July 11, 2017
You might know of Sedona for its red spires or for the special energy vortexes that exist there. These qualities certainly make the destination shine, but there’s another valuable element that makes Sedona sparkle—naturally flowing water. In a state where only 0.3 percent of the ground surface is water, water rules, and makes Sedona a wonderful destination in the summer. Sedona sits along the banks of Oak Creek, a tributary to the nearby Verde River—two of Arizona’s few perennial streams. Put all this together and you have unique outdoor water adventures that make summer in Sedona downright cool.
Mother Nature’s Water Parks
While neighbors back home brave a super-chlorinated water park, in Sedona you can release your inner child at nature’s ultimate slip and slide. Located seven miles north of town, Slide Rock State Park is recognized by many authorities, including Travel Channel, as a top U.S. swimming hole which contributes to its incredible popularity, so consider these additional opportunities. For thousands of years, the exhilarating water of Oak Creek has patiently carved and smoothed a sandstone slide 80 feet long and 2.5 to 4 feet wide, where you will slip, slide and swim to your heart’s delight. Five miles downstream, take a plunge at Grasshopper Point, a vibrant oasis where the stair-stepped cliffs above the deep, blue-green pools elevate you for a big splash.
Then, relax on its beach in the shade of cottonwood trees after a satisfying picnic lunch. This carefree outing awaits a short walk from the limited-space parking lot (which keeps the crowds at bay) two miles north of Sedona on State Route 89A. Another oft-heralded, but less populated natural swimming hole (due to the 3.5-mile hike to get there) is The Crack, a section of Wet Beaver Creek located 18 miles south of Sedona. You’ll be ready for a dip after the long hike. To explore more of Wet Beaver Creek, book a day hike with The Wildland Trekking Company. In addition to visiting The Crack, you’ll discover petroglyphs and learn about the artists who carved them. Finish up with a panoramic view at the Mogollon rim 1,100 feet above the riparian zone.
Other notable swimming holes created by Mother Nature include Midgely Bridge—and Red Rock Crossing, which has an amazing view of Cathedral Rock. For more information, contact the U.S. Forest Service Red Rock Ranger District office, or make it super easy on yourself and book one of Sedona’s expert hiking and tour guides to show you around.
Whatever Floats Your Boat
Whether it’s rafting, kayaking or lounging on an inner tube, the nearby Verde River will fuel an adventurous day of floating for all ages. Aptly named from the Spanish word for “green,” evidence of this lush river’s attraction to mankind dates back 10,000 years to the archaic period. As you drift along its banks, you’ll see why the Verde River continues to nourish much life—from alder, sycamore and walnut trees to willows, reeds and cattails. Beavers, kingfishers, herons, otters, frogs and turtles to bobcats, gray foxes, coyotes, jackrabbits, javelinas and even the elusive mountain lion all inhabit there.
For a truly invigorating day, paddle rapids on a Clarkdale Kayak Company guided tour. Open to all skill levels (children ages four to 12 ride tandem with an adult), you’ll be fully outfitted and shuttled to and from the 3.5-mile stretch of river. In addition to kayak excursions, Verde Adventures offers tubing tours to really “wet” your appetite. Add some class to your splash with its Water to Wine tour, which meets at the Tuscan-inspired farmhouse of Alcantara Vineyards for a memorable wine tasting. Mix it up more on the Saddle to Paddle horseback and rafting combo tour offered by Horsin’ Around Adventures.
And Then There Was Man
