Hike to the Crack at Wet Beaver Creek
Yavapai County, Arizona
Details
Distance
7 miles
Elevation Gain
500 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Cristen Gochoco
Beautiful water hole, that is easy to get to, offering swimming or just a peaceful place to relax or take pictures while listening to the sound of the running water.
As you drive into wet beaver creek you'll follow the signs for the Bell Trailhead. Parking is easy and free (no permit required), just follow signs for Beaver Creek Work Center and you will find the marked parking lot (there are also overflow parking lots for busier days). At the trailhead you will find pit toilets (these are the only toilets, none on trail) so be sure to use them before you start!
Getting to the crack is simple, just stay on the correct trail :) Its about a 3.5 mile hike each way (in and out) with only about a 500 ft elevation. It took me about 1 hour and 15 min each way and I cannot stress enough that you need to drink plenty of water! To start, from the parking lot you will follow signs for Bell Trail. The first couple miles of this trail offers little shade coverage, so you may want to bring a hat and wear plenty of sunscreen. You will come to a fork in the road twice (at Weir Trail and again to pass the creek) stay Left at both these forks. Shortly after the second fork you will find yourself at the crack (swimming hole).
Once arrived you can choose a spot to do a bit of swimming, or relax on the smooth rocks and catch some sun. Also, if you go down a little further, there are plenty of trees offering shade along the running water of the river (right before the watering hole).
Whether you are looking to swim or just relax the Crack and Wet Beaver creek offers a scenic and serene atmosphere for whatever adventure you are looking for that day!
*I hiked here the end of June. Started at about 8 am and got back to my car around noon. The weather was nice on the way up and when we got there it wasnt very crowded. A lot more people started showing up a little after 10 am. On the way back down it was HOT (over 90 degrees) and the trail does not offer much shade. DRINK LOTS OF WATER! Ran into a lot of people going up, it seems the big crowds started to come at around 11 am. I had no cell service on the trail or at the swimming hole.
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Hike to the Crack at Wet Beaver Creek Reviews
This use to be a nice spot to go to swim and relax. It has gotten so crowded in the past few years that there is trash everywhere. Pack it in, Pack it out!!!
3.0
I've done this hike a few times, I always forget how many miles it is, but its great. At the end you get to be rewarded with refreshingly cool waters that you can jump off of a couple cliffs, great place to practice those gainers.
5.0
Leave No Trace
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