7 Bucket List by blacklab0213
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Ellison Creek Falls
Payson, Arizona
9.1 miles N of Payson, ArizonaEllison 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.
Gordon Creek Falls
Payson, Arizona
21.7 miles E of Payson, ArizonaGordon Creek Falls is a relatively unknown little oasis in the middle of the Arizona desert--specifically, outside of the city of Payson. The falls come from Gordon Creek, which winds its way through the ponderosa pine filled landscape of the Tonto National Forest. Depending on the time of year, the falls could be gushing, or a mere trickle over the rocks into the pool below. The water may be stagnant or muddy if the location has not seen rain in some time--the best times for a gushing falls experience would be early spring, with mountain runoff, or at the end of monsoon season. The falls can be reached by hiking along an unnamed trail until reaching the creek bed, and following that to the cliff walls of the waterfall. If the creek is dry, or only has some pools along the way, this is likely an indication of a weak flow at the falls.
Be sure to bring plenty of your own water for the hike, as the only water source along the trail is at the falls or the creek, which may not be suitable for drinking. Take care when visiting in or around a rainstorm, especially in monsoon season, as this location is at risk of flash flooding.
