Wet Beaver Wilderness

Few things are more refreshing on a sweltering day than a dip in a cool desert canyon stream.  The Bell Trail #13 leads to one of the most beloved of all Arizona swimming holes—“the crack”.  Tucked into a slender slot canyon where the cool, spring-fed waters of Wet Beaver Creek flow year-round, this natural water park attracts droves of visitors.  

The hike in is completely exposed to the sun, but never strays far from the creek with its lush riparian vegetation, numerous shallow pools and slick-rock water chutes.  At the 3.25-mile point, the trail comes to a junction near Bell Crossing. Although the official route veers right, crosses the creek and climbs 1,200 feet to the top of the Mogollon Rim, those in search of plunge must hang a left instead and head for the red cliffs that form “the crack”.  


Length:  6.5 miles roundtrip
Rating:  moderate
Elevation: 3,880 – 3,980 feet
Driving distance from Phoenix:  115 miles
Getting there:From Phoenix, travel north on I-17 to exit 298.  Go left (east) onto Beaver Creek Road (Forest Road 618) and continue 2.1 miles to the trailhead on the left.
Information: 928-203-7500,  fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/bell-tr.shtml