Arizona has some pretty awesome water hikes! The Water Wheel Falls hiking trail is rated as one of the best due to the easy access, short distance, and an abundance of rocks to climb and pools to play in.
If you’re looking for a way to keep cool and entertain the kids on a hot day, head to the Water Wheel Falls hiking trail in Payson!
Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking the Water Wheel Falls Trail
Table of Contents
- Water Wheel Falls hiking trail information
- How to get to the Water Wheel Falls hiking trail
- What to expect when hiking the Water Wheel Falls Trail
Water Wheel Falls hiking trail information
- Length: 1.6 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy/moderate. There is some rock scrambling and shallow creek crossing involved.
- Elevation gain: 150 ft
- Fee: $10 (cash only) April 1 – October 31. No fee from November 1 – March 31.
- Dog friendly: Yes
- Kid-friendly: Yes, but young children may need assistance on some rocky portions of the trail.
- Facilities: Pit toilets at the trailhead
- Notes: This area is prone to flash flooding, avoid visiting during monsoon season.
How to get to the Water Wheel Falls hiking trail
The Water Wheel Falls hiking trail is located about 9 miles north of Payson.
From the Hwy 260/87 intersection at the McDonald’s in town, you’ll head north on Hwy 87 for about 2 miles then turn right onto N Houston Mesa Rd.
Follow the road for 7 1/2 miles until you see the Water Wheel Falls parking lot on your right.
You’ll pass another unmarked parking lot a little over a half mile before the Water Wheel Falls parking lot. This is the First Crossing lot, don’t stop here, you’ll want to continue until you reach the Water Wheel Falls lot.
The parking lot is a decent size, but it fills up quickly on the weekends. Street parking is also available outside of the No Parking zones.
Parking is $10 using a self-pay envelope so be sure to bring exact cash. Pit toilets are also available at the trailhead.
What to expect when hiking the Water Wheel Falls Trail
The Water Wheel Falls Trail is named for an old mining wheel at the beginning of the trailhead built in the 1930s to power an ore crusher used to extract gold.
From the parking lot, you’ll see a dirt path heading right or left. To reach the waterfall, you’ll want to take the trail to the left.
As you follow along the flat sandy trail, the East Verde River will be on your right. The dirt path will soon give way to a rocky landscape.
At this point, there is no longer a marked trail. However, if you just follow alongside the river you’ll find your way.
I also highly recommend upgrading to All Trails Pro to download the maps offline. This way you will never lose the trail even if you have no service.
There are plenty of rocks and boulders all along the way that are fun for the kids to climb.
You’ll also see a small, yet stunning, gorge cut deep into the granite cliffs. It reminded us of a mini Salome Jug!
This is a great spot for cliff jumping. You’ll find ledges of varying heights depending on how brave you’re feeling!
Although the water is deep enough to jump, still use caution with the surrounding rocks lining the narrow gorge.
You’ll need to scramble down the rocks to reach the water. There are sections with steep drop-offs, so use caution or avoid this area with small children.
Unfortunately, there is also broken glass often found in this area. Always carry your trash out and don’t bring glass bottles on the trail.
The trail continues alongside the gorge up and over a rocky hill. The dusty slick rock can often be slippery, so be sure to wear shoes with good traction.
This is the most challenging portion for young kids, but it is doable if you go slow and assist them along the way.
All along the trail, you’ll see smaller falls and shallow pools perfect for playing and sunbathing.
About halfway through the trail, you’ll come to the confluence of the East Verde River and Ellison Creek. It’s not a very noticeable confluence as the creek is small, but just stick to your right.
You’ll need to cross over the creek in a few sections but there are rocks to hop on or logs to cross if you don’t want to get your feet wet.
In the late spring and early summer, the small ponds are teeming with tadpoles that are fun for the kids to catch and release.
You can sometimes even find the elusive crawdad hiding in the crevices of the river rocks.
After about another quarter-mile you’ll reach the Water Wheel Falls, also known as the Ellison Creek Cascades. This summer swimming hole is the perfect desert oasis.
The deep emerald pool sits at the base of a towering granite cliff with water cascading down the rock face. You’ll even find a ladder notched into a wooden log propped up at the base of the falls.
On a hot summer day, you’ll find families and friends splashing in the pool and lazing on picnic blankets spread across the rocky banks.
A short way downstream from the falls you’ll also find the perfect natural water slide that your kids will love.
If your kids enjoy this hike, they’ll also love Fossil Creek!
The waterfall runs year-round, but the flow is stronger after heavy rainfall or significant snowmelt. The water is also frigid cold, even in the middle of summer.
The falls can also be reached from the Second Crossing along the Ellison Creek Trail. This trail will take you down a moderately steep old dirt road to the swimming hole.
There aren’t any rocks to scramble over this way so it may be a better option if you are concerned about that.
However, the Water Wheel Trail is much more scenic and there are more opportunities to cool off in the river along the way on a hot day.
Another recommended hike near Payson is Horton Creek Trail. This scenic trail follows alongside a creek with a series of small waterfalls.
I also highly recommend spending the weekend in the nearby town of Strawberry. Check out our guide to Visiting Strawberry Arizona for recommended things to do.
Tips for hiking the Water Wheel Falls Trail:
- Wear water shoes if you plan to get in the water. It is also possible to keep your feet dry when crossing the small stream, so hiking boots or tennis shoes are ok as well. Just be sure to wear shoes with good traction as the rocks can be slippery.
- Check the weather conditions before you visit and avoid visiting during monsoon season. This area is subject to flash flooding, which tragically took the lives of a family a few years ago.
- There is little or no shade on the trail so be sure to wear sunscreen.
- Always practice Leave No Trace and pack out any trash that you pack in.
- The trail is busy on the weekends, try to visit during the week if possible.
- There is no cell service at the parking lot or along the trail.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks while enjoying your day outdoors!
I hope this guide has helped you know what to expect while hiking to the Water Wheel Falls.
This short trail packs in some intense beauty and plenty of opportunities for fun. It should definitely be on your summer bucket list!
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