Bell Trail to The Crack

Wet Beaver Creek is a desert oasis cutting into the edge of the Mogollon Rim near Sedona, Arizona. Much of the creek resides within Wet Beaver Wilderness in Coconino National Forest where, you can fish, hike, swim, and bird watch. This lush riparian attracts large amounts of wildlife such as elk, deer, bear, and mountain lions among others. The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek makes for a great destination hike to cool off on a nice summer day or to simply enjoy nature.

The Bell Trail is the only developed route into Wet Beaver Wilderness and to the popular swimming hole nicknamed the Crack. The trail and parking area can get quite busy; however, there is an overflow lot located just 0.3 miles west of the main trailhead. There are pit toilets at the trailhead, but there are no trash services, so be sure to practice Leave No Trace and pack it out. The trail is an old Jeep trail and is quite wide at its beginning. The first section of trail, prior to the designated wilderness boundary, is littered with smaller trails forking off to the right; these trails lead to various swimming holes along the creek. At a mile and a half in you will reach the junction with White Mesa Trail on your left. Continue straight, and in just a quarter mile you will pass the junction with Apache Maid Trail.  At 2.3 miles in you will reach a fork in the trail. The fork to the right is the Weir Trail that leads down by the water to an old gauging station. The trail to the left is the Bell Trail, which crosses the boundary into Wet Beaver Wilderness.  From here the trail quickly gains elevation and snakes around the canyon walls high above the creek. The trail is exposed for the entire length, so be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen. The trail begins to descend back down toward the creek just before reaching the Crack.  

Once you reach your destination, you will find that the Crack offers a pristine spot for cliff jumping. From the main jumping point, nicknamed the Tongue, you can plunge into the cool waters below. The south end of the pool is shallow and perfect for wading. The rocks surrounding the swimming hole make for a great spot to lay out and sunbath, or if you prefer the shade, you can hang a hammock in the trees below.