Ellison Creek Falls
Payson, Arizona
Address: | Unnamed Road, Payson, AZ 85541, USA |
GPS: |
34°21'25.6"N 111°16'52.2"W Maps | Directions |
State: | Arizona |
Trails/Routes: | 0.5-0.6 mi |
Rivers Waterfalls Fishing
Dive, Hike, and Swim
Ellison Creek provides 4 beautiful waterfalls in this area, each with their own swimming and diving opportunities. There are even fishing spots where trout can be caught. Since the falls are close to parking lots, this is a popular destination, especially on the weekends. There are several day use sites here, collectively known as the "Water Wheel;" The cold water of the river and the falls make for a refreshing break from the summer heat. There are swimming holes all along the creek, but the most popular is Ellison Creek Falls, due to the relatively short distance to the swimming area from the parking lot.
Take care to watch the weather during monsoon season, since this area is at risk for flash flooding. The site has reopened for use since the 2017 flash flood.
There is a $6 drop box fee, so be sure to bring exact change.
Mapped Route/Trail Distances
Route #1 | 0.6 miles |
Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail (One Way) | 0.5 miles Round Trip |
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read MoreDirections
From Payson, Arizona
- Head northeast on AZ-87 N toward E Frontier St (1.2 mi)
- Continue straight onto AZ-260 W/AZ-87 N (0.5 mi)
- Continue straight to stay on AZ-260 W/AZ-87 N (0.2 mi)
- At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit (344 ft)
- Continue onto AZ-260 W/AZ-87 N (0.5 mi)
- At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on AZ-260 W/AZ-87 N (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto Houston Mesa Rd/Nf-199 (4.8 mi)
- Slight left onto Houston Mesa Rd (3.7 mi)
- Turn rightDestination will be on the left(0.2 mi)
After following Houston Mesa Rd (RT 199) for about 7.5 miles, turn right onto a dirt road and park at the small clearing. Follow the road for about .5 miles, and look for a trail on the right, just past a dry wash. Follow this trail upstream on the rocks until you reach the falls.
Trails
Distance ?
0.6 milesElevation Gain ?
-133 feetReal Ascent ?
50 feetReal Descent ?
183 feetAvg Grade (-2°)
-4%Grade (-14° to 12°)
-24% to 21%Distance ?
0.5 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
2 feetReal Ascent ?
33 feetReal Descent ?
31 feetAvg Grade (0°)
0%Grade (-9° to 12°)
-16% to 22%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
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