In the spring and summer, Sedona in Arizona is known for its hot temperatures. The mornings are perfect for hiking but the afternoons should be reserved for relaxing and keeping cool in the best of Sedona swimming holes. Swimming holes in Sedona are suitable for all types, from family-friendly shallow pools to cliff jumping for the older kids.

While you're here, make sure to check out the can't miss things to do in Sedona for nature lovers and adventurers!

Read on to discover the 5 Best Swimming Holes in Sedona.

Grasshopper Point

Grasshopper Point is located along Oak Creek just two miles south of the Encinoso picnic area. This swimming hole is shaded, cool and surrounded by rugged scenery. There are areas for cliff jumping but keep in mind the water depth varies. To access the swimming hole you can scramble down the rocky track from the parking lot or if you’d prefer to earn your reward, take the hiking trails leading from the car park. Since there are capacity limits the parking spots will disappear quickly, especially during the weekend.

If it is busy, keep in mind visitors generally don't stay the whole day so a parking opportunity is sure to arise. You can park further down the road but the walk is obviously a little longer. I recommend visiting on a weekday as it’s much quieter. Once you're parked grab your gear and head down to the end of the parking area south of the restrooms. Plenty of shade is on offer but still be sure to bring lots of water as well as all of your other picnic essentials.

There is an $8 entrance fee per vehicle.

Slide Rock

Slide Rock is the most popular of Sedona swimming holes, though the crowds can at times make it more fun. It’s a natural slice of paradise with perfect summer temperatures making it one of the best and most loved swimming holes in all of North America. The slide has continuous water running which is a treat to slide down keeping swimmers cool during summer.

Both kids and adults experience a lot of fun when sliding on the chute where they then drop into a waist pool. There’s a shelf that sits six feet above the water that is perfect for cliff jumping. Slide Rock has spacious parking that can hold hundreds of cars. During the summer months, this place gets very busy therefore entrance to the park can take some time as the car park gets full quickly.

There is a $20 entrance fee per vehicle.

Red Rock Crossing

Red Rock Crossing is an oasis in Sedona which is also extremely popular but doesn’t feel as crowded. The location is perfect with a stunning view of Cathedral Rock in the distance. Though the temperatures of the water are slightly warmer than Slide Rock, there is no doubt you’ll still stay cool. The prime swimming hole has shade, a “beach” and picnic tables.

This hole is just about a tenth of a mile from the parking area, located a couple miles from the center of town. To the west of the parking area, there's a smaller and shallower hole which is very suitable for kids.

There is a $10 entrance fee per vehicle.

The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek

The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek is a much-loved gem in the scorching desert heat. While hiking towards The Crack there are many spots to stop along the way, some of them being swimming holes. Each requires a short hike off the main trail but the water here is amazingly cool and will bring you relief from the dry heat. There are also areas from which you can jump from into the pool.

The jumping areas range from eight feet to as high as thirty feet. If jumping isn’t your thing, there is plenty of rock space to lounge around on. The water in Wet Beaver Creek is refreshingly cold and will easily take your breath away for a second.

There is no parking fee to park at the trailhead.

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