This narrow, winding body of water looks more like a canyon-bound river than a reservoir. Nestled between forested canyon walls it provides picturesque water recreation in a secluded, wooded setting.

Credit:  AZ Department of Water Resources

Cherry Creek is a 57-mile (92 km) tributary of the Salt River in central Arizona. The creek flows south from the Mogollon Rim to join the Salt River about 10 miles (16 km) above Theodore Roosevelt Lake.  Indian Ruins and more.

Credit:  Don

The further you go, the better it gets. Clear blue-green pools get wider, and the canyon narrows. Tiny cascades and large boulders add to the experience. Be careful in the creek as it can get slippery at times.

Credit:  @wandersofjj

This strenuous trail descends four miles into a 1600' deep canyon and then it comes in to view,  The waterfall!  Make sure you are prepared, this is not a leisurely stroll.  You will need lots of water, good shoes and a lot of grit!

Credit:  Cameron Davis

Like Mother Nature’s “water cooler”, Horton Spring gushes cold, crystal-clear water year-round. The easy Horton Creek Hiking Trail follows the banks of beautiful, spring-fed Horton Creek (to its fresh water source).

Credit:  DJ Craig

Workman Creek Falls is a nice 200 foot waterfall that you can visit right from your car, located in the Tonto National Forest. In the fall this area is ablaze with many colors and looks like a postcard for central, Arizona.

Credit:  BogleKevin

This is a very pleasant hike through the Eastern Superstitions along Campaign Creek. It is a gradually climbing "out and back" route that follows the Campaign Trail (#256).  This is pretty wild territory but beautiful.

Credit:  Hike Arizona

This may be Arizona's best  brown trout stream. There are some rainbows but the stream has far more brown trout than rainbows. Steep canyon walls make this a true adventure to get there but when you do, it is amazing.

Credit:  azjonesoutdoor.blogspot.com

The East Verde River is probably the best known river system in central, Arizona.  When the temperatures rise in the valley, this is the closest respite for cooler temperatures and unlimited recreational opportunities.

Credit:  CAZBR

The Gila and the San Pedro Rivers merge together in Winkelman, AZ and provide a great recreation retreat for birding, history and geological adventure.  The Gila River is one of the longest Rivers in the West. 

Credit:  Cameron Davis

Experience spectacular Salt River rafting in the Upper Salt River Canyon! Paddle through an incredible 2000-foot deep canyon as you take on rapids such as “Maytag,” “Overboard” and “Mescal Falls”.  

Credit:  DJ Craig

Canyon Creek is popular among anglers fishing for rainbow trout.  The Arizona Game and Fish Department Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery is nearby.  Great fly fishing and very secluded from the outside world.

Credit:  John Muehling

If you’re ready for a real outdoor adventure, and a great summer day trip & hike into one of Arizona’s gorgeous mountain canyons, then check out Christopher Creek’s Box Canyon and waterfall.

Credit:  ERA Young Realty

At first jump, the water is so cold it takes your breath away for a few seconds. Why is it that the kids just never seem to mind the cold and just go for it.  This is one of Rim Country's favorite summertime getaways.

Credit:  DJ Craig

A rugged, non-technical descent of the gorgeous sculpted granite, clear water and deep pools of Haigler Creek is the perfect summer time adventure. They don't call it the Hell's Gate Wilderness for nothing.  Come prepared!

Credit:  Cameron Davis

Tonto Creek is a year round stream with a considerable water flow that has formed a deep, remote and often narrow canyon below the Mogollon Rim in central Arizona.  Great for fishing, hiking and kayaking on the lower Tonto.

Credit:  DJ Craig