The Crack at Wet Beaver Wilderness

The Crack on Bell Trail

TRAIL STATS

Mileage: 7.0
Elevation gain: 1057 feet
Time to complete: 4-5 hours
Stars: ★★★★
Difficulty: 2/5 (Ratings explained)
Easy, well-defined trail

The Crack on Bell Trail is a swimming hole in the Wet Beaver Wilderness that boasts towering red sandstone cliffs and a cliff jumping spot that looks almost too good to be true. The trail is an easy 7-mile round trip hike between Camp Verde and Flagstaff, and it’s super popular when the weather is hot. Plan to share it with other people (and their trash) during the high season unless you go very early in the morning or later in the evening.


Trail Description

Bell Trail no. 13

If you forgot your map or your GPS or any sort of navigational device, you’re in luck today. Just follow all the people to this well-loved swimming hole.

The first part of Bell Trail looks like an old road and is therefore very easy to navigate as it makes its way along the north side of Wet Beaver Creek. It’s a desert environment that’s hot in the summer (isn’t that why you’re going?) with little shade, but you’ll enjoy views and sounds of the creek below as you go.

There are several junctions with other trails along the way, but there are lots of signs. Just keep heading down Bell Trail toward the Crack.

A sign that says the crack 3 miles ahead
A sign for the Crack about half a mile into the hike

Sinagua Petroglyphs

If you’re interested in the history of the area, look for a large, gray boulder on the left side of the trail when you’re almost a mile in. You can’t miss it. If you want to see more petroglyphs in the area, try some of the sites on the Sinagua Circle.

Petroglyphs on Bell Trail

As you continue beyond the boundary for the Wet Beaver Wilderness, the path starts looking more like a trail and less like a road.

Bell Trail to the Crack in the Wet Beaver Wilderness

When you start hugging the canyon wall and seeing graffiti left by the party people, you’ll know you’re almost there. You didn’t bring the spray paint right? Don’t be a vandal.

The Crack

When you get very close, there will be spur trails trying to pull you to the right a little too early. Try to stay on the path most traveled, and you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

Except, you’ll probably see a lot more people and Gatorade bottles and random abandoned water shoes. We went at 5pm, so we had the Crack to ourselves, but we’ve shared it many times. It’s still a really cool place.

The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek
It’s rare to be at the Crack alone

If it’s summer time, you’ll be hot and sweaty by the time you get here. You ready to cannonball? Or maybe a backflip?

Did we mention April is a ninja and trapeze artist?

Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks (but please, pick up after yourself!) because this hike will probably dehydrate you more than you think. If you do find yourself low, hopefully you’ll run into our new friend, Ryan, who shared his water supply with us. Thanks, Ryan!


Map & Directions

Location Bell Trail, Wet Beaver Wilderness, Coconino National Forest, Camp Verde, Arizona

From Camp Verde, go north on Interstate 17 and exit at the junction for Highway 179 toward Oak Creek Village, but go RIGHT instead of left to get on Forest Road 618. Drive about two miles on this paved road and turn left on Forest Road 618A. There should be a sign pointing to Bell Trail.

Alternative parking If the main lot is full, turn around and turn right on Forest Road 618 to go back to Soda Springs Road and turn right to get to the Bruce Brockett Trailhead. If you end up doing this, follow Bruce Brockett Trail until it intersects with Bell Trail.

Fees/Passes None

Trailhead Facilities Restrooms

Download KML or GPX


Recommendations for you

Bull Pen Swimming Hole

Bull Pen Swimming Hole | West Clear Creek

Leave It to Beaver Canyon

Leave It to Beaver Canyon | Wet Beaver Wilderness

Water Wheel Falls Payson

Water Wheel Falls | Payson

Follow us!
If you enjoyed this article, please consider supporting us by following us on our social media pages. Thank you!

Get our latest hikes and blog posts in our newsletter!


We want to hear from you!

Tell us what kind of content interests you or share feedback by taking this survey.

Disclaimer Outdoor activities have inherent risk, and we will not be able to tell you all the risks you may face. You are responsible for your own safety, so prepare as well as you can and know your limits. Follow this guide at your own risk. And have fun!


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *