The Crack
- Hike
- 7 mi round trip
- Elevation
- 3,872 ft
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Required
- Dogs
- Allowed
Entry needs a reservation or permit. Entry fee: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required to park at the trailhead. The Crack is a creek pool on Wet Beaver Creek in Yavapai County, Arizona.
Closures and warnings
USFS: do not attempt Bell Trail in summer without preparation. Most of the trail is in full sun; temperatures can reach 110F. Monsoon flash flooding possible July to September. As of September 28, 2026.
Before you swim
| Clothing | Swimsuit required |
|---|
| Swimming allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | Creek pool |
| Entry | Walk in |
Access
| Hike | 7 mi round trip |
|---|---|
| Road | Paved |
| Road note | Bell Trail trailhead about 1.5 miles east of I-17 Exit 298 (SR 179). Use Bruce Brockett Trailhead for horse trailers and large RVs. |
| Parking | Bell Trail trailhead lot with restroom for regular vehicles; Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required. |
| Fee | Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required to park at the trailhead |
| Reservation or permit | Required |
| Elevation | 3,872 ft |
| Managed by | US Forest Service (Coconino National Forest) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | No |
| Note | Restroom at Bell Trail trailhead; no potable water on the trail. |
Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Camping | Not allowed |
| Fires | Not allowed |
Common questions
Common questions
Is The Crack open?
USFS: do not attempt Bell Trail in summer without preparation. Most of the trail is in full sun; temperatures can reach 110F. Monsoon flash flooding possible July to September. As of September 28, 2026.
Can you swim at The Crack?
Yes, swimming is allowed at The Crack.
How long is the hike to The Crack?
It's a 7 mi hike round trip. The road in is paved. Bell Trail trailhead about 1.5 miles east of I-17 Exit 298 (SR 179). Use Bruce Brockett Trailhead for horse trailers and large RVs. Parking: Bell Trail trailhead lot with restroom for regular vehicles; Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required.
Do you need a reservation for The Crack?
Yes. A reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at The Crack?
The fee is Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required to park at the trailhead.
Is The Crack clothing optional?
No. Swimsuits are required at The Crack.
What facilities are at The Crack?
Restrooms. No drinking water. Restroom at Bell Trail trailhead; no potable water on the trail.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Public land
The Crack is inside Coconino National Forest and Wet Beaver Wilderness .
Sources
2
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/recreation/trails/bell-trail-no-13 (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / waterbodyName, access.hikeDistanceMi, access.hikeDistanceBasis, access.fee / permitRequired / parking, access.amenities / elevationFt, rules.dogs / fires / camping, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / waterType, hazardNote, access.roadSurface / roadNote)
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/recreation/wet-beaver-creek (accessed September 28, 2026; backs rules.clothing)
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