Swimming Holes Near Sedona: The Top 10 Amazing Cool Off Spots
Swimming holes in Sedona don’t just mean the pool at your resort. In fact, some of the area’s best places to cool off are hidden along creek beds, beneath red rock cliffs, and at the end of surprisingly scenic Sedona hikes to water.
You might think — “Swimming holes? In the desert?” Fair question. Northern Arizona sits at a higher elevation than many people realize, and Sedona’s canyon system helps trap and funnel water through the region year-round. This isn’t just a random puddle left behind after monsoon season.
Water here flows from the snowmelt down the Mogollon Rim and even pumps up from underground springs. Some spots are easy pull-offs where you can be ankle-deep within minutes. Others take a little hiking, a few creek crossings, and an extra bottle (or two) of water.
Either way, these swimming holes in Sedona offer a completely different side of Arizona that most first-time visitors never expect.
When Is Swimming Hole Season in Sedona?
Swimming hole season in Sedona typically begins in late spring and continues through early fall, with the warmest and most popular months stretching from June through September.
As temperatures rise across Northern Arizona, Oak Creek and the surrounding canyon waterways become some of the most refreshing places to spend an afternoon. Even during summer, though, the water often stays cool since it’s spring-fed or snow runoff.
Winter brings a quieter side of Sedona’s waterways, but don’t let the “desert” designation fool you; it can get cold and snowy in a Sedona winter. The water views are still epic on a Sedona late fall, winter, or early spring hike.
Top 10 Sedona Swimming Holes
Looking for secret swimming holes in Sedona is like trying to get the nuclear codes. Locals are very protective of the ecosystem and, quite frankly, if you found a secret spot, you probably wouldn’t Instagram it either.
However, there’s also safety in numbers when it comes to seeking out swimming holes in Sedona. We’ve rounded up the most popular, easiest to access, or “worth the hike” options in the region.
Bootlegger
- Waterway: Oak Creek
- Hours: 8am to Sunset
- Permit Required? Yes, Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
About 20 miles south of Flagstaff and 12 miles north of the center of Sedona, Bootlegger Picnic Area is one of the best swimming holes. Shady trees, smooth red rocks, and cool creek access make it a popular place to escape the Northern Arizona summer heat. The water is usually calmer here than in some nearby creek spots, making it great for wading and relaxing.
Buddha Beach
- Waterway: Oak Creek
- Hours: Day Use Only
- Permit Required? Yes, Coconino Pass ONLY
Behind Cathedral Rock, Buddha Beach blends one of Sedona’s most famous swimming spots with the area’s legendary vortex lore. Along Oak Creek, you’ll find shallow pools, smooth rock shelves, and cool water framed by towering red cliffs. Even visitors who roll their eyes at “energy vortex” talk usually admit this place has a peaceful, almost surreal atmosphere.
Bull Pen
- Waterway: West Clear Creek
- Hours: Day Use Only (unless you have a campground reservation)
- Permit Required? No
Bull Pen Swimming Hole sits along West Clear Creek Trail No. 17 about an hour south of Sedona near Camp Verde. Getting there is part of the adventure. Visitors follow a rough forest road to the Bull Pen Day Use Area, then hike into a surprisingly green canyon filled with cottonwoods, clear water, and deep swimming holes carved into the creek below towering canyon walls.
The Crack
- Waterway: Wet Beaver Creek
- Hours: Day Use Only
- Permit Required? No, but parking costs $5
The Crack is one of the most famous swimming holes along Bell Trail in the Wet Beaver Wilderness, drawing hikers willing to trade a long trek for cold, clear water surrounded by canyon walls. After crossing Beaver Creek several times, visitors reach a deep natural pool known for cliff jumps (at your own risk), floating, and a surprisingly lush desert setting that feels worlds away from Sedona’s crowded overlooks.
“Beware that during the summer months of extreme heat, this trail is notorious for Search & Rescue operations as people do not come prepared. It is a 3.5-mile hike one way along a rocky trail that has no shade and reaches temperatures of 100°+ in summer. The trailhead starts at an elevation of 3,866 ft. and climbs approximately 400 feet before reaching The Crack.”
— Coconino National Forest Ranger Warning about The Crack
Encinoso
- Waterway: Oak Creek
- Hours: 8am to Dusk
- Permit Required? Yes, Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Just south of Slide Rock State Park, Encinoso is a quieter stretch of Oak Creek where visitors can wade, swim, and cool off beneath shady sycamores without quite as much of the summer chaos. Smooth creek rocks, smaller pools, and easy water access make it a good swimming hole option.
Those who are experienced rock climbers might want to explore the possibilities at the nearby ephemeral waterfall, which generally flows during spring runoff or after storms.
Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River
- Waterway: Fossil Creek
- Hours: April 1 – October 1, 8am to 8pm, October 2 – March 31, Open 24/7
- Permit Required? Yes, parking and reservations are required to access the site.
Along the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River, swimming feels less like a quick dip and more like discovering a hidden oasis in the desert. Bright turquoise water, waterfalls, natural travertine pools, and surprisingly lush vegetation make this one of Arizona’s most unforgettable places to cool off. Popular swimming areas range from deeper cliff-jumping spots to calmer pools perfect for wading beneath cottonwoods and canyon walls.
As the name suggests, this is a “wild” yet “scenic” option. Be sure to check the difficulty rating and length of each trial, along with vehicle requirements, before heading out. Trails include:
Always call the Fossil Creek Hotline at 928-226-4611 before you plan an adventure to one of these swimming holes near Sedona.
Grasshopper Point
- Waterway: Oak Creek
- Hours: April 1 – October 31, 8am to 6pm; November 1 – March 31, 9am to 6pm.
- Permit Required? Yes, Coconino Pass or pay at the gate
One of the easiest swimming holes near Sedona to access is at the Grasshopper Point Swimming & Picnic Area of Coconino National Forest. The swimming area has plenty of shade. Cliff jumping is popular here, but there’s plenty of fun for families who just want to explore the water.
Lawrence Crossing
- Waterway: Wet Beaver Creek
- Hours: No limits
- Permit Required? No
Lawrence Crossing is a favorite for visitors who want a more rugged creek experience with free dispersed camping close to the water. Located along Beaver Creek south of Sedona, the area offers shallow swimming spots, small natural pools, and easy creek access surrounded by cottonwoods and desert canyon scenery. The dirt-road approach keeps some crowds away.
Midgley Bridge
- Waterway: Oak Creek
- Hours: Day Use Only (unless you have a campground reservation)
- Permit Required? Yes, Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Beneath Midgley Bridge, Oak Creek cuts through a dramatic canyon filled with deep pools, red rock cliffs, and some of Sedona’s most photographed scenery. The bridge itself rises about 80 feet above the creek, giving visitors a towering view down into the water below. Parking at the bridge is extremely limited and fills quickly, especially on weekends. Those who make the short hike down will find cool swimming holes, though this one can also get crowded.
Slide Rock
- Waterway: Oak Creek
- Hours: January 31 – November 21, 8am to 6pm; November 22 – January 30, 9am to 5pm
- Permit Required? Entrance fee from $20-$30 per vehicle (up to 4 people), depending on the season
Slide Rock State Park stands as Sedona’s trendiest swimming hole for a reason. A natural sandstone chute turns Oak Creek into a real-life waterslide, sending visitors gliding through cold mountain water beneath towering red cliffs. Beyond the main slide area, the park also has wading pools, picnic spots, and calmer creek sections. Expect crowds.
One tip: check the park’s website before you get in traffic or wait for a parking spot. They will post daily if the e. Coli levels are high or causing a closure.
Where to Avoid Swimming Near Sedona
Swimming is not allowed at Montezuma Well. If the National Park Service restrictions and five endemic species inside aren’t enough to stop you, consider the thousands of leeches waiting just below the surface.
Map of Swimming Holes Near Sedona
To help you plan an adventure to a swimming hole near Sedona, we put together this map. Always check conditions, access, and updates before choosing a spot.
Sedona Swimming Holes: Know Before You Go
In order to experience the best of swimming holes near Sedona, you need to know a few things about safety, realistic expectations, and rules.
Sedona Swimming Hole Crowds
As you can see in the photos below, there’s a big difference between scenic photography and the reality of crowds at the most popular swimming holes of Sedona. Traffic ended up so bad that Slide Rock State Park had to change entry rules effective May 1, 2026.
If you try to find a swimming hole off the beaten path, the Coconino National Forest has some advisories:
- The lakes of the Coconino National Forest have mostly rocky and/or muddy shores
- No sandy beaches
- No lifeguards
- Water quality is only monitored in Oak Creek Canyon
Swimming Hole Safety Near Sedona
These swimming holes are meant to whet your appetite for adventure, not replace official trail maps, park guidance, or safety planning. Conditions around Sedona can change fast, especially during monsoon season and extreme summer heat. Before heading out, make sure you understand the risks that come with desert swimming areas and canyon trails.
- Know the trail length and difficulty before you go. Some swimming holes require multiple creek crossings, steep descents, or long hikes back uphill in extreme heat.
- Check how much shade the trail actually has. Red rock scenery is beautiful until you realize the sun is treating you like a rotisserie chicken by noon.
- Watch weather forecasts carefully, especially during the monsoon season. Flash flooding can happen even if it is sunny where you are standing.
- Bring far more water than you think you need. The Forest Service commonly recommends at least one gallon per person per day in hot conditions.
- Wear shoes with grip. Slick creek rocks, algae, and sandstone surfaces send plenty of visitors into unplanned swimming lessons every year.
- Parking lots fill early at popular spots. Illegal roadside parking can lead to tickets, towing, or blocked emergency access.
- Respect closures, fire restrictions, and Leave No Trace principles. Check with the Forest Ranger District or Visitor Center for the trail you plan to explore.
It’s also worth noting that while nobody will stop you from cliffjumping into water, the Forest Service rangers strongly discourage it.
We’re Swimming with Ideas for Your Sedona Getaway
From hidden creek pools to famous swimming holes beneath towering red rocks, Sedona adds a refreshing side to any Arizona adventure. We can also assist with lodging recommendations, especially if your idea of a “swimming hole” is a pool with waitstaff service and a comfy lounge chair or cabana.
If your visit also includes a wedding, elopement, special event, or corporate retreat, Sedona Wedding Packages is here to help you plan the perfect getaway. Some of our wedding or elopement location options near water include Crescent Moon Ranch, West Fork of Oak Creek, and Secret Slickrock (after rain, not ephemeral).
Let’s start planning your dream Sedona getaway.
