Northern Arizona Swimming

Swimming in the Grand Canyon National Park begins in its main lodge, but there are so many other locations that are worth looking into. Some of these include natural pools, lakes and rivers. Most are generally safe, but getting recommendations and safety tips first is a better option. In fact, forest rangers are more than happy to offer advice.

The Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, has varied pools, lakes and rivers that are excellent for swimming. They are located in the park's lodge, close to campgrounds, in large natural depressions and sections of the Colorado River's tributaries. However, visitors should consult the visitor center before attempting to try any backcountry or off-trail swimming.

Truly the most spectacular spot for swimming is found on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. It requires at least ten miles of hiking with incredibly challenging trail drops and a lengthy downward descent. The trail to use to get there begins at Hualpai Hilltop. After about two hours the sound of the Havasu Creek is quite distinctive, and visitors are led through a Supai village and on to a campground.

The campground is home to three waterfalls, ranging in size and height. Navajo Falls drop some seventy five feet into a deep and cooling swimming depression. The Havasu Falls is further along, but again it can be heard well ahead of time, and when one finally reaches it one can see it as it clambers down in a one hundred foot free fall drop to a crystal clear swimming hole that feeds a creek for local campgrounds. Finally Mooney Falls, the largest and most difficult swimming spot to get to, drops two hundred feet and requires climbing and repelling gear to get to the waters below.