Arizona Swimming Holes in One-Mile Hike or Less -

There are few things more fun than finding a refreshing swimming hole to save you from the heat of the desert. You have probably seen those posts with the amazing Arizona swimming holes.

They are absolutely gorgeous and immediately you add them to your bucket list. Then after scrolling through the stunning photos you realize it is a 8-10 mile hike to reach that swimming hole.

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I love to hike, but if you are looking for short hikes with a cool reward at the end then this list is for you.

Phoenix summers can be brutal. For those pressed for time or just looking for Arizona swimming holes to cool off in here are some of our favorites:

Table of Contents

Favorite Arizona Swimming Holes

Christopher Creek
Water Wheel Falls
Beaver Creek
Fossil Creek
Slide Rock Park
Grasshopper Point

Christopher Creek

Follow Christopher Creek’s rocky shore to find a deeper swimming hole.

Water Wheel Falls

The Water Wheel Falls swimming hole is a great hike because you are following the water most of the way. So, if you get hot before you reach it you can wade in the creek along the way. Water Wheel hike is a one mile hike in and one mile hike out, but there are places to cool off at this trail if you don’t feel like hiking all the way to the falls. Read more about Water Wheel Falls

Payson: Explore Nature in the Heart of Arizona

Beaver Creek

Wet Beaver Creek swimming hole is in Camp Verde. It is a great spot for a refreshing swim.

Fossil Creek

It is an adventure to drive here, but the hike is short and the reward of the Fossil Creek swimming hole is worth it. This swimming hole is like finding an oasis in the desert.

Slide Rock

Slide Rock Park, a natural rock water slide carved by nature, is one of the most popular spots to cool off in Sedona. If you are visiting the area take a short hike to this cool natural attraction. What use to be home to the Pendley’s Homestead and Apple Orchard is now a tourist destination. The park has large grassy open areas, perfect for a picnic. You will have beautiful red rocks as your backdrop. Read more about Slide Rock.

Grasshopper Point and Picnic Area

Grasshopper Point swimming hole is well known, so like Slide Rock it is crowded on the weekends.

There are several rocks above that people jump off of as a nature’s diving boards. The swimming hole beach area is rocky, so swim shoes or sandals are a good idea.