The Best Swimming in Arizona

Looking for the best swimming in Arizona? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Arizona. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top swimming spots in and near Arizona

Camp Verde, Arizona

Hike to and Swim at the Bull Pen, AZ

5.0

10 mi / 350 ft gain

This trail starts at the end of Bullpen Rd and your adventure begins in beautiful thickets of trees and plants. The going is easy and the tempting sound of rushing water is on your right as you continue parallel to West Clear Creek. The trail will veer left up a rocky old service road but pay att...
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Payson, Arizona

Backpack Horton Springs

4.4

9 mi / 1600 ft gain

This is a more scenic and bit more strenuous loop hike to the spring, taking in the Derrick Trail, part of the Highline Trail, and the Horton Creek Trail.After parking the cars near Upper Tonto Creek Campground follow the Derrick Trail and hike gently uphill for 1.4 miles through the rim country ...
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Temple Bar Marina, Arizona

Hike to the Arizona Hot Springs

4.6

6 mi / 800 ft gain

Parking for this hike is about 35 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. It should take less than an hour to get there from any of the hotels. There is easy, fee free parking on the north side of Hwy 93. No permits are required, but a map is extremely helpful. Maps were available at a trail sign after y...
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Fort McDowell, Arizona

Hike Butcher Jones Trail Around Saguaro Lake

4.5

4 mi / 300 ft gain

Butcher Jones Recreational Area truly has a little bit of everything. However, the highlight of the area is the Butcher Jones Trail, a 4 mile out and back trail that is suitable for all skill levels. With minimal elevation gain and beautiful views, it can't be beat!The trailhead is located right ...
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Winkelman, Arizona

Hike Aravaipa Canyon

5.0

8 mi / 200 ft gain

Welcome to the beauty of wilderness and serenity! Within the boundaries of Aravaipa Canyon, you will not find any designated trails, campsites, or facilities. This canyon is one of Arizona’s hidden gems, and it is not mentioned in many travel books or in international travel magazines – yet. ...
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Morristown, Arizona

Explore Lake Pleasant, AZ

5.0

Located just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Phoenix, AZ lies a 10,000 acre desert oasis known as Pleasant Lake Regional Park. This expansive body of water serves as a great opportunity to beat the heat of the central Arizona sun, while taking in the beauty of the vivid blue waters and surroundi...
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Rio Rico, Arizona

Camp at Patagonia Lake State Park

5.0

Patagonia Lake State Park is located about 70 miles southeast of Tucson on State Route 82, 7 miles south of Patagonia, Arizona. Coming from the north, the drive to Patagonia Lake State Park is very scenic; the road winds through rolling hills and countryside with the looming Santa Rita Mountains ...
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Sedona, Arizona

Picnic at Banjo Bill

Nestled in Oak Creek Canyon, and throughout the Red Rock District are several picnic and day-use areas. Popular sites include; West Fork, Red Rock Crossing, Banjo Bill and Grasshopper, which provide unique hiking, creek side picnicking, swimming and fishing opportunities. All Oak Creek Canyon cam...
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Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona

Swim in Oak Creek Canyon

5.0

For this adventure you'll want to make your way to Oak Creek Canyon off highway 89 in Arizona. The GPS should get you there no problemo, my recommendation would be to look for a swimming hole upstream of Slide Rock State Park. Now this adventure is a little bit of a hunt, as you're driving the ca...
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Flagstaff, Arizona

Camp at Ashurst Lake

Ashurst Lake is South East of Flagstaff and not too far from Mormon Lake. It's an easy drive that any car can do. There is a a short section of well-maintained dirt road. Keep in mind the current fire regulations for the area as well as the lake's water level if you're panning to launch your boat...
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Winslow, Arizona

Deep Water Soloing at Clear Creek

5.0

For the best deep water soloing, go left after unloading the canoes or kayaks. At first, you might see a lot of people, but the further you paddle, the calmer and more peaceful it gets!Getting there: North on I-17, exit 285 at Camp Verde and go East on Hwy 260 then North on AZ 87. Turn right onto...
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Greer, Arizona

Backpack East Baldy Trail #95

13 mi / 1900 ft gain

From the trailhead you start your hike with views over the East Fork of the Little Colorado River as it winds through grassy meadows filled with summer wildflowers. About 1.5 miles in the trail heads into the forest, on your left before you enter the forest is a nice primitive campsite where we s...
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Payson, Arizona

Canyoneering at Christopher Creek/Box Canyon

5.0

2 mi / 200 ft gain

Just a little bit east of Payson Arizona is a canyoneering playground called Christopher Creek Canyon (aka Box Canyon). The water is nice and cold, and is only muddy after rainstorms. Make your way from pool to pool as you descend through the canyon, cliff jumping, rappelling, and down climbing. ...
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Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Camp at Lake Havasu State Park

4.0

Lake Havasu is a premier lake dividing California and Arizona along with the Colorado River. Lake Havasu State Park has an abundance of amenities including 47 camp sites, 3 boat ramps, multiple picnic areas and a beach area. The state park sits just north of the famous London Bridge that was purc...
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Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Stand Up Paddle in Castle Rock Bay

5.0

The Castle Rock Bay is a bit out of the beaten path, making it a quiet place to relax on Lake Havasu. The parking lot can be found off a dirt road off of Vista Dr. You will see the Castle Rock sign to the left heading towards the lake on Vista Dr. Drive along the dirt road for 150 yards or so bef...
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6871 Arizona 89A, Arizona

Explore Slide Rock State Park

4.5

This beautiful State Park, which is the original location of the Pendley Homestead, is a historic apple farm (the apple trees are still there!). This is a favorite stop for families in the summertime, so if you come then, make sure to arrive early. It’s common to find throngs of people in the cr...
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