The Grand Canyon State has no shortage of epic swimming holes, but many of them are crowded from Memorial Day until Labor Day. On the contrary, one of the very best swimming holes in Arizona also happens to be among the least-known. A local secret, Clear Creek Reservoir in Winslow has some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen, and it’s the perfect place to make a splash on a warm day.
McHood City Park is home to Clear Creek Reservoir, one of the lesser-known swimming holes in Arizona.
TripAdvisor/SMGrandma The product of a dam on the Little Colorado River, the long and narrow creek boasts pristine waters and towering sandstone walls that rise up along the banks.
With some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen, the creek is hardly ever crowded.
Google/Seth Knight Jump on in and revel in the rare opportunity to listen to nothing but the sounds of nature while you enjoy a tranquil soak.
The park is where your adventure begins, and a brief paddle upstream takes you into even more remote territory.
TripAdvisor/Kathy S You’ll pass isolated clusters of people fishing and swimming, but around the one-mile mark, the crowds give way to solitude.
Swimming isn’t the only way to experience the creek; boats and kayaks are also allowed.
TripAdvisor/Lesley No matter how you choose to splash the day away, you’ll leave feeling relaxed and at peace.
Keep an eye out for petroglyphs on the canyon walls - there are tons of them, and most remain in surprisingly good condition.
TripAdvisor/Lesley Nobody knows exactly how long this ancient rock art has been here, and stumbling upon it is a bit like finding hidden treasure.
McHood City Park also allows camping, so you don’t have to limit your fun to a single day.
Google/Katrina Austin Plus, the campground is free, so it’s a win-win situation.
Other park amenities include shaded picnic tables, a boat ramp, and vault toilets.
TripAdvisor/travelwriter52 Not to mention the fact that you’ll be just steps away from a beautiful oasis at any given time!
Visit the City of Winslow website to learn more about McHood City Park.
TripAdvisor/SMGrandma
The product of a dam on the Little Colorado River, the long and narrow creek boasts pristine waters and towering sandstone walls that rise up along the banks.
Google/Seth Knight
Jump on in and revel in the rare opportunity to listen to nothing but the sounds of nature while you enjoy a tranquil soak.
TripAdvisor/Kathy S
You’ll pass isolated clusters of people fishing and swimming, but around the one-mile mark, the crowds give way to solitude.
TripAdvisor/Lesley
No matter how you choose to splash the day away, you’ll leave feeling relaxed and at peace.
Nobody knows exactly how long this ancient rock art has been here, and stumbling upon it is a bit like finding hidden treasure.
Google/Katrina Austin
Plus, the campground is free, so it’s a win-win situation.
TripAdvisor/travelwriter52
Not to mention the fact that you’ll be just steps away from a beautiful oasis at any given time!
Have you ever been to Clear Creek Reservoir? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience. Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more of the best swimming holes in Arizona.
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Address: Clear Creek Reservoir, Arizona 86047, USA
