When the Phoenix sun is blazing, there’s no better time to escape to Northern Arizona—where pine forests, river canyons, and sparkling waterfalls offer nature’s best air-conditioning. This month, we’re heading north to discover some of Arizona’s most refreshing summer getaways, where you can swim, hike, and relax beneath shady trees and cool mountain skies. 
One of the most magical destinations is Fossil Creek, a spring-fed oasis near Camp Verde known for its Caribbean-blue water, cascading waterfalls, and deep swimming holes tucked within a federally designated Wild and Scenic River corridor. The water stays a crisp 70 degrees year-round, making it the ultimate summer plunge—but plan ahead, as permits are required in advance.
Near Sedona, Slide Rock State Park is an iconic Arizona favorite, where a natural 80-foot sandstone slide along Oak Creek provides endless fun. Surrounded by red rock cliffs and cottonwood trees, this spot is great for families and thrill-seekers alike. Just a short drive away in Oak Creek Canyon, you’ll find plenty of quieter spots to wade or picnic along the creek’s banks.
For those drawn to dramatic scenery, Grand Falls—nicknamed “Chocolate Falls”—is a towering seasonal waterfall located northeast of Flagstaff on Navajo land. While it typically flows strongest in spring, early summer visits after heavy rains can still reward you with thundering cascades and incredible photo ops. Be sure to check water flow before you go.
Another lesser-known gem is the West Clear Creek Wilderness, a remote and rugged backcountry area east of Camp Verde with shimmering pools and red rock gorges. Hikes like the Blodgett Basin Trail lead you to secluded swim spots and peaceful creek crossings—perfect for cooling off without the crowds.
Just north of Payson, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is home to one of the largest natural travertine bridges in the world. Underneath the bridge flows a shallow creek where visitors can explore waterfalls, caves, and wade in cool water beneath a canopy of moss and ferns. It’s an easy day trip that feels like another world.
Whether you're jumping into a turquoise pool, picnicking by a canyon creek, or hiking to a hidden waterfall, Northern Arizona is packed with ways to cool down naturally. From Sedona to Payson to Flagstaff, these getaways offer scenic escapes and much-needed relief from the desert heat.
Works Cited:
"15 Amazing Arizona Waterfalls Worth the Hike." U.S. News & World Report, https://travel.usnews.com/features/amazing-arizona-waterfalls-worth-the-hike. Accessed 1 June 2025.
"Arizona's Caribbean-Blue Swimming Hole Is a Perfect Getaway With Refreshing Waterfalls and Cool Grottos." Islands, 25 May 2025, https://www.islands.com/1864127/arizona-caribbean-blue-swimming-hole-fossil-creek-refreshing-summer-getaway-waterfalls-cool-grottos/. Accessed 1 June 2025.
"Grand Falls (Arizona)." Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Falls_(Arizona). Accessed 1 June 2025.
"Oak Creek Canyon." Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oak_Creek_Canyon. Accessed 1 June 2025.
"Slide Rock State Park." Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slide_Rock_State_Park. Accessed 1 June 2025.
"Slide Rock State Park, located near Sedona, Arizona, offers visitors a unique and refreshing experience with its natural 80-foot waterslide formed by smooth, algae-covered sandstone along Oak Creek." SFGate, 20 Apr. 2025, https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/sedona-state-park-natural-waterslide-20281412.php. Accessed 1 June 2025.
"N. Arizona's Best Watering Holes!" Flagstaff Mom Collective, https://flagstaff.momcollective.com/for-mom/n-arizonas-best-watering-holes/. Accessed 1 June 2025.
"Tonto Natural Bridge." Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonto_Natural_Bridge. Accessed 1 June 2025.
