The Best Swimming Holes Near Phoenix

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: June 4, 2023
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Arizona has some of the most breathtaking waterfalls and swimming spots on the whole continent! It’s incredible, but in the Arizona desert not far from Phoenix, there are literally dozens of idyllic oases. It’s amazing how many locations you can visit in a day trip within two hours of Phoenix to swim in a breathtaking swimming hole or splash about in a waterfall.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

There are a ton of extremely magnificent sights to visit in the Payson and Mogollon Rim region. Tonto Natural Bridge is a fantastic location just off the highway where you can take a moderate climb, see the enormous cave, have a refreshing swim, and enjoy a stunning small waterfall

It’s quite peaceful, and you can decide whether to take the shorter hike and spend half a day there or the longer one and milk it for everything it’s worth. This location is wonderful for families and explorers alike because it has picnic tables and viewing ledges, in addition to the swimming hole. 

The main downfall of Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is that it’s not dog-friendly! 

©Jason Yoder/Shutterstock.com

Bob Bear Trail Hike

Bob Bear, also known as Fossil Springs, which should not be confused with Fossil Creek, is a popular trek among locals in Arizona and offers the best water sports for a full day of fun. In addition to the infamous toilet bowl, there are cliff jumps, waterfalls, swimming holes, rock pools, and caverns. 

Since this is Arizona’s favorite day walk, we could go on and on about it, but think it’s better to experience it in person. With all of the incredible activities and sights to see at the finish, the rewards are unlike anything tourists have ever experienced anywhere else.

It is nine miles long, with much of it in the sunlight out in the open. Because this climb has claimed the lives of those who didn’t take it seriously, you should pack plenty of water. There are now several cautions, one of which is not to bring pets because of the duration and heat.

Fossil Springs

In addition to the infamous toilet bowl, there are cliff jumps, waterfalls, swimming holes, rock pools, and caverns at Fossil Springs.

©Jon Manjeot/Shutterstock.com

West Fork Trail

West Fork Trail is one of Sedona’s most well-liked hikes and for valid reasons. Anyone with any degree of fitness can do this hike because it is short and you can go back at any point. 

It is dependably cool and refreshing since trees provide continual shade and you cross a body of water almost every half mile. As long as it isn’t moving too quickly when you go, you can simply walk in the water the entire way up for a more exciting, unusual adventure. 

Parking permit paid on-site, albeit occasionally there is a wait. From Phoenix, this lovely retreat is 2 hours and 15 minutes away. While it’s one of the further options on this list, we think it’s well worth a day trip! 

West Fork Trail

West Fork Trail is one of Sedona’s most well-liked hikes.

©Danica Chang/Shutterstock.com

Cibecue Falls

Given that you spend so much time in and near the water, as you trek up toward the waterfalls, this may be the perfect hike to go on when it’s hot outside. is a pleasant little walk that frequently has shade and lets you spend a lot of time in the water. 

A wonderful swimming hole’s entire aim is to keep you cool, so swimming in the water frequently will help you stay that way. Make Cibecue Falls a highlight of your summer! You can even go cliff jumping if that’s your thing. 

The water may be cloudy when you go or it may be a stunning blue or green. The canyon, more than the color of the water, is what really makes this area so stunning.

Cibecue Falls

Make Cibecue Falls a highlight of your summer! You can even go cliff jumping if that’s your thing.

©Jon Manjeot/Shutterstock.com

Seven Falls Trail

Nothing is more enjoyable or soothing than a waterfall, much less seven of them. Another waterfall treasure can be found in Tucson, which is about two hours beyond Phoenix. It may be the nicest walk in Arizona which is located right in the middle of a big city. 

This trip will have you traversing Sabino Creek seven times, and along the route, you’ll see some amazing wildlife showcasing nature at its best. The climb itself is lengthy but quite flat, and if youngsters can manage it, it is extremely cool.

Seven Falls Trail

Seven Falls Trail may be the nicest walk in Arizona which is located right in the middle of a big city.

©Flying Mouse/Shutterstock.com

Wet Beaver Creek To The Crack

This is the nicest swimming spot in the area and a fantastic trek. Additionally, there are some excellent springs at the start of the journey that will rapidly beat the Arizona heat. Take it slow and have fun; after all, you never know when you’ll be able to enjoy a swimming hole such as this one again! 

The hike itself is very level and suitable for hikers of all ages, however, a large portion of it is in the public, so be aware of the heat. Like with any outdoor trip, bring plenty of water. The ultimate experience is to hike the entire distance down the creek and get immersed in nature. 

Summary Of The Best Swimming Holes Near Phoenix

RankSwimming HolesLocation near Phoenix
1Tonto Natural Bridge State ParkPine
2Bob Bear Trail HikeStrawberry
3West Fork TrailSedona
4Cibecue FallsCibecue
5Seven Falls TrailOro Valley, near Tucson
6Wet Beaver Creek To The CrackRimrock
Summary Table Of The Best Swimming Holes Near Phoenix

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jon Manjeot/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Where is a well known and loved location with fantastic views?

There are a ton of extremely magnificent sights to visit in the Payson and Mogollon Rim region. Tonto Natural Bridge is a fantastic location just off the highway where you can take a moderate climb, see the enormous cave, have a refreshing swim, and enjoy a stunning small waterfall. 

Where can I find a hidden treasure neat Phoenix?

Nothing is more enjoyable or soothing than a waterfall, much less seven of them. Another waterfall treasure can be found in Tucson, which is about two hours beyond Phoenix. It may be the nicest walk in Arizona which is located right in the middle of a big city.

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