Ellison Creek Falls - Dive, Hike, and Swim near Payson, Arizona
Unnamed Road, Payson, AZ 85541, USA,Payson,Arizona
34.35710249295477, -111.28117203712463
9.1 miles N of 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. 

2.0K Written by camilledupar

Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

Read More
  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Payson, Arizona

  1. Head northeast on AZ-87 N toward E Frontier St (1.2 mi)
  2. Continue straight onto AZ-260 W/AZ-87 N (0.5 mi)
  3. Continue straight to stay on AZ-260 W/AZ-87 N (0.2 mi)
  4. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit (344 ft)
  5. Continue onto AZ-260 W/AZ-87 N (0.5 mi)
  6. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on AZ-260 W/AZ-87 N (0.1 mi)
  7. Turn right onto Houston Mesa Rd/Nf-199 (4.8 mi)
  8. Slight left onto Houston Mesa Rd (3.7 mi)
  9. Turn right
    Destination will be on the left
    (0.2 mi)
or

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.

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Ellison Creek Waterfall by camparizona
Ellison Creek Waterfall by camparizona Water Wheel Falls, Payson, AZ Hike by cw50must Water Wheel Falls Hike - Payson Arizona by Meandering Adventures With The Jalapeños
2.0K

Added by camilledupar

Trails

Distance ?

0.6 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-133 feet

Real Ascent ?

50 feet

Real Descent ?

183 feet

Avg Grade (-2°)

-4%

Grade (-14° to 12°)

-24% to 21%

Distance ?

0.5 miles Round Trip

Elevation Gain ?

2 feet

Real Ascent ?

33 feet

Real Descent ?

31 feet

Avg 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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