Also, we did not finish the trail because about a quarter mile before the end, an animal was growling at us from the bushes. Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. And completely unexpected. Almost everyone can do this hike.

Parsons Trail is pretty popular, especially in summer, because of a large deep swimming hole about a 1/4 mile past Summers Spring. Turn north across the Verde River, then left on FR 131. This swimming... It’s extremely difficult to get to, but not impossible, especially for those with an adventurous spirit. If that didn't sound...Slide Rock is one of the most popular locations in the Sedona area. This is a great hike when the weather is warmer.Below is what the Coconino National Forest website has to say.The hike up the Parsons Trail is a pleasant stroll along a cool, clear desert stream set in a magnificent red rock canyon. If you manage to go, however, enjoy it!

Cool water species such as smallmouth bass and green...Verde Hot Springs are a few natural hot spring pools located along the Verde River, near Sedona, Arizona. And two rocks were thrown at us. The Crack is a popular swimming hole found by hiking the Bell Trail down to Wet Beaver Creek.

If you visit this truly exceptional place please exercise extra discretion in making sure the impact you create is as slight as possible.Directions: 16 miles West of Sedona is the town of Cottonwood. Also, be warned, the 1/4 mile descent is quite steep.

Everyone stops at the first pool which is 1.7 miles in but if you keep going there are some great site. There are a few amazing trails in the area, as well as tons of creek access.

On the way back, 1 mile from the trailhead, we heard growling from the cavern system. It takes about 2.5 miles to get to Sycamore Canyon where there is a swimming hole and some cliffs to jump off of.

even at times when you cannot see it.

Uniquely,...The Crack is a popular swimming hole found by hiking the Bell Trail down to Wet Beaver Creek. You also need a 4WD vehicle to get there, as the last 5 miles of the drive is very rocky. Best in spring or after a rain, may be pretty dry in late summer. If you do continue the trail, there will be some water crossings you’ll have to do (the sign at the trailhead says 6 water crossings, but you cross one in the first 1.2 mile). Les chiens sont les bienvenus sur ce sentier mais seulement en laisse.Please be aware that the river may be too deep to cross after recent rainfall. At a number of points additional springs flow from the canyon walls through gardens of columbine and watercress.

Just FYI, the water was pretty dark from dirt runoff but crystal clear at the end. Le sentier longe une rivière et sa difficulté est évaluée comme modérée. After following the trail for about 3.5 miles away from the parking lot, take a detour to the left just...Camp, Canoe, Kayak, and Swim near Camp Verde, ArizonaWest Clear Creek flows along the boundary of this desert canyon country camp and is a popular place for hiking, swimming, wading and fishing.

I would hike it again.great hike, pretty well marked, when in doubt just look for man made rock towers.there are river cross overs with some stepping rocks.

More water spots can be found further up the trail. Up canyon from this point surface flow only occurs during snowmelt and after summer monsoons.The limestone layer just above the streambed is riven with small caves.

Once at the trailhead, it’s a short hike to get to the water. I crossed many cool streams, creeks, and rivers. We were not sure what kind of animal since we did not stick around to find out. It then becomes FR 131.

After the swimming hole the canyon makes a right turn and starts heading north.

If you manage to go, however, enjoy it! The spring at the end is almost not worth the last 1 1/2 mile... the great views are at the first and second swimming hole. there are a few camp sites right past the able to camp sign. A very pleasant 3.5 mile round trip hike down into a canyon and along a perennial stream to several swimming holes. For the drive to the trailhead, I'd recommend a high clearance vehicle.Went on a Saturday- too many people, hot, not a lot of water!Beautiful trail, has streams of water throughout the trail, marked well with cairns helped a few times direct us. Look carefully and you can see where the water is coming up.The trail crosses the stream here, and then again at the swimming hole.

I almost stepped on one when I approached one of the river crossings. Make sure you have ample water and snacks for the hike in and back.This is a great hike with a great swim hole at the half way point. Just look at that oasis!