A moderate 1.6-mile day hike to a swimming waterfall in Tonto National Forest, with a small day-use fee (April–October) and dog-friendly access.
Day-use fee approximately $9/day April 1-October 31 (cash/check only, collected by concessionaire); no fee November 1-March 31. Camping is not allowed at this day-use site.
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April through September is peak season; use caution during monsoon season due to flash-flood risk in the canyon.
Water Wheel Falls is a swimming waterfall accessible via a moderate 1.6-mile round-trip hike in Tonto National Forest near Payson. The waterfall has become popular among visitors who enjoy cliff jumping and swimming. Dogs are allowed on this trail, which can be an advantage for dog owners. The East Verde River trail system provides year-round access, though water levels and trail conditions vary seasonally.
A day-use fee of approximately $9 per day applies from April 1 through October 31; no fee is charged from November through March. Fees are collected on-site by a concessionaire and are cash or check only. Camping is not allowed at this day-use site. The peak season runs April through September, when water flow is typically strong and weather is comfortable for swimming.
Use caution during the July-August monsoon season. Flash floods can occur in the canyon if storms develop upstream. Avoid the area if heavy rain is forecasted or has recently occurred. Ellison Creek Waterfall is located further upstream on the same trail system, so many visitors explore both waterfalls in a single outing.
April through September (peak season); use caution during monsoon season due to flash-flood risk.
You're visiting during the July-August monsoon season; or you cannot pay the day-use fee (~$9).
Ellison Creek Waterfall is on the same East Verde River trail system, accessible from the same day-use area.
Day-use fee approximately $9/day April 1-October 31 (cash/check only, collected by concessionaire); no fee November 1-March 31. Camping is not allowed at this day-use site.
Via a 1.6-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.
Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.
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, which documents this Tonto National Forest day-use area. No dedicated USFS page names the falls specifically, but the Forest Service's East Verde/Payson Ranger District pages confirm the recreation area and fee structure. Checked 2026-09-03.
Checked September 2026.