![]() It’s free for up to 14 days, but the site’s 10 spots are only accessible by boat.įrom October through to April, Saguaro Lake also lures anglers hoping to hook 10-plus-pound bass or massive 30-pound carp in its depths. An idyllic way to see the stars among the saguaros is to camp overnight at Bagley Flat. Launch your boat from one of the two marinas (arrive early the parking lots fill up fast) to waterski the 10-mile-long lake in summer or stake out swimming spots at Captain’s Cove, Sadie Beach or at Pebble Beach on the Lower Salt River. One of the Salt River’s four reservoirs, Saguaro Lake was shaped after the Stewart Mountain Dam was completed in 1930. Like the aptly named Saguaro Lake located about 45 miles from Phoenix in Tonto National Forest, which is part of the Sonoran Desert that sprawls across most of the southern half of Arizona. Giant cactuses with arms outstretched toward shimmering water might seem to be out of sync, but Arizona is all about cool convergences. It’s also a jumping-off point for hiking Blodgett Basin and West Clear Creek trails through pinyon-juniper forests slickrock waterslides and shady spots for fishing.Īlong with its year-round mild weather, Camp Verde celebrates what it calls “curiosities:” it’s the designated geographical center of Arizona, the site where a 135-pound iron meteorite was dug up in an abandoned pueblo (a stegomastodon was also unearthed in nearby Clarkdale) and it's home to Tee Pee Rocks, conical volcanic formations called fumaroles, which geologists believe were formed 700 million years ago. To get to this unspoiled swath of nature, drive to the end of Bull Pen Road, then walk about a mile. ![]() The secluded swimming hole just 27 miles south of Sedona situated between Tuzigoot and Montezuma Castle national monuments is also a superb spot for simply lounging on the pebbly shore or wading in the water. When you want to take the plunge by jumping off a cliff into clear water, head to the Bull Pen day-use area on West Clear Creek in Camp Verde. Tours often stop at a swimming beach that also has a trail leading to Ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs before continuing to Horseshoe Bend. Although most people simply admire Horseshoe Bend at the overlook in Glen Canyon Recreation Area, the ultimate way to experience its outsize allure is by rafting the river through the canyon with its sandstone walls rising 700ft all around.Ī number of outfitters in the area offer half-day excursions traveling roughly 15 miles on the Colorado River. Courtesy of swimmingholes.Many visitors know Horseshoe Bend from its iconic viewpoint, but down below the river's beach gives a new perspective © Matt Munro / Lonely Planet Horseshoe BendĪs iconic Arizona photo ops go, this 270-degree bend carved 1000ft deep into the Colorado River near Page gets tons of attention. There are said to be other swimming holes along this trail as it continues beyond this point for a total length of 9.9 miles, eventually coming our on another forest road (FR 1533 and FR 48). ![]() As you cross through the creek the second time, about 3 miles in, the swimming hole is just downstream behind some rocks. Stop and enjoy the view: Saguaro cactus standing sentinel over clumpy prickly pear all the way down the canyon. It meanders initially through fragrant juniper stands, then up onto the canyon slope high above the water. The trail descends and heads west, closely following Cave Creek. (SEE THE TRAIL MAP YOU PICKED UP AT THE RANGER STATION) The trailhead for #4 is just a short walk up Cave Creek Road (FR 24) from the campground, on your left after you splash through the creek on a low water bridge. A network of five trails originates in this area the one along Cave Creek to the swimming hole is known prosaically as "Trail Number 4". About 9 miles past the ranger station you will see the Seven Springs picnic area. as it changes to FR 24, a dirt road which has some wash boarding but negotiable with a passenger car. STOP AT THIS RANGER STATION FOR MAPS AND INFORMATION. for many miles, through the towns of Cave Creek and Carefree, past numerous subdivisions, to the sign for the Cave Creek Ranger District office. (Make sure you get drinking water as there is none further up.) Stay on Cave Creek Rd. DO NOT turn off at signs to the "Cave Creek Recreation Area", which is a local park near here. Follow the Carefree Highway east to Cave Creek Rd. To get there, take I-17 north from Phoenix to Exit 223. In the Seven Springs Recreation Area of the Tonto National Forest.
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