Plunge into the Tonto National Forest – and a swimming hole or two – from nearby Pine-Strawberry.
In addition to single rooms in the meticulous, New England-inspired main inn, Amber and Carson Eilers’s alpine sanctuary has expanded to include adorable Airstreams, dog-friendly tiny cottages and larger cabins. The porch swings set throughout the rolling property add a touch of romance. Don’t miss on-site Windmill Coffee, set in a Dutch-style windmill outside the main lodge – perfect for pre-hike fuel-ups. 5073 AZ-87, Strawberry, 928-202-7790, thestrawberryinn.com
Swimming Hole Spotlight: West Clear Creek
Finally: a swimming hole built for cliff-diving. The 30-mile West Clear Creek slices through the sandstone walls under the Mogollon Rim. Intrepid – and swimsuit-clad – hikers should get an early start for the 11-mile round-trip journey along the waterway. Early on, four stream crossings whet the appetite for the big reveal: Bull Pen, a storybook-esque pool nearly 10 feet deep and hemmed in by red-hued cliffs whose perches beg for a free-spirited dive into the water below. Nap in the shade of the cottonwood trees before the saunter back to the car. fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/recreation/trails/west-clear-creek-trail-no-17
Fee: None
If You Go: Located near Camp Verde. Take I-17 north to SR 260. Drive east on SR 260 for 8 miles to FR 618. Turn left and follow FR 618 for 2.2 miles to FR 215. Turn right. Drive 3 miles to Bull Pen Ranch trailhead.
High clearance vehicle recommended.
3 Pine-Strawberry Must-Visits
THAT Brewery
This environmentally conscious brewery utilizes recycled products and donates 5 percent of proceeds from its Arizona Trail Ale to the Arizona Trail Association. A lengthy food menu complements THAT’s 14 craft brews. thatbrewery.com
Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm
Pine’s high altitude and mountain spring water make for a primo plot for growing lavender. Pop by the farm store to buy lavender products for cooking, bathing or aromatherapy. pinelavenderfarm.com
Old County Burger
Our vote for best high-country Arizona burger? It might go to chef-owner Michael Dahling’s smashburger, which achieves that golden ratio of crispy halo to cheesy patty that Bad Jimmy’s fans so love. His fries are stupendous, too – super crisp and cooked in beef tallow. @oldcountyburger
