15 Incredible Sedona Swimming Holes & How to Find Them

Looking for the best Sedona swimming holes? You’ve come to the right place!

Sedona is generally known for its gorgeous red rock desert landscapes but did you know that there are actually some great places to go swimming in Sedona?

During our most recent visit to Sedona, we set out on a mission to find all the best swimming holes of Sedona.

We loved our time cooling off at all the Sedona swimming holes after some long hikes in the desert sun.
 
So if you’re looking to find some amazing Sedona swimming holes, we’re here to give you all the details on how to find them, what to expect, and what to bring along with you.

The 13 Best Sedona Swimming Holes

1. Grasshopper Point

One of the best swimming holes in Sedona to beat the summer heat is Grasshopper Point!

Just downstream from Slide Rock is this large cliffside swimming spot. It is perfectly situated at the base of Oak Creek Canyon which means the location keeps the area shady until around midday in addition to offering a variety of cliffs to jump off of.

If cliff jumping isn’t for you, the water is calm and the pool is big enough for floating or tubing.

How to get there: There are 3 popular trails that are accessible from Grasshopper Point’s parking lot, but Allen’s Bend is the one that will lead you to the Sedona creek. Start on Allen’s Bend at the north end of the parking lot and follow the trail for approximately a ¼ mile. From this trail, you can access different sections of the water.

Parking: Grasshopper Point does have a parking lot, but it is on the smaller side which means it can fill up quickly, especially during busy seasons like summer. The parking pass required for this lot can be a bit confusing. They do not accept the traditional Red Rock Pass that is required at other parking lots in Sedona.

You will need a “Big 3 Pass” pass instead, which will get you into Grasshopper Point, West Fork of Oak Creek trailhead & Crescent Moon Ranch. You can get this pass at any of these parking areas, so if you plan to visit more than 1 of these spots it’s worth it to get the pass instead of paying the daily fee.

This fee can be avoided if you park on the side of State Route 89A near Grasshopper Point.

Insider Tip: Make sure to wear either strap-on sandals (these are our favorite), hiking boots, or sneakers down to the water.

There are a lot of big rocks you have to walk across to get to the creek, and we made the mistake and wore our Birkenstocks instead of Chacos. It’s very easy to roll an ankle on these rocks!

2. West Fork Oak Creek Trail

West Fork Oak Creek trail is another great place to go swimming in Sedona. This 7-mile trail takes you through the variety of habitats that reside in the Coconino National Forest including 13 different creek crossings where you can go for a Sedona swim.

This area is also known for some of the best places to camp in Sedona! So if you are thinking about camping, you can get a taste of everything that Sedona has to offer by staying overnight along Oak Creek.

How to get there: Travel north of Sedona for 9.5 miles along 89A until you reach Call O’ Canyon Day-Use Area. Upon parking at this lot, you will be situated at the trailhead of the West Fork Oak Creek Trail. Since the trail has 13 different creek crossings, you just need to hike the trail to happen upon the small swimming holes.

Parking: To get to the West Fork Oak Creek Trail, you will need to park at the Call O’ Canyon Day-Use Area. This parking lot costs $12 per vehicle of up to 5 people or it accepts the “Big 3 Pass” discussed above.

This parking lot typically fills up by 9:30 AM almost every day during the busy seasons so you should plan to arrive early and be prepared to find alternate parking. 

3. Midgley Bridge

When it comes to water holes in Sedona where you can catch a tan, Midgley Bridge is the ideal option. This is because this swimming hole is lined with large red rock areas or beaches that are the perfect place to lay out on.

This particular swimming hole in Sedona is also known for its beautiful views, clear waters, and natural water slide similar to Slide Rock State Park. With all of these awesome features, however, it makes this spot super busy, especially with the college students of the area.

How to get there: In order to get to the swimming hole, you will start on Midgley Bridge Trail which will start by taking you underneath the bridge itself. Follow Midgley Bridge Trail until you happen upon Huckaby Trail where you will take a right.

Follow Huckaby Trail until you get to Oak Creek, and once you get to the creek you will want to follow it further downstream until you find the Red Rocks and all of the people.

Parking: Parking at Midgley Bridge can be a challenge since the parking lot is super small, but if you arrive early enough (like 8 am or earlier!) you should be able to find a spot. You will need a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass to park here.

There is a credit card-accepting kiosk that allows you to purchase a pass on-site. If you are unable to find a parking spot at the lot then you can try to park in one of the spots along the scenic State Route 89A.  

4. Slide Rock State Park

We can’t leave out Slide Rock State Park when talking about the best swimming holes in Sedona!

Only 15 minutes from Sedona and filled with water slides like Red Rock formations, you can see why it’s the most popular swimming hole, especially with tourists.

There are also cliffs to jump off of and varying depths of water to enjoy.
Apart from the swimming hole, Slide Rock State Park also boasts some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sedona!

How to get there: Starting from the Slide Rock State Park Parking Lot, you will follow the paved path that leads you down to the water. The swimming holes are located upstream and the area and trails are all well marked.

Parking: Slide Rock State Park has a much larger parking lot that can accommodate closer to 100 cars, but even then it can fill up on busy days and seasons.

There is a fee of $10-$30 per vehicle of up to 4 people, the price fluctuates based on the time of year that you visit. Again, you can try to avoid this parking lot by checking for spaces along State Route 89A.

5. Crescent Moon

Situated right below Cathedral Rock, the Crescent Moon swimming area is one of the most beautiful swimming holes in Sedona!

Crescent Moon Ranch has tons to offer in addition to swimming like picnicking, hiking, camping, and barbecuing. With so many desirable activities to do, Crescent Moon Ranch can get pretty busy with locals and tourists alike.

Luckily though, there are multiple swimming holes to choose from both upstream and downstream including Buddha Beach which we talk more about below.

Also, for those early-birds out there, this swimming hole is a perfect place to see Cathedral Rock light up for an incredible Sedona sunrise.

How to get there: In order to get to the Crescent Moon Ranch swimming area you will need to park at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site. From this parking lot, you will take the path that heads south past the restrooms. This path will lead you to a few different swimming areas.

Parking: Crescent Moon swimming area has parking available at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site. The parking at this lot costs $12 per vehicle of up to 5 people or you can use the “Big 3 Pass” to park here. 

6. Red Rock Crossing/Buddha Beach

Another one of our favorite and best water holes in Sedona is Red Rock Crossing. Red Rock Crossing or Buddha Beach is a short hike past the swimming areas at Crescent Moon Ranch.

Because the trail to get to this swimming spot is a little hard to find and follow, this spot is more of a local secret than a touristy destination.

Red Rock Crossing is also one of the seven main Sedona vortex sites. So you can get some vortex energy and cool off with a swim at the same time!

The other large draw to Red Rock Crossing is the panoramic views of Cathedral Rock. While you can check out this Oak Creek swimming spot at any time of the day, the best time of day to go is at sunset to see a gorgeous Sedona sunset.

How to get there: There are a few different ways to get to Red Rock Crossing. You can either park at Crescent Moon Picnic Site and pass the first couple of swimming areas. Keep hiking along the trails for about 0.5 miles until you find a rocky slopped beach- that’s Buddha Beach.

The vortex is the huge pile of boulders on the other side of the river, but you can’t really swim from that spot as there’s no beach so if you want to swim we recommend coming from the Crescent Moon parking area.

If you just want to check out the vortex, you can park at the Baldwin Trail and hike on the other side of the river from Buddha Beach.

Parking: Parking at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site currently costs $12 per vehicle of up to 5 people or you can use the “Big 3 Pass”.

The Baldwin Trail Parking Lot requires a Red Rock Pass or America The Beautiful Pass. 

7. The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek/Bell Crossing

If you are looking to go hiking in Sedona AND swimming, then The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek/Bell Crossing is the best option for you!

The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek has all of the best features a swimming hole could have. There is deep water, smooth rocks, and a variety of cliffs. A special rock formation also creates a stone diving board that is aptly nicknamed “The Tongue of the Beaver”.

While all of this is really enticing, keep in mind that this trail is a long 3.3 miles one-way hike with no shade. But in terms of Sedona places to swim, the hike is worth it!

How to get there: Once at the Bell Trail Parking Lot, you will look for signs for Bell Trail. Follow Bell Trail and keep left the entire time on the trail and you will be led directly to The Crack at Wet Beaver.

Parking: To get to The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek/Bell Crossing, you will need to park at the Bell Trail Parking Lot. This lot is accessible off of Forest Service 618 where you will find signage to direct you to Beaver Creek Work Center. This parking lot is free with no pass required.

8. Baldwin Trail

Baldwin Trail will lead you to some more of the best Sedona swimming spots with views of Cathedral Rock!

This trail (that we already discussed a bit above) features many side trails that lead to even more swimming holes on Oak Creek.

If you don’t want to hike all the way to Red Rock Crossing, you can just park at the Baldwin Trailhead parking area and head down to the creek from there.

There are lots of nice places to enjoy a dip in the creek and a lot of the spots are spread out so you can find your own secluded area to chill if you want.

Even better, hike the Baldwin Trail Loop which takes you all the way to the base of Cathedral Rock first, and take a dip to cool off on your way back!

How to get there: Drive south out of Sedona on Highway 179 towards the Village of Oak Creek. Turn right on Verde Valley School Road and follow that for 5 miles until you reach the Baldwin Trail parking area.

Parking: The Baldwin Trailhead Parking Lot is a medium-sized parking lot with around 25 spots, but with the draw of Cathedral Rock, the spots can and will fill up quickly on busy days. This parking lot also requires a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.

9. Chavez Crossing

Chavez Crossing is one of the most secret swimming holes in Sedona, Arizona.

There are two ways to swim at Chavez Crossing, you can either stay at the Chavez Crossing Group Campsite (which is only open to campers staying there) or you can check out this hidden parking spot along Oak Creek.

This swimming spot is a unique swimming spot surrounded by cypress groves and red rock formations, so you’re bound to have a good time here.

How to get there: Once parking at the Chavez Crossing parking area the walk to the creek is short and easy.

Parking: Chavez Crossing parking is available at the end of Chavez Ranch Road. The parking lot is on the smaller side and free which means it can fill up quickly during the busy season. There is also no parking on the road leading to the lot.

10. Seven Sacred Pools

Even though you’ll find Seven Sacred Pools as one of the best swimming holes that Sedona has to offer, you cannot actually swim here.

These small pools are naturally formed from years of erosion and are nestled between the Oak Creek Mountains and the desert.

While you cannot swim in these pools due to their size and also the fact that it would disturb the natural habitat of the pools, they are still a really cool sight to see while hiking the Soldiers Pass Trail.

This area is also a popular stop along the Soldiers Pass Trail and for some awesome 4×4 Sedona Jeep tours.

How to get there: In order to see the Seven Sacred Pools, you will start at the Soldiers Pass Trailhead. From there, the pools are only about 1.1 miles away.

Starting at the east side of the parking lot, you will take Soldiers Pass Trail and keep left at the first fork to stay on that trail. Continuing along this trail, you will pass the Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole. After the sinkhole, it will be about .4 miles until you reach the Seven Sacred Pools.

Parking: To get to the Seven Sacred Pools, you will need to park at the Soldiers Pass Trailhead Parking Lot. This is a small, gravel parking lot that can fit up to 14 cars. The lot is free and doesn’t require a pass, but you should plan to arrive extra early to get a spot especially since there is no alternate street parking nearby. 

Another option, if this parking lot is full, is to park at Jordan Road Trailhead (Red Rock Pass or America The Beautiful Pass required here.) To get to the Soldiers Pass trail you’ll need to hike on Cibola Pass Trail to the Jordan Trail to the Soldiers Pass Trail and then back to the trailhead via Brins Mesa Trail.

We recommend using AllTrails Pro if you decide you’d like to do the hike this way so you can follow a map to not get lost!

11. Bull Pen Swimming Pools

If you want to go swimming near Sedona, then you should definitely add Bull Pen Swimming Pools to your list!

This swimming area is located in Camp Verde, which is just about an hour’s drive out of Sedona. To get to the swimming spot, it’s a quick 1-mile walk from the Bull Pen Day Use Area.

The pool in this swimming area gets up to 10 feet deep, so it’s a great spot to actually swim! There are also shallower areas for kiddos and dogs as well. 
There are also spots to cliff dive and a rope swing for those looking for more exciting activities.

How to get there: Bull Pen is located on West Clear Creek which is east of Camp Verde. To get to the swimming hole, you will start by parking at Bull Pen Parking Area which is on Bull Pen Road.

The road will then end at the restrooms and gate and the West Clear Creek Trail will begin there. During this hike, you will happen upon a stone house where you will turn right and go down a well-worn path that will lead you to the swimming hole.

Parking: Bull Pen Swimming Pools are accessible from the Bull Pen Day Use Area. The Bull Pen Parking Area is also free to use. You will want to drive until you reach the end of the road before you park in order to get a closer spot.

12. Fossil Creek

Fossil Creek is another swimming hole close to Sedona that you totally have to put on your list.

This swimming spot looks like something from a Caribbean island, not a swimming hole in the middle of Arizona.

With bright blue water and a huge waterfall, it’s totally worth the effort in getting here.

Fossil Creek is one of two “Wild & Scenic” rivers in Arizona and the waterfall gushes out over 20,000 gallons of water a minute!

How to Get There: Fossil Creek is located in the same area as Bull Pen and West Clear Creek. Head to Camp Verde and then take Fossil Creek Road until you reach the parking areas for the swimming spots.

Parking: Permits are now required from April 1 – October 1 to park at the trailhead to access Fossil Creek.

13. West Clear Creek

West Clear Creek is another one of the best places to swim near Sedona. This swimming spot is difficult to get to and isn’t really known, so it’s pretty secluded and not crowded.

Located in the West Clear Creek wilderness, there are a bunch of swimming spots all along the creek that runs through this area.

One of the best swimming spots is the Sundance Canyon, which you can park at the West Clear Creek Trailhead to get to. You will need a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle to get to this trailhead, so keep that in mind.

This area is also very rugged and remote, so bring everything you need with you and download maps before you go as there’s no cell service.

Parking: Sundance Canyon is accessible if you park at the West Clear Creek Trailhead. 

14. Encinoso Picnic Site

One of the more hidden places to swim in Sedona is Encinoso Picnic Site. This Oak Creek Canyon swimming spot offers a scenic setting of a green oasis and towering red rock formations.

Encinoso swimming hole is pretty easily accessible from the picnic area. Lots of people come to this spot to enjoy picnics, hiking, fishing, sunbathing, and even birdwatching!

Keep in mind the water isn’t super deep here, so it’s more of a place to splash around in the water than actually swim. But it’s a fun place to relax and many people like to bring a hammock and read a book by the creek here.

How to get there: In order to get to Encinoso, park at the Coconino National Forest Day-Use Picnic Site which is located about 2 miles down the road from Grasshopper Point. Cross the road and follow the faint trails down to the water from the picnic area.
 
Parking: Encinoso Picnic Site is accessible by the Coconino National Forest Day-Use Area where there is parking available with the Red Rock Pass.

15. The Verde River

The Verde River is best known for kayaking in Sedona, but you can also go swimming in Sedona on the Verde River!

Sedona swimming in the Verde River is allowed anywhere along the river, but it is at your own risk. While you can swim pretty much anywhere, the top spots to check out on this river are the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area located in Cottonwood and Verde River Access in Clarkdale.

How to get there: Both the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area and the Verde River Access give you easy access right to the river, so you just need to park and walk on down to the water or follow the trails along the water.

Parking: The Verde River Greenway State Natural Area and Verde River Access both typically have plenty of parking with no fees.

Map of the Best Sedona Swimming Holes

What to Pack When Visiting Sedona Swimming Holes

Packing to go swimming in Sedona, AZ is going to be pretty similar to packing for a float trip. You can check out our Float Trip Essentials to get more ideas!

• Swimwear: Obviously if you plan on getting in the water you will want to bring your preferred swimwear with you. You might even want to consider a swim shirt if you want to completely avoid a sunburn.

• Sun Protection: Being in the water can get you extra burnt if you aren’t careful, so be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

• Towels: Whether you want to lounge on the beach or play in the water, you should have some towels handy to lay on and dry off with.

• Water Shoes or Sandals: Since the bottoms of these swimming holes will likely be on the rocky side, you should avoid being barefoot and wear some water shoes or sandals.

• Waterproof Phone Pouch: Most of us can’t go without our phone, so if you plan on having your phone anywhere near the water be sure to keep it inside some type of waterproof casing.

• Food and Water: Being out on the water and in the sun all day means you should have either snacks or a lunch packed along with extra water to stay hydrated.

• Hiking Gear: A lot of the Sedona Arizona swimming holes will require hiking to get to them. That being so, you should pack a bag with your hiking gear and wear some supportive footwear until you reach the water.
  

What to Expect When Visiting Swimming Holes in Sedona

• Crowds: When visiting any of these popular swimming holes in Sedona, Arizona during the summertime and/or on the weekends, you should expect to see crowds consisting of both locals and tourists. Be prepared to spend extra time hiking to find a clear spot or have a backup location in mind. 

• Weather: Depending on the season that you visit, you should expect changes in the weather and plan to dress accordingly. Typically you will go swimming in Sedona during the warm seasons which can come with extreme heat as well as storms. Keep tabs on the weather before you go!

• Currents: Not all of these several swimming holes will be calm and shallow. Since most of the swimming holes near Sedona are a part of creeks and rivers, the areas can be unexpectedly deep and can come with some swift currents. Test the depth and check on the current water levels before you go too far!

• Animals: When out in the United States Southwest, you are bound to come across lots of desert critters, and not all of them will be friendly. Be aware of where you step when you hike down to any swimming hole as rattlesnakes are prominent in Sedona. 

• Hiking: Most of the swimming holes near Sedona, AZ are going to require a hike to reach the water. The hikes are usually fairly short and easy to navigate due to the high volume of visitors, but still, come prepared to hike. Wear some supportive hiking shoes and pack a bag with hiking supplies.

• Safety: Even though cliff jumping is all fun and games, it is always best to stay on the cautious side. Safety should come first before you set off into the water of any of these swimming holes. Make sure to check the depths of the swimming holes before jumping off of any elevated rock or cliff. Also, make sure any young children have the necessary flotation devices if the water is deep.

• Leave No Trace: Whenever you go out in nature you should expect to practice the Leave No Trace principles wherever you go hiking or swimming in any wilderness area. Ensure that you pick up after yourself and leave things how you found them to have as little of an impact on the ecosystem as possible.

FAQs: Sedona Swimming Holes

Wrap-Up: The Best Swimming Holes in Sedona, AZ

We hope that this article will help you cool off and relax after a hot day in the Sedona sun!

We truly love finding hidden gems in our favorite city of the Southwest, and we know that no matter which swimming hole you find, you will have a refreshing day on the water.

Whether you are going for some thrill-seeking cliff diving or looking to lounge on the inland beaches of Arizona, we hope this article helps you find the perfect place to swim for you.