Hike to 'The Crack' at Wet Beaver Creek
7 Miles
500 Feet
Photography, Swimming, Hiking
Intermediate
Spring, Autumn, Winter
Out-and-Back
This 7-mile out-and-back hike will reward you with a rad swimming hole to cool off and perfect your cannonball.
'The Crack' is a cliff jumper's dream, but it also offers something for everyone, with smooth rocks for sunbathing and shallow waters for wading. To get to The Crack, it's about a 3.5-mile hike each way, making it slightly less popular than Sedona's more accessible swimming holes. While you only gain about 500 feet of elevation, the hot desert sun is what makes this hike tough - but the swimming hole makes it totally worth it.
You'll park at the Bell Trailhead in a well-marked parking lot (just follow the signs for Beaver Creek Work Center). There are pit toilets at the trailhead and no fee or permit required to park there. On nice days during fall and spring, the parking lot can fill up, in which case you can park in the overflow parking areas (you'll see signs before arriving at the trailhead).
From the parking lot, follow the signs for Bell Trail. There will be two times where you'll come to a fork in the trail - once at Weir Trail and once to pass the creek - stay to the left both times. Not long after you pass the second fork, you'll arrive at the swimming hole. All that's left to do is choose a spot and jump in! And then hike back, of course...
Sidenote: No cell service is available on the trail or at the swimming hole.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
Simple Hike, Beautiful Scenery
This hike, for the most part, is pretty easy. The only thing that makes it tough is that there is zero shade and the sun can be brutal, so drink lots of water and wear a hat! The actual watering hole is awesome, however, the water is very very cold! Its nice to at least lay there and listen to the running water of the river. I went in June, I would maybe want to go a cooler time of year, but then im not sure if I would get in the freezing water at all.
Complete Madhouse
As mentioned, the second half of the hike is really pretty. The day we went, an ASU Frat also showed up, and kind of spoiled it for us. Lots of drinking and partying, with 100+ people at the swimming hole. If you go, go early in the morning or during the week!
Worthwhile Cool Down
Really great hike. Some of the most lovely views! Not too difficult, bring plenty of water. The water at the crack is ice cold and it was not clear but muddy (beginning of August). This makes cliff jumping a little more iffy, because you can't see anything. Still an absolute blast.
