The short answer
The Crack is reached from Bell Trail No. 13. The U.S. Forest Service describes it as about 3.5 miles each way on a rocky trail. This is not a quick roadside swimming stop and it is not the best first desert hike for every family.
Wet Beaver Creek cuts through red rock and dense riparian vegetation near The Crack. Original Health & Travels photo.
What the hike actually looks like
The early trail can feel broad and manageable, but the route becomes rougher and more exposed as it moves into the canyon. Loose rock, uneven sandstone and prolonged sun matter more on the return, when wet clothing, fatigue and depleted water supplies can compound one another.
A rocky, exposed section of Bell Trail. The swimming hole is only half the day; everyone still has to hike back. Original Health & Travels photo.
The swimming hole
The water sits between high sandstone ledges, and depth changes are difficult to judge from above. People may jump from rocks, but seeing someone else jump does not prove that the landing zone is deep, clear or safe for you.
The Crack can be busy, and the ledges create serious fall and jumping hazards. Original Health & Travels photo.
Water and cliff safety
- Never assume water depth or underwater clearance from appearance alone.
- Do not jump or dive from cliffs. A successful jump by another visitor is not a safety inspection.
- Non-swimmers and children need close, active adult supervision.
- Wet sandstone can be slick; stay well back from exposed edges.
- Leave the canyon when storms threaten. Narrow drainage and creek areas can become dangerous quickly.
A realistic plan
- Check official alerts and weather. Review Coconino National Forest alerts and the National Weather Service Flagstaff forecast.
- Start early. Give the return hike generous daylight and heat margin.
- Set a turnaround time. Turn around even if the group has not reached the water.
- Carry the return. Save adequate water, food and energy for the exposed hike back.
- Leave no trace. Pack out everything and protect the creek corridor.
What to bring
- More water than you expect to drink, plus electrolytes and familiar food
- Sun protection and weather-appropriate layers
- Supportive footwear with traction
- Offline map, charged phone and battery
- First-aid supplies and essential medications
- Swim safety equipment appropriate to your group
- Dry socks or footwear for the return
- Headlamp, even when planning a daylight finish
Parking and passes
The photographed fee station listed a $5 day pass and $15 week pass during this visit. Fees and accepted passes can change, so verify the current requirement through the Forest Service before driving out. The machine shown was credit-card only.
Frequently asked questions
How far is The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek?
The Forest Service describes The Crack as approximately 3.5 miles from the trailhead, or about 7 miles round trip.
Is The Crack an easy family hike?
No universal label fits every family. The distance, rocky footing, exposure, deep water and long return make it inappropriate for some children and inexperienced groups.
Can you drive directly to The Crack?
No. Bell Trail is the developed route into Wet Beaver Creek Canyon, and reaching The Crack requires hiking.
Should visitors jump from the cliffs?
Health & Travels does not recommend cliff jumping. Water depth and underwater hazards can change and cannot be confirmed by watching other visitors.
Official sources
- Bell Trail No. 13 — Coconino National Forest
- Wet Beaver Wilderness — Coconino National Forest
- Current Coconino National Forest alerts
- National Weather Service Flagstaff
Editorial note: Mark Stephenson has worked as a cardiac catheterization laboratory nurse since 2003. This is general outdoor-planning information, not individualized medical advice. Getting everyone home safely is the adventure win.