An 85-foot waterfall in the Mogollon Rim country with easy terrain, day-use fees, and swimming, best visited spring through early fall.
Same day-use fee as Water Wheel (~$9/day April 1-October 31; no fee Nov-Mar); reached via the same East Verde River trail from the Water Wheel day-use area.
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Based on this listing's approximate location — see the note on coordinates below.
April through September is peak season; avoid during monsoon storms.
Ellison Creek Waterfall is an 85-foot cascade flowing into a deep pool along the East Verde River in Tonto National Forest. The waterfall is easily accessible from the Water Wheel Falls day-use area near Payson—in fact, it’s part of the same river trail system. An easy trail leads to the waterfall, making it a good choice for visitors of varying fitness levels.
Swimming in the pool below the falls is permitted during the warmer months. A day-use fee of approximately $9 applies from April 1 through October 31; no fee is charged from November through March. The peak season runs April through September, when water flow is typically strong and the weather is comfortable for swimming. Avoid visiting during the July-August monsoon season, when sudden storms can create flash-flood risk in the canyon.
Since Ellison Creek is on the same trail system as Water Wheel Falls, many visitors explore both waterfalls in a single trip. The easy terrain and developed day-use facilities make this a practical choice for a half-day or full-day outing.
April through September (peak season); avoid during monsoon storms.
You prefer to avoid crowds or are visiting during the July-August monsoon season.
Water Wheel Falls is on the same East Verde River trail system, accessible from the same day-use area.
Same day-use fee as Water Wheel (~$9/day April 1-October 31; no fee Nov-Mar); reached via the same East Verde River trail from the Water Wheel day-use area.
The managing agency's page (linked below) has the current trailhead and route details — round-trip distance wasn't published when we checked.
Yes, per the managing agency — conditions and safety vary by season, so use judgment regardless.
We track 5 waterfalls in Mogollon Rim Country.
There are 2 other waterfalls we track in Gila. All Mogollon Rim Country waterfalls →
discovergilacounty.com
Gila County's official tourism site describes the waterfall cascading approximately 80-90 ft into a deep pool, distinct from and upstream of Water Wheel Falls on the same East Verde River trail system. Checked 2026-09-03.
Checked September 2026.