Bull Pen - Camp Verde Watering Hole

Its my goal to visit as many watering holes as I can this summer and this one did not disappoint. Easy access road, easy hike, amazing time.

Finding this swimming hole is actually really easy if you follow the instructions! The dirt road is about 5miles but not that bad, we did it in a VW Tiguan. There are a few big dips but manageable.

Bull Pen Day Use Area: (I made these stats)

Length: 1.1 mi Elevation Gain: ? Very flat Average time: 20min       Difficulty: Easy

Follow these instructions and you'll be golden:

After driving on the dirt road for about 2miles you will come to a fork in the road.

Take a right at the fork.

Continue driving for about another 3 miles. Do not stop until you reach where the road ends. You'll want to get as close to the trailhead as possible. There are bathrooms at the trailhead, parking is free and this is dog friendly.

There is a large gate where the road continues. This is where the trail begins.

Starting at the parking lot "Bullpen Day Use Area" You will walk along this road the entire time to the "Blodgett Basin Trailhead"

Don't be fooled. You will come to a fork in the road and you'll take a left. It's deceiving because it looks like the right is the trail, and the left is just a wash but luckily I made this mistake so you don't have to. Just keep your google maps open and continue walking on Bull Pen Road.

Once you reach the stone house structure you will turn right.

You'll reach another fork and turn right at the sign.

You'll see a metal structure that you will pass on your right. Follow the sounds of cliff jumping, music and good times and you're there. Don't worry about getting lost. There are plenty of places along the creek that you can sit and take a dip. If you want to avoid the crowds I would recommend this. The terrain near the creek consist of large rocks so wear better shoes than just sandals.

I really hope you get to experience this cool swimming hole! Camp Verde has been surprising me lately. If you made it this far thank you for reading! :) What watering hole should I visit next?