Hike #36 - Bell Trail, Camp Verde, AZ

Cattle rancher, Charles Bell made this trail for his cattle in 1932, taking them up-to and down-from the Mogollon Rim.  Bell trail follows close to Beaver Creek and offers spectacular views of Wet Beaver Creek Canyon.  The trail was easy to find and well maintained. I LOVED THIS HIKE!  Paul and I hiked 4 miles to a swimming hole know as The Beaver Tongue aka "The Crack".  The water there was 10' to 12' deep and several people were swimming/jumping/back flips off the rock cliff into the water.  The water was freezing but felt good after the long hike.  It was also a lot cooler hiking back 4 miles after taking a dip in the cool water.  We plan to go back and hike some of the other trails we passed along the way like White Mesa and Apache Maid.  These were important byways made by the Sinagua Indians.