Arizona · Hiking

Waterfall Trail

Waterfall TrailPhoto: Coconino NF Photography, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)
2.1 mi
round trip
203 ft
climb
4,042 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Waterfall Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Payson Ranger District. It doesn't name Waterfall Trail, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Payson Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Waterfall Trail is an easy, out-and-back hike of about 2.1 miles in the Payson Ranger District of Tonto National Forest in Arizona, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from a low point of about 3,848 feet to a high of about 4,042 feet, with a total elevation gain of about 203 feet. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show October highs around 74°F with lows near 46°F, and April highs around 70°F with lows near 41°F. That station sits about 566 feet higher than the trail, so temperatures on the trail run a little warmer. The trail is on natural surface and bikes are not allowed. The parking area is named Dixon Lewis, and the trail is open year-round. Fossil Creek, a canoeing spot, is about 1.4 miles away. The Flume and Bob Bear hikes are both within about 3 miles, and the Buckskin hike is about 4.1 miles off.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Feb–May, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Waterfall Trail

    Best months: February–May and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      54° / 30°

    2. Feb

      57° / 32°

    3. Mar

      64° / 36°

    4. Apr

      70° / 41°

    5. May

      79° / 48°

    6. Jun

      88° / 58°

    7. Jul

      91° / 65°

    8. Aug

      89° / 62°

    9. Sep

      84° / 57°

    10. Oct

      74° / 46°

    11. Nov

      63° / 36°

    12. Dec

      53° / 30°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Natural Brg, AZ, 10.6 mi away at 4,608 ft. The station sits about 600 ft higher than this place, so expect it a little warmer here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

FlumePhoto: Coconino NF Photography, Public Domain Dedication (CC0) (via Flickr)

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Bob BearPhoto: USDAgov, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

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DonahuePhoto: Coconino National Forest, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

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PinePhoto: cogdogblog, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

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West Clear CreekPhoto: Coconino NF Photography, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

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