I live in Phoenix, and our summer days regularly exceed 100°F / 38°C. I try not to let the heat prevent me from getting outside. With plenty of sun protection and drinking water, you can still enjoy Arizona’s beautiful nature at these desert oases.
The following areas all get crowded during summer, especially on weekends. Arrive early to beat the crowds and secure a parking spot. I also like to go in the late afternoon, as people start to clear out. It’s not the ideal timing for a “beach day,” but I love the evening light on the water.
LEAVE NO TRACE! Pack out all your trash. Protect our natural recreation areas so that we may continue to enjoy them.
Salt River
Floating the Salt River just east of Mesa is a summer tradition for many locals. Most people float the river in tubes, which you can do yourself or through Salt River Tubing company. I prefer to rent a paddleboard, so I have control over steering and the freedom to stay dry on my board or take a dip. There are a few fast spots on the river for which a paddle is helpful.
There are various access points to the river. For a half day paddling the river, put in at Blue Point and exit at Phon D Sutton. The river can get rough past Coon Bluff, so tubes should exit at Goldfield.
There are plenty of beach areas to pull off for a picnic. There’s a cliff jumping spot, the Mud Cliffs, just before Goldfield. The river depth varies by season, so proceed with caution!
Watch for wild horses on the river, but don’t get too close! Horses are most common around Coon Bluff, after the tubes exit the river.
Crescent Moon
Crescent Moon is a recreation site on Oak Creek in Sedona. There is a trail along the river with several swimming holes amongst the red rocks. There’s a large swimming area with a view of Cathedral Rock near the parking lot. Follow the river upstream to find quiet swimming holes hidden in the trees.
The lighting is best in the afternoon/evening, as the sun hits Cathedral Rock.
There is an entry station that charges a day use fee to enter Crescent Moon. Park hours vary seasonally.
Water Wheel
Water Wheel is a recreation site on the East Verde River just north of Payson. Hike along waterfalls and cascades, and find a spot to dip your feet in the river. It’s a popular area for swimming, especially for children, but most of the river here is too shallow for adults to swim.
A Tonto pass or America the Beautiful pass must be displayed on your vehicle. Passes are not sold onsite; you’ll need to visit a ranger station in advance.
Fossil Creek
Fossil Creek is a beautiful, clear blue creek unlike anywhere else in Arizona. The day-use area is accessed from Camp Verde. There are several parking areas along the creek, and you can hike upstream to a waterfall.
It’s a long washboard road to Fossil Creek. High clearance is recommended. The average sedan might make it, but prepare for a painful 45 minutes.
Permits are required from April-September to park at Fossil Creek day-use areas. Half the permits are released one month in advance, and the other half are released two days in advance. You need to select a specific parking area for your permit.
Fossil Creek Permits *Updated June 2026
Bob Bear (Fossil Springs)
Bob Bear trail is an 8-mile roundtrip hike to Fossil Springs and the waterfall (technically an old dam) that feeds Fossil Creek. Fossil Springs is a true desert oasis.
The final mile of the drive to Bob Bear trailhead is unpaved, but it’s well-maintained. I had no issues driving a sedan.
Late fall and early spring are the best times to visit, when it’s warm enough to swim but not too hot to hike. This hike is tough, especially in the summer heat, so prepare accordingly!
Pro Tip: Go in the afternoon! I hiked down midday in June, enjoyed the water during the hottest part of the afternoon, and left a couple hours before sunset. The creek was crowded with swimmers when we arrived, but we had the whole place to ourselves by 5pm. Plus, the trail was shady in the late evening, making the uphill hike far less painful.
Downstream from the waterfall (dam), there’s a cave you can swim into. The water is cool and refreshing!
Permits are required from April-September to park at Bob Bear trailhead. Permits are are released on the first of the month for the following month (i.e. June permits are released on May 1.)
Bob Bear Permits *Updated June 2026
I plan to explore more swimming holes this summer, so check back for more soon!
Latitudes with Lucy 
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