The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek: What to Expect from This Popular Swimming Hole Hike
Wet Beaver Creek is one of the most popular water hikes near Sedona, and for good reason. The trail leads to The Crack, a scenic red rock swimming hole that offers cliff jumping, relaxing, and a refreshing dip after a long desert hike. But do not let the photos fool you. This is not a quick, easy stroll to a swim spot. It is a seven mile round trip hike through exposed desert terrain, and in the summer it can become dangerously hot.
We want to be honest and clear about what this trail is actually like so you can enjoy it safely and responsibly. Updated October 2026 with current parking pass info, directions, and trail rules.
Looking for a shorter hike with water? Check out our blog post on other Arizona water spots here.
Leave No Trace at Wet Beaver Creek
Wet Beaver Creek gets a lot of visitors, especially in summer, and it shows. Please help keep it beautiful by following the seven principles of Leave No Trace:
- Plan ahead and prepare: Check the forecast, bring at least a gallon of water per person, and have your parking pass before you arrive.
- Travel on durable surfaces: Stay on the Bell Trail and avoid cutting switchbacks or trampling plants along the creek.
- Dispose of waste properly: Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps and dog waste. Use the restroom at the trailhead before you start.
- Leave what you find: Don’t touch or take rocks, plants, or petroglyphs.
- Minimize campfire impacts: Campfires aren’t allowed on the Bell Trail or in the Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness.
- Respect wildlife: Keep your distance and never feed animals.
- Be considerate of other visitors: Keep music off, share the swimming area, and take turns on the jumping rocks.
Quick Stats:
Length:
About 3.5 miles each way (7 miles round trip)
Route Type:
Out and back
Elevation Gain:
600 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes (don't recommend in summer)
Fee:
Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass required to park
Difficulty:
Difficult
Water:
No water at trailhead
Where Is The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek?
The Crack is on Wet Beaver Creek along the Bell Trail (Trail No. 13) in the Coconino National Forest, about 30 minutes southeast of Sedona and 40 miles south of Flagstaff, just off I-17. The hike starts at the Bell Trailhead near the town of Rimrock, and The Crack is about 3.5 miles in, where the trail meets the creek.
How to Get to the Bell Trailhead
Take I-17 to Exit 298 (the State Route 179 interchange). Head east under the interstate and drive about 1.5 miles to the old Beaver Creek Ranger Station turnoff, then turn north for about a quarter mile to the parking lot and trailhead.
- From Sedona: about 30 minutes via SR-179 south to I-17
- From Flagstaff: about 45 minutes south on I-17
- From Phoenix: about 1.5 hours north on I-17
Parking and Passes: Do You Need Tickets for The Crack?
You don’t need a ticket or permit to hike to The Crack, but you do need a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful pass to park at the Bell Trailhead. The lot has restrooms and fills up early on summer weekends, so arrive before 7 AM if you can. Horse trailers, buses, and large RVs should park at the nearby Bruce Brockett Trailhead and take the connector trail.
Our Experience on the Trail
We arrived at the trailhead around seven in the morning and the main parking lot was already full, so we parked in the overflow area, which added extra distance. Even that early, the temperature was already rising quickly. By the time we returned to the car, it was over ninety degrees.
We hike often, so it took us just over an hour to reach The Crack. But for most people, it can take closer to two hours each way, especially in high heat. Along the trail, we saw far too many people completely unprepared — hiking in flip flops, carrying just one small water bottle, wearing jeans, and even dragging full-size coolers behind them.
This is not that kind of hike.
There is no shade, no access to water, and no cell service once you are on the trail. Every summer, there are dozens of rescues due to heat illness and lack of preparation. In August of 2020, the trail was even temporarily closed because first responders could not keep up with the calls. Here is the link to AllTrails.
What It’s Like at The Crack
Once you reach The Crack, the view is stunning and the water feels amazing. The red rock cliffs create a natural amphitheater around the deep pool, and it is a fun place to swim, jump, and cool off. When we arrived, there were plenty of people already there, but it did not feel overcrowded. Everyone was friendly and took turns jumping from the rocks.
We jumped in a few times barefoot since the rocks were still cool from the early morning. After about an hour we packed up and started our hike back out. As we made our way back, the heat was climbing and the crowds were growing. We passed groups of hikers just starting their trek in the midday sun, many looking unprepared and already overheated.
Please Hike Prepared
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Wear proper hiking shoes – This is not a flip flop or sandal trail. The terrain is rocky, uneven, and long.
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Bring more water than you think you’ll need – At minimum, plan for one gallon per person, even if you do not plan to stay at the water for long.
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Protect yourself from the sun – Wear and bring sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat. There is almost no shade on this trail.
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Start early in the summer – We recommend hitting the trail before 7 AM to avoid dangerous heat.
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Know your limits – This hike is not for everyone, and that is totally okay. There are other beautiful trails in the area that are shorter and more shaded. Check out our blog post on other water spots in Arizona here
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Bring snacks if you plan to stay for a while – You will be burning energy and need fuel for the hike back.
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Pack out all trash – Please do not leave anything behind. Wet Beaver Creek is beautiful, but only if we take care of it.
Best Time to Hike to The Crack
Spring and fall are the best times to hike to The Crack. Temperatures are milder, the trail is less crowded, and the hike out is far more pleasant. Summer is the most popular season because everyone wants to swim, but it’s also the most dangerous. The trail has almost no shade, and afternoon temperatures regularly climb past 100°F. If you go in summer, start before 7 AM and plan to be back at the car before midday.
Watch for flash floods during monsoon season (roughly July through September). Afternoon storms upstream can raise the creek quickly, even if it’s sunny where you are. Check the forecast before you go and get out of the water if it starts to rise or turn muddy.
Trail Rules to Know
- Day use only: no camping or campfires on the Bell Trail or in the Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness.
- Dogs must be on a leash, and you need to pack out pet waste.
- No bikes, motorized equipment, or drones in the wilderness area.
- Don’t disturb petroglyphs or other archaeological sites along the trail.
- If you plan to jump, check the water depth first. Water levels change through the year, and every jump is at your own risk.
The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek FAQ
How long is the hike to The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek?
The Crack is about 3.5 miles each way from the Bell Trailhead, so plan on roughly 7 miles round trip. It took us just over an hour each way, but most hikers should plan on closer to two hours each way, especially in the heat.
Do you need a permit or tickets for The Crack?
No permit or ticket is needed for the hike itself, but you need a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass to park at the Bell Trailhead.
Is The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek dog friendly?
Yes, leashed dogs are allowed, but we don’t recommend bringing them in summer. The trail is exposed, and the rocks get hot enough to burn paws.
How far is The Crack from Sedona?
The Bell Trailhead is about a 30-minute drive from Sedona via SR-179 and I-17.
Can you cliff jump at The Crack?
Many people do, but jumping is at your own risk. Always check the water depth first, since levels change throughout the year.
