Address: Payson, AZ 85541, USA
Yami
Great hike. You can make it as long or as short as you like it to be. There is a picnic area with tables and river and waterfall. Great for the family.
Clairee Hurley
This trail is not well marked and calling it's trail is honestly pretty generous. At many points it's just a bunch of bolders and you have to figure out where you're supposed to go and how your supposed to get through. We actually lost the trail at some points and had to walk through the bush a little too get back. That being said, it was a beautiful hike and I enjoyed the challenge. Make sure to bring LOTS of water and wear good hiking shoes. My sister was wearing regular sneakers and she slipped on the rocks several times. Not good for anyone with mobility issues as you have to climb over bolders at points. Be prepared to get your feet wet as the trail crosses the stream several times. The first 75% of the trail has minimal shade but the last 25% is in a fantastic heavily wooded area. I'd also recommend going on a weekday. We went on a Saturday and it was pretty crowded, we actually got the last parking spot available.
Frank Pollard
Fairly challenging trail. I think AllTrails rate it as moderate due to hopping around on rocks. Nice scenery. People do swim in the ponds but it's Cold! Nice waterfalls. Water Wheel was built in the early 1900's but was abandoned after the gold ran out. Easy to get to, hard surface road and pretty decent parking area.
Jessica James
Cool place to explore. Parking lot is limited. Sadly because it's a very popular place there is litter and dog poop on the main trails. Once you get past the more popular sections and hike back further it's much cleaner and serene. Because of the drought some of the areas well known for waterfalls are not much more than a small trickle, but there are still swimming holes to be found.
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You don't have to reserve. Bring what you need. There are fisher people around.
Yes it is open and there are 3 crossings so it depends on how long you want to hike, it only took me 20 mins from the second crossing
I was just there last week. There is water and it's open. Arrive early to find parking, it gets crowded pretty quick. Specially, on holiday weekends. You will need between 1-2 hours to hike all the way to the last WaterFall. Take plenty of water.
It's up to the city I believe, they will post about it as it gets better. But right now it's monsoon season so who knows
It is an easy hike, we took much younger children
Yes it's open...parking is good during the winter months
Payson is really not far (city amenities). Unless you want to camp (tent or trailer). However, Washington Park is north of this place on the same road which is really nice. Other than that, that's all I know, hope this helps you out.
I drove past water wheel last Wednesday. The whole area of Tonto Forest, including water wheel, was closed to the public. The area beyond Tonto is open... Like Woods Canyon Lake is open for fishing and boat rentals. It's a beautiful Lake. I don't know if Tonto is back open, but you'll know pretty quickly once you turn onto Houston Mesa Road. Have a good weekend. Rick
Yes, I was there a couple weeks ago
No we went on July 6th and the park ranger said the whole forest is closed as well as activities like hiking, swimming, camping, etc until they get alot more rain.
1.5 miles one way to the water falls, a lot of up and down big boulders some very slippery but very beautiful.
It was open yesterday
You'll definitely need to get there early also consider that parking is an absolute nightmare.
Nope, day use only
I would say 1 mile, if that, but it does include some minor rock climbing, and creek crossing, so would definitely recommend some water shoes that are also good for hiking!
yes it is
Yes! There are several good holes along the trail including right at the entrance and I have seen multiple people pull full stringers out in a short amount of time.
The Water wheel trail is for free!! No parking fees. and you can ever take up to two pets with you. dont let no one give you the wrong info. I was there last summer and there is no fee.
There was water flowing 1 month ago. Day use is restricted during fire ban. I would check online to make sure no ban is in effect
No, we went in the Fall and the pay box was covered with a bag completely. I believe we went during the off season so it was free of charge then. I have only been there that one time. I think that other times of the year, maybe during the Spring and Summer months they must charge.
N34° 21.048' W111° 17.128' Highway 87 north to payson Right onto huston mesa road Then 7.8 miles on the right
Doubt it even if they did i'd still go, just not during monsoon season.
Yes it's free.
We camp off of NF 198. Since it’s a national forest road the parking and camping is free along it and there are tons of little pull offs with established fire pits and camping areas. The road starts just south of Wagon Wheel, maybe 5-6 minutes.
It feels a lot longer than it actually is the first time you go. Going to the falls the first time will probably take around 30-40 minutes, but you'll zip back once you know the way, and the next time will be even faster
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