Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
🌊 3 Amazing Water Escapes Near Phoenix, Arizona! 🌊
Looking to cool off as Arizona summer kicks into full gear? In this episode of Cactus Atlas, we’re sharing 3 incredible water-themed destinations — all within a few hours of Phoenix — where you can swim, hike, paddle, and beat the desert heat.
📍 Featured Locations:
1️⃣ The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek (near Rimrock/Sedona) – A red rock canyon with a hidden swimming hole perfect for cliff jumping and relaxing.
2️⃣ Watson Lake (Prescott, AZ) – Kayak through ancient granite formations, hike scenic trails, or just enjoy the cooler temps in this stunning lakeside retreat.
3️⃣ Water Wheel Trail (near Payson) – A short, adventurous hike along the East Verde River with waterfalls, deep pools, and forest shade.
🎒 Each spot offers a mix of recreation, geology, and history — plus cooler temps than Phoenix!
📌 Hike stats, travel tips, and on-location insights included. Whether you're into swimming, kayaking, or just need a quick summer road trip idea, this guide is for you.
👉 Let us know your favorite Arizona water escape in the comments!
🔔 Subscribe for more hidden gems and unique Arizona adventures: [@CactusAtlas]
📽️ Watch our original full-length videos on each location:
The Crack at Beaver Creek: youtu.be/Mw3x8n9BtYs
Watson Lake: youtu.be/sbjYv9zYOIM
Water Wheel Trail: youtu.be/Q_oYSG_lILQ
#Arizona #Phoenix #Hiking #Swimming #Kayaking #SummerGetaway #WatsonLake #BeaverCreek #Payson #CactusAtlas #TravelArizona #CoolOffAZ
▬▬ T I M E S T A M P S ▬▬
00:00 Intro
46:10 The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek
03:11 Watson Lake
05:13 Water Wheel Trail
07:11 Outro
▬▬ L I N K S ▬▬
⚪ Gear we use - amazon.com/shop/thecactusatlas
⚪ onX Offroad App - alnk.to/gKQ0FLG
⚪ See where we've been - google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1r2ZDO125o_NU7fUt0GPYfZeMKhHqYX3D&usp=sharing
⚪ Music from Epidemic Sound - epidemicsound.com/referral/6sihr2
(As an Amazon Associate and onX Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.)
_____________________________________________________________
✅ Find us on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook - @cactusatlas.
✅ Check out our website - cactusatlas.com
Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!
🌊 3 Amazing Water Escapes Near Phoenix, Arizona! 🌊
Looking to cool off as Arizona summer kicks into full gear? In this episode of Cactus Atlas, we’re sharing 3 incredible water-themed destinations — all within a few hours of Phoenix — where you can swim, hike, paddle, and beat the desert heat.
📍 Featured Locations:
1️⃣ The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek (near Rimrock/Sedona) – A red rock canyon with a hidden swimming hole perfect for cliff jumping and relaxing.
2️⃣ Watson Lake (Prescott, AZ) – Kayak through ancient granite formations, hike scenic trails, or just enjoy the cooler temps in this stunning lakeside retreat.
3️⃣ Water Wheel Trail (near Payson) – A short, adventurous hike along the East Verde River with waterfalls, deep pools, and forest shade.
🎒 Each spot offers a mix of recreation, geology, and history — plus cooler temps than Phoenix!
📌 Hike stats, travel tips, and on-location insights included. Whether you're into swimming, kayaking, or just need a quick summer road trip idea, this guide is for you.
👉 Let us know your favorite Arizona water escape in the comments!
🔔 Subscribe for more hidden gems and unique Arizona adventures: [@CactusAtlas]
📽️ Watch our original full-length videos on each location:
The Crack at Beaver Creek: youtu.be/Mw3x8n9BtYs
Watson Lake: youtu.be/sbjYv9zYOIM
Water Wheel Trail: youtu.be/Q_oYSG_lILQ
#Arizona #Phoenix #Hiking #Swimming #Kayaking #SummerGetaway #WatsonLake #BeaverCreek #Payson #CactusAtlas #TravelArizona #CoolOffAZ
▬▬ T I M E S T A M P S ▬▬
00:00 Intro
46:10 The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek
03:11 Watson Lake
05:13 Water Wheel Trail
07:11 Outro
▬▬ L I N K S ▬▬
⚪ Gear we use - amazon.com/shop/thecactusatlas
⚪ onX Offroad App - alnk.to/gKQ0FLG
⚪ See where we've been - google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1r2ZDO125o_NU7fUt0GPYfZeMKhHqYX3D&usp=sharing
⚪ Music from Epidemic Sound - epidemicsound.com/referral/6sihr2
(As an Amazon Associate and onX Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.)
_____________________________________________________________
✅ Find us on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook - @cactusatlas.
✅ Check out our website - cactusatlas.com
Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!
