Most people think of Sedona when they picture Arizona red rock hiking. The iconic formations, the boutique coffee shops, the bumper-to-bumper traffic on a Saturday morning. And look — Sedona earns every bit of its reputation. But just 20 miles south, tucked against the boundary of the Wet Beaver Wilderness in Coconino National Forest, the Bell Trail offers something that Sedona's busiest trailheads rarely can: genuine solitude, spring-fed water running year-round, towering red sandstone canyon walls, and one of the most celebrated natural swimming holes in the entire Southwest.
The destination is a deep, clear pool wedged between canyon walls and known locally as "The Crack" — or, to those in on the local lore, the "Tongue of the Beaver." National Geographic Adventure once named it one of the nation's best swimming holes, and anyone who's arrived at that cool, crystalline water after 3.5 miles of exposed desert hiking will tell you the magazine got it right.
This is also a trail with real history. Bell Trail was built in the early 20th century by a cattle rancher who blasted sections of the canyon wall to create a driving route between the valley floor and the Mogollon Rim. Today, families, swimmers, anglers, and hikers come for the same essential payoff: big scenery, refreshing water, and a sense that you've genuinely earned the reward.
Trail Quick Facts
Trail Name: Bell Trail No. 13
Location: Rimrock, Arizona (Wet Beaver Wilderness, Coconino National Forest)
Distance: 7 miles round-trip to Bell's Crossing / The Crack
Elevation Gain: ~520 feet
Difficulty: Moderate (mostly flat first half; gradual rocky ascent in second half)
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Trailhead: Bell Trail Trailhead, Forest Road 618A, off I-17 Exit 298
Trailhead GPS: N 34°40.451', W 111°42.801'
Parking Fee: $5 per vehicle (self-pay kiosk at trailhead)
Dogs: Allowed on leash; pack out all waste
Strollers / Bikes: NOT allowed — Wilderness Area rules prohibit mechanized equipment
Best Seasons: Year-round; spring and fall are ideal; summer requires very early starts
Estimated Time: 3 – 4 hours round-trip, not including swim time
Getting There: Directions to Bell Trail
The trailhead is one of the more conveniently located wilderness access points in Arizona — just 2 miles off Interstate 17, making it an easy 90-minute drive from Phoenix and a straightforward 40-minute drive from Flagstaff.
• From Phoenix, take I-17 North toward Flagstaff.
• Take Exit 298 (State Route 179 / Sedona exit).
• At the bottom of the ramp, turn RIGHT (east) onto Beaver Creek Road / Forest Road 618. Do NOT turn left toward Sedona.
• Continue approximately 2 miles east on FR 618.
• Turn left onto Forest Road 618A and follow the signs to the Bell Trail Trailhead. The parking lot is about 0.3 miles down.
Parking Note: There are two trailheads in the area, which can be confusing. Regular vehicles should use the Bell Trail Trailhead. There is a separate Bruce Brockett Trailhead nearby designed for horse trailer parking. The Bell Trail lot fills quickly on summer weekends — plan to arrive before 8 a.m. if possible. An overflow lot is available nearby if the main lot is full. There are vault toilets at the trailhead, but no treated water.
The Hike: What to Expect Mile by Mile
Bell Trail is a point-to-point experience with a clear and satisfying destination. The trail is generally well-marked and easy to follow, which makes it great for families with kids old enough to manage a long walk — think ages 8 and up for the full round-trip.
Miles 0 – 2: The Valley Floor (Easy & Flat)
From the trailhead, the path begins as a wide, rocky red-dirt double track — the remnants of the old cattle jeep trail. Almost immediately you'll hear Wet Beaver Creek to your right, though the trail stays on a bench above it for much of this stretch. The creek runs year-round and is home to smallmouth bass and native trout, so bring a fishing pole if that's your thing.
The first two miles are flat and exposed, with minimal shade. The landscape is quintessential high desert: juniper, mesquite, prickly pear, and grasses flanking the trail on both sides. In the morning, the light on the red canyon walls ahead is genuinely stunning. About 10 minutes in, the trail dips through a fence and the riparian corridor — cottonwoods, sycamores, willows — comes into full view to the south. This green ribbon against the red rock backdrop is one of the most scenic stretches of the entire hike.
Poison Ivy Warning: Wet Beaver Creek has significant poison ivy along its banks. Teach your kids what it looks like before you arrive (clusters of three leaves, glossy green) and stay on the trail near the water. Do not let children wade into unfamiliar vegetation.
Miles 2 – 3.5: Into the Wilderness (Moderate & Rocky)
At 1.7 miles, stay right at the signed junction with the White Mesa Trail. At 2 miles, you'll pass the junction with the Apache Maid Trail — a strenuous route that climbs steeply to the Mogollon Rim and is not suitable for young children. Stay on Bell Trail.
Just past the Apache Maid junction, the trail officially enters the Wet Beaver Wilderness, and the character of the hike shifts. The path narrows to a single track and begins a gradual ascent along a sandstone bench above the creek. The red rock walls close in, the canyon deepens, and the views — both down to the creek and back across the valley — become spectacular.
The final half mile before Bell's Crossing is a descent back down to the creek through a corridor of towering sycamores and cottonwoods. In autumn, this stretch explodes with gold and amber foliage — one of Arizona's most underrated fall color displays. In summer, the canopy provides blessed shade after miles of open sun.
The Destination: Bell's Crossing & The Crack (Mile 3.5)
The trail ends at Bell's Crossing, where it fords Wet Beaver Creek and continues uphill toward Long Canyon — but for most hikers, this is the turnaround. And what a turnaround it is. The creek pools here between smooth sandstone platforms and canyon walls, creating the famous swimming hole known as The Crack. The water is spring-fed, shockingly cold even in summer, and crystal clear under normal conditions.
Sandstone ledges of varying heights line the pool, making it popular for cliff jumping — though there are no lifeguards or rangers on duty, so jump at your own discretion and always check water depth before leaping. The flat rock surfaces around the pool are perfect for spreading out a picnic, drying off in the sun, or simply sitting with your feet in the water while younger kids splash in the shallows.
Is Bell Trail Right for Your Family?
This trail is a fantastic family outing with some important caveats. Here's an honest breakdown:
• Age recommendation: 7 miles round-trip is a big ask for young children. Most families with kids ages 8 and older manage it comfortably, especially with swim time as the incentive. For younger kids, consider turning around at the 2-mile mark for a shorter, flatter 4-mile out-and-back.
• The big payoff motivates kids: The promise of a swimming hole at the end is a powerful trail motivator. Tell them about The Crack before you leave the car.
• No strollers or bikes allowed: The Wilderness designation prohibits mechanized equipment — this means no strollers, no balance bikes, no wagons. Plan accordingly.
• Shade is limited: The first two miles are almost entirely exposed. Schedule early morning starts to avoid the worst heat and keep kids from getting cooked on the way out.
• Water depth varies: The Crack can be lower in dry years. Check recent AllTrails photos before your visit to gauge conditions, especially if swimming is the primary draw.
Best Time to Visit
Bell Trail is a legitimate four-season hike, which is one of its great advantages over higher-elevation Arizona trails. Here's how each season plays:
• Spring (March – May): Prime time. Temperatures are comfortable, cottonwoods and sycamores are leafing out, and the creek is typically running full. Wildflowers appear along the valley floor in March and April.
• Summer (June – September): Hot and intense on the exposed sections — temperatures regularly exceed 105°F in the canyon. That said, the swimming hole is at peak appeal when it's blazing hot. If you hike in summer, start at or before sunrise, carry plenty of water, and be off the exposed sections before 10 a.m. Flash flooding is a real risk during monsoon season (July – September) — never hike near the creek during a storm.
• Fall (October – November): Arguably the most beautiful season. Cottonwoods and sycamores turn gold and amber, temperatures drop to comfortable levels, and crowds thin out compared to summer. The sweet spot for a family outing.
• Winter (December – February): Cooler and quiet. The creek still flows, the canyon is dramatic, and you may have the trail mostly to yourself. The swimming hole isn't exactly inviting, but the hike itself is excellent.
What to Bring
• Water: At least 32 fl oz per person for cool weather; 64 – 80 fl oz per person in summer heat. There is no water at the trailhead or on trail.
• Swim gear: Bathing suit, water shoes or old sneakers (the rocks at The Crack can be slippery), and a quick-dry towel.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, wide-brim hats, and UV-protective clothing. The first two miles offer almost no shade.
• Snacks and lunch: The rock platforms at The Crack are a perfect picnic spot. Pack more food than you think you need.
• Sturdy footwear: Trail runners or hiking boots. The second half of the trail is rocky with uneven footing.
• First aid kit: Especially useful for families — scrapes, blisters, and bumped toes are common at swimming holes.
• Dry bag or waterproof phone case: For anything you want to keep dry at The Crack.
• Leash for your dog: Required throughout the trail and Wilderness.
Safety Notes
Flash Flood Warning: Wet Beaver Creek is susceptible to flash flooding, especially during monsoon season (July – September). Never hike in the canyon during a storm or if dark clouds are building over the Mogollon Rim above. Water can rise rapidly with no warning even in clear weather downstream.
No Lifeguards: There are no rangers or lifeguards at The Crack. Always assess water depth before jumping from elevated ledges. Supervise children closely around the water.
Car Security: The Bell Trail trailhead is in a somewhat remote, unmonitored location. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Lock your car and take your essentials with you.
A Little History: The Bell Trail's Ranching Roots
Bell Trail wasn't built for hikers. In the early 20th century, a cattle rancher built it as a functional driving trail to move livestock between the Verde Valley floor and the grassy summer pastures of the Mogollon Rim above. The trail — and sections of it required actual blasting through canyon walls — was a feat of practical engineering. The surrounding land was part of the V Bar V Ranch, a major cattle operation that shaped the Verde Valley for decades.
The Coconino National Forest acquired the V Bar V Ranch in 1994, and a portion of the property was preserved as the V Bar V Heritage Site, home to one of the largest and best-preserved petroglyph sites in the Verde Valley. It's located just a short drive from the Bell Trail trailhead and is well worth a visit if you're in the area — a perfect add-on to a Bell Trail day trip, especially if you've already visited the Hieroglyphic Trail and want to continue the theme of ancient desert rock art.
Insider Tips for Bell Trail
• Midweek visits are dramatically less crowded, especially in summer. If your schedule allows, Tuesday through Thursday offer the best shot at a quieter experience at The Crack.
• The autumn foliage window is short but spectacular — typically late October through mid-November. Time your visit right and the sycamore and cottonwood display along the creek rivals anything you'll see in New England.
• The trail continues beyond Bell's Crossing for another 3.2 miles to the Long Canyon Trail junction. This extension is significantly more strenuous and not appropriate for younger children, but experienced hikers looking for more mileage will find wild, beautiful country above the canyon.
• Fishing is popular along Wet Beaver Creek. Smallmouth bass and trout are present — a fishing license is required.
• AllTrails photos are your best resource for checking current water levels at The Crack before making the drive.
Final Thoughts
The Bell Trail is one of those Arizona hikes that consistently over-delivers. You come for a swimming hole, and you get red rock canyon scenery, riparian forest, a legitimate sense of wilderness, and a payoff that's worth every step of the 3.5-mile approach. For families, it checks every box: accessible, scenic, safe when treated with appropriate respect, and memorable in the way only an ice-cold desert swimming hole can be.
Go early, go often, and pack out every piece of trash you find. This place has been around since before the cattle ranchers, and it deserves to stay beautiful long after us.
Happy trails. — Summit Standard Co.
0 comments