Arizona has some of the most intensely beautiful swimming holes in the nation. Each year, adventure seekers from all over the world line up to obtain a permit to hike into the Grand Canyon to experience Havasu Falls. But not all of the amazing waterfall swimming holes in Arizona require so much time and effort to reach. The dreamiest swimming hole in Central AZ can be found along Fossil Creek, and you’ll soon want to go.

Accessible via a 2.5 mile trail, the swimming hole at Fossil Creek Falls is a turquoise oasis in the middle of the forest.
alltrails/Dani Cooper
Located deep in the Coconino National Forest, the 14-mile stretch of Fossil Creek is a popular spot for locals — when the roads are open. (See below for closure details).
alltrails/Becky Lloyd
And the hike to the waterfall is a dreamy adventure that includes fairy tale foot bridges and some other unusual sights to be found in the forest...
alltrails/Kristianna Whitley

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Like a doorway that seemingly leads to nowhere.
alltrails/Hannah ☆
But, for the most part, your eyes will be fixated upon the crystalline waters of Fossil Creek and the many travertine pools that offer a place to cool off in the 70-degree spring waters flowing past.
alltrails/David Smeeth
On crowded days, some people adventure over to the falls and then decide to retreat back to the many turquoise pools that they passed up on the way in.
Google Maps/Wes Sheldon
If you want to have your day in this dreamy waterfall swimming hole, you'll need to have a parking and hiking permit. Several years back, permits became a requirement for visiting this amazing oasis. In the end, the process has slowed the massive crowds that used to flock here on hot summer days.
alltrails/Shannon Messer

Now, about the closures: From time-to-time, the roads and parking areas leading to Fossil Creek may be closed due to fire hazards, or for other reasons. Learn about any closures (and when they are expected to be lifted) at this link, which is the same link where you can apply for a parking/hiking permit. Be sure to have your permit printed out and in your possession upon arriving at any of the parking areas for Fossil Creek. Get directions and more information at this link on Recreation.gov.

Note: the road to the parking areas at Fossil Creek requires a high-clearance vehicle! If you’re driving a low-clearance car on this bumpy road, please pull over far enough to let the high-clearance cars behind you pass.

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