swimming Holes Near Phoenix
If you’re staying in Phoenix or just looking for an easy day trip, there are several great places to swim within an hour or two of the city. While you won’t find as many creek-style swimming holes as Sedona, the lakes and rivers around Phoenix offer beautiful desert scenery, easy access, and plenty of space to cool off in the summer.
Saguaro Lake
Fee: ~$7 per vehicle (Tonto Daily Pass)
Best for: Easy lake day, boating, kayaking
Difficulty: Easy
Saguaro Lake is one of the closest and most popular places to swim near Phoenix, located along the scenic Bush Highway. It’s a great option for a quick day trip, with designated swimming areas, beaches, and calm water.
This spot is especially popular for boating, kayaking, and even spotting wild horses along the shoreline. Expect crowds on weekends, but plenty of space to spread out.
The Salt River
Fee: ~$7 per vehicle (Tonto Daily Pass)
Best for: Floating, wildlife (wild horses), scenic views
Difficulty: Easy
The Salt River is one of the most unique places to cool off near Phoenix, especially if you want something a little more fun and active. Floating the river (tubing) is a huge summer activity, and you’ll often see wild horses along the banks.
You can also find calmer areas to wade or relax, but be aware that water levels and currents can change depending on dam releases.
Canyon Lake
Fee: ~$7 per vehicle (Tonto Daily Pass)
Best for: Scenic views, swimming, kayaking
Difficulty: Easy
Canyon Lake is one of the most scenic lakes near Phoenix, surrounded by dramatic canyon walls and desert landscapes. It’s a great place to swim, especially if you pair it with a drive along the Apache Trail.
There are a few access points along the shoreline, and it’s popular for boating and kayaking. It tends to feel a little less crowded than Saguaro Lake, especially if you explore beyond the main areas.
Lake Pleasant
Fee: ~$7–$10 per vehicle (Arizona State Park fee)
Best for: Full day trips, beaches, paddleboarding
Difficulty: Easy
Lake Pleasant is the largest lake in the Phoenix area and a great option if you want a full day by the water. There are multiple beaches and designated swimming areas, making it one of the easiest places to access.
Because of its size, it’s popular for everything from swimming to paddleboarding and boating. It can get busy in the summer, but there’s usually enough space to find a quieter spot if you explore a bit.
Best Swimming Holes in Northern Arizona & Payson
Northern Arizona—especially around Payson and the Mogollon Rim—is one of the best places in the state to find cooler temperatures and forest-lined swimming spots. Unlike the red rock swimming holes in Sedona, this area is known for creeks, waterfalls, and alpine-style scenery, making it a perfect summer escape from the desert heat.
Fossil Creek
Fee: Free, but permit required (seasonal, typically April–October)
Best for: Clear blue water, waterfalls, swimming + hiking
Difficulty: Moderate
Fossil Creek is one of the most beautiful swimming spots in Arizona, known for its bright turquoise water and small waterfalls throughout the area. It’s located near Camp Verde and requires a permit during peak season, which helps limit crowds.
Getting to Fossil Creek involves a drive on rough forest roads and a short hike, but the reward is multiple swimming areas along the creek. Plan to spend a few hours here—it’s more of a full adventure than a quick stop.
Water Wheel Falls
Fee: ~$7 per vehicle (Tonto Daily Pass)
Best for: Short hike, waterfalls, multiple swimming spots
Difficulty: Moderate
Water Wheel Falls is one of the most popular swimming spots near Payson, offering a mix of small waterfalls, pools, and rock scrambling. The hike is relatively short but can feel more challenging as you navigate rocks along the creek.
There are several different swimming areas along the trail, so you can explore and find your own spot. It’s especially popular in summer, so going early helps avoid crowds.
Blue Ridge Reservoir
Fee: Free
Best for: Kayaking, quiet swimming, fewer crowds
Difficulty: Easy
Blue Ridge Reservoir is one of the most underrated places to swim in Arizona. Located in Northern Arizona near Happy Jack, it’s surrounded by forest and canyon walls, giving it a completely different feel from desert lakes.
There’s limited shoreline access, so most people explore by kayak or paddleboard—but that’s part of what keeps it less crowded. If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic swimming spot, this is one of the best options.
Havasupai
Fee: Permit required (reservation + fees required)
Best for: Bucket list waterfalls, multi-day adventure
Difficulty: Strenuous
Havasu Falls is one of the most iconic swimming destinations in Arizona—and easily one of the most unforgettable. Located within the Havasupai Reservation near the Grand Canyon, it features bright blue-green waterfalls and multiple swimming areas.
Getting here requires a permit and a 10-mile hike into the canyon, making it more of a multi-day trip than a casual swim spot. If you’re able to plan ahead and secure permits, it’s truly a bucket list experience.
What to Pack for Arizona Swimming Holes
Packing the right gear can make a big difference when visiting swimming holes in Arizona—especially in the summer heat. Here are a few essentials to bring for a comfortable and safe experience:
- Water shoes or sandals with grip – Many areas have rocky, slippery creek beds, so these help a lot for both walking and getting in and out of the water
- Plenty of water + electrolytes – Even near the creek, the heat can be intense—staying hydrated is key
- Towel + swimsuit – Especially if you’re planning to spend time swimming or relaxing by the water
- Dry bag or waterproof pouch – Great for keeping your phone, keys, and valuables safe
- Sunscreen + hat – Some spots have little shade, so sun protection is important
- Snacks or a light picnic – Perfect for spending a few hours at these beautiful spots
If you’re hiking to more remote locations, you may also want to bring a small daypack to carry everything comfortably.
Map of Arizona Swimming Holes
To help you plan your trip, I’ve mapped out all of the swimming holes in Arizona included in this guide—from Sedona and Northern Arizona to lakes near Phoenix and bucket list spots like Havasu Falls.
Because these locations are spread out across the state, it’s best to plan by region. Sedona and the Payson area are great to pair together, while Phoenix-area lakes make for easy day trips.
👉 Use the map below to:
- See how far each location is from where you’re staying
- Group nearby spots together for a day trip or weekend
- Find backup options if one location is too crowded
Final Thoughts on Swimming Holes in Arizona
From red rock swimming holes in Sedona to forest-lined creeks near Payson and scenic lakes around Phoenix, Arizona has a surprising variety of places to cool off—especially in the summer months. Whether you’re looking for an easy, quick-access spot or a more adventurous hike to a hidden swimming hole, there’s something here for every type of trip.
If you’re short on time, I’d recommend choosing one easy-access location and one more adventurous spot—that’s the best way to experience the range Arizona has to offer. And if you’re planning a trip during peak summer, getting an early start and having a backup option can make all the difference.
No matter where you go, spending time by the water is one of the best ways to experience Arizona beyond the desert heat—and easily one of the most memorable parts of any trip here.
