I reside in Arizona. We live in a desert climate. Outside of the city of Phoenix the landscape consists of mountains, sand, and barren tumbleweeds. It is brown with some gray undertones. Many find it harsh on the senses. It is hot during the day and quite chilly at night in some areas. We get very little rainfall. In fact, we have been in a drought for almost two decades.
However, there is a place outside the city, an oasis of sorts called Fossil Creek. It is a 15 mile mountainside drive outside the town of Camp Verde, Arizona. It has saffire blue water. It is a sharp contrast to the desert rock that surround it's pools and crisp running water.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4206345519620&set=a.4140854722391&type=3&theater
Once arriving at the Waterfall Trailhead you must hike in on foot. It is a narrow 2.8 mile trail. You can see the creek before you arrive. It's cool water dancing over the rocks of the creek. The water remains a consistent 72 degrees year round.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4206345519620&set=a.4140854722391&type=3&theater
The water gets it's sparkingling blue color from an abundance of calcium carbonate found in the rock walls that surround the creek. When arriving at the swimming hole there is a small beach like area to lay you packs and supplies while you swim. There is a 20 foot waterfall that pummels the swimming area down below. There is a rugged, rocky path leading from the beach up to the waterfall. A great past time for those extreme adventurists is jumping from the top of the waterfall into the pool below.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4206345519620&set=a.4140854722391&type=3&theater
That adventurist is my son in mid jump. The level of the water below is estimated to be about 20 feet at it's deepest. Of course the water level changes from season to season.
I would recommend this well kept desert secret to anyone visiting Arizona. The state government requires a permit to hike back Waterfall Trail. This is a newly implemented requirement to keep the area as protected and pristine. Go to https://www.recreation.gov/permits/251863 for information on Fossil Creek Recreation Area permits!
