Discover “The Crack” at Wet Beaver Creek – A Cliff-Jumper’s Dream Destination

Written by Stephanie Harper
Published: October 16, 2023
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Cliff jumping has become a popular trend to post on social media. There are many cliffs around the world that offer spectacular views as you catapult to the bottom. There are also a lot of details jumpers should be secure with before they start their journey to the bottom. You need to be sure the water will be deep enough when you hit it and that there won’t be any animals in the water that you don’t want to interact with. Landing on an unsuspecting animal could cause it harm… and in turn, it could end up hurting you.

You also need to make sure there are no parts of the cliff you might accidentally hit on your way down. Once you figure all of these things out, you can start planning. One of the most popular places to cliff jump is in the USA. The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek provides some of the most amazing views, stunning hiking trails, and spectacular cliffs to jump off of.

How to Get to The Crack

climbing wall on Wet Beaver Creek Trail

One of the many views at Wet Beaver Creek going to The Crack.

©rootsrewound/Shutterstock.com

The Crack is at the end of the Wet Beaver Creek Trail. This trail is about an hour and a half north of Phoenix. Unfortunately, getting to The Crack is a little bit harder than just driving up to it and jumping off. The launch point is about a 3.5 mile hike from the start of the trail, meaning you’re going to have to work to get to the point. According to InspireTravelEat, the hike has been deemed moderately challenging and can range from anywhere between three and five hours. This means it’ll take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours just to get there. That being said, it’s only an elevation gain of 340 feet, which tells us the hike doesn’t have too much of an overall incline. Along the trek up, you will see plenty of amazing desert animals and amazing views.

What Animals Will You See Along the Hike to The Crack?

Bugling Elk in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

A wild elk that you might find on your way to The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek.

©Roy Nelson/Shutterstock.com

Unlike many places in Arizona, which is where The Crack is located, there are many different animals here and a diverse ecosystem. Because of the constant flow of water from the river, those who take the hike to the top will have a chance to see many different animals. You’ll be able to see animals like elk, deer, different birds, mountain lions, and even bears. This trek seems to replicate the same type of ecosystem that one would find in a mountain range. You’ll likely also come across lizards and snakes, so be careful not to step on anything.

Because of the constant flow of water, there will be tons of trees and different plant species to admire. The flow of water allows for plants to grow without constraint. These plants become food for animals to eat along with their flowing source of water. Inside the river, you might see different types of bass and trout after you splash in. The fact that there’s an entire ecosystem within the desert makes this trail super unique to the area. The beautiful views and ability to jump in the water 10 out of 12 months of the year also add to the uniqueness. You wouldn’t want to swim during December or January due to the average high only being 57 degrees.

Important Things to Know Before Heading to The Crack

Wet Beaver Creek Canyon, Arizona

Some running water near The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek.

©Eric Poulin/Shutterstock.com

Before starting your hike, it’s important to let people know where exactly you’re going and a rough estimate of how long you’ll be gone. Due to the location of The Crack, it might be hard to get quality cell phone service. As is the case with any hike that you might go on, always make sure to tell people about your plans. This way, in case anything happens to you during your hike, people won’t have to guess where you are.

It’s also very important to hydrate and bring as many snacks and liquids as you can. There are no places to purchase snacks or water during the hike, so you need to ensure that you’re staying hydrated and nourished. You should also plan on this hike taking up the entire day! The trail alone will take about five hours, and then you’ll want to give yourself enough time to enjoy cliff jumping. Lastly, you should make sure to head here with at least one other person for safety purposes.

Conclusion

Hiking Wet Beaver Creek Canyon, Arizona

The hike going to The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek.

©Eric Poulin/Shutterstock.com

The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek gives people who want to jump one of the most amazing places to achieve their goals. The entire ecosystem on the trail to the actual jump is undeniably amazing, given its location. Always make sure to be safe when hiking up and jumping. Those who want the thrill of a cliff jump should make sure to add The Crack to their list.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Smiles1479 at English Wikipedia, Public domain – License / Original


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About the Author

Stephanie Harper is a professional writer who graduated from Cal State Northridge with her English degree. She loves writing about animals, travel, and other lifestyle topics.

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