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: | 0.2-0.6 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.
More Information
Ellison Creek Swimming Hole
Ellison Creek swimming hole. Cool off this summer at one of Arizona
http://www.azswimmingholes.com/ellison_creek.htmlExploring the Southwest: Ellison Cascades
This is a short hike to a great swimming hole with a water fall. The area is north of Payson and gets a lot of use. ...
http://hikingthesouthwest.blogspot.com/2010/10/ellison-cascades.htmltripadvisor.com
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https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31305-d7188029-Reviews-Ellison_Creek_Waterfall-Payson_Arizona.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
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.
Other Swimming Holes, Hiking Trails, and Diving Platforms Nearby
Payson Area
Cornville, Arizona
0.5 miles SEThe Payson area northeast of Phoenix offers numerous swimming holes in the Tonto National Forest rivers, including Ellison Creek Falls, Christopher Creek Gorge, Fossil Creek, and Verde Hot Springs.
Swim 1.1-3.5 mi
Horton Springs
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Backpack, Camp, Hike, Swim 1.1 mi
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Maxwell Trail No. 37
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Hike, Swim 0.6-2.9 mi
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Horton Springs
Payson, Arizona
10.7 miles EA spring on the Mogollon Rim where water emerges dramatically from the mountainside — hike the easy Horton Creek Trail through wildflowers and maples, splash in the cold creek, and camp near the spring.
Backpack, Camp, Hike
Upper Tonto Creek Campground
Payson, Arizona
10.7 miles EA 9-site first-come-first-served campground at the junction of Tonto and Horton Creeks — with vault toilets, drinking water, and trailheads for Horton Spring and the Highline Trail nearby.
Camp, Hike
Hell's Gate
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Backpack, Camp, Hike, Swim 1.1 mi
Christopher Creek Campground
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14.2 miles EA creekside campground east of Payson with swimming holes, small waterfalls, spring trout stocking, and cross-country skiing in winter — open for day-use and overnight camping spring through fall.
Camp, Canyoneer, Cross-country Ski, Hike, Swim 4.0 mi
Woods Canyon Lake
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