Water Wheel Falls: The Best Summer Hike Near Payson, AZ
If you’re looking for a summer hike near Payson that actually gets you in the water, Water Wheel Falls should be at the top of your list. It’s one of the most popular trails in the Tonto National Forest for good reason — short enough to do in a couple of hours, beautiful the entire way, and it ends at a waterfall with a swimming hole that feels like the perfect reward on a hot Arizona day.
The trail is only 1.6 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain, which makes it accessible for pretty much everyone — families with kids, people with dogs, and anyone who just wants a scenic walk without wrecking their legs. That said, there are creek crossings and some rocky sections, so it’s not a flip flop situation.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
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Where is Water Wheel Falls?
Water Wheel Falls is located in Northern Arizona near Payson, Arizona and the Mogollon Rim. If you are not familiar with the Mogollon Rim, it is the drop-off point of the Colorado Plateau that separates the desert from a more foresty landscape. It’s the perfect place for us desert rats to escape in the summer. This trail is 18 minutes north of Payson, AZ. It takes 1.5-2 hrs driving from central Phoenix, which isn’t too bad at all!!
Best Time to Visit
Time of the Year
Water Wheel Falls is a year-round trail, but summer is peak season — Memorial Day through Labor Day is when most people make the trip, and for good reason. The combination of warm weather and cold creek water makes it genuinely refreshing in a way that’s hard to beat when it’s 110° in Phoenix. Spring is also a great time to visit if you want more water flow and fewer crowds.
One thing to keep in mind: avoid hiking this trail during or right after heavy rain. The creek crossings and rock surfaces can get slippery fast, and it’s not worth the risk.
Time of the Day
Unlike some Arizona hikes where you have to be on the trail by 6am or suffer for it, Water Wheel Falls is pretty forgiving on timing. The trail runs alongside the creek and has decent tree cover, so it doesn’t bake the way an exposed desert trail would. That said, weekends in summer get crowded by mid-morning — if you want the swimming hole to yourself, earlier is always better.
Trail Info & What to Expect
Parking At the Trailhead
You won’t have a hard time plugging in “Water Wheel Falls Trailhead” into Apple or Google Maps. The parking lot has trail signs and vault toilets. It can get very busy and parking is NOT allowed on the side of the road, although people try to do it. Be respectful of the National Forest that needs room in case of emergencies.
You do need to have a Tonto Pass to park here (trailhead info HERE). These are not available to purchase on-site. I always have my America The Beautiful Annual National Park Pass which covers for this.
What is the Trail Like?
Generally, this trail is pretty easy, but there are a few considerations. It starts off in a forested area alongside the creek. You will then transition to a rocky surface as shown in the photo below. We took my mid-fifties semi-active in laws with us and they did fine, just have to take it a little more slowly. Kids do great. It is also dog-friendly. This photo depicts the first creek crossing that involves jumping over a few rocks if you don’t want your feet wet. This area is beautiful.
Water Wheel Falls Hike Stats
The Waterfalls & Swimming Holes
One of the things that makes Water Wheel Falls stand out from other hikes in the area is that you actually get two swim spots, not just one.
The first comes up early on the trail — within the first half mile you’ll reach a canyon section with a waterfall that drops into a natural pool. A lot of people don’t realize you can swim here, so it tends to be less crowded than the main falls. It’s a great spot to cool off on the way in and have mostly to yourself.
The main event is the Water Wheel Falls swimming hole at the end of the trail. It’s the busiest spot on the trail for a reason — the waterfall feeds directly into a pool that’s perfect for swimming on a hot summer day. The water is cold, which honestly feels incredible when you’ve been hiking in the Arizona heat. Get there early on weekends if you want space to spread out, because by late morning it fills up fast.
Between the two swim spots and the creek you’re walking alongside the whole way, this trail keeps you near water almost the entire time — which is exactly what you want in July.
What to Wear & Bring to Water Wheel Falls
Because there are creek crossings and potentially slick rock, I think it’s important to address proper gear suggested for this hike. I realize it takes years to build up quality gear, but boy does it make a difference. As shown below, I ALWAYS suggest Teva Hurricane Sandals. I have been using them for years and never want to use anything else. Teva > Chaco. You will also need sun protection- and by this I mean a wide-brimmed hat and/or a sunshirt. I was not wearing one in this hike, but I like to always wear one now. THIS is my favorite UPF sunshirt. I am wearing THIS wide-brimmed hat in the photo below. Because rock can be slippery, I suggest carrying a small, light-weight pack like this REI Flash 22.
FAQs: Water Wheel Falls
Is Water Wheel Falls worth it? 100% yes. It’s one of the best short hikes in the Payson area and the fact that you get two swimming holes out of a 1.6 mile trail makes it a no-brainer for a summer day trip from Phoenix.
How long is the Water Wheel Falls hike? The trail is 1.6 miles round trip with about 150 feet of elevation gain. Most people finish in 1 to 2 hours, but plan for longer if you want to swim at both spots — which you should.
Is Water Wheel Falls dog friendly? Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail on a leash. Just be aware of the creek crossings and rocky sections — most dogs handle it fine but it’s worth keeping an eye on smaller or older dogs.
Can you swim at Water Wheel Falls? Yes — there are two swimming areas on this trail. The first is a natural pool at the canyon waterfall early on the trail, and the second is the main swimming hole at the falls at the end. Both are cold and both are worth getting in.
Do you need a pass for Water Wheel Falls? Yes. You need a Tonto Pass to park at the trailhead, and it is not available to purchase on-site so make sure you get one in advance. An America the Beautiful Annual Pass also covers this and is worth it if you hike in Arizona regularly.
How far is Water Wheel Falls from Phoenix? About 1.5 to 2 hours depending on where in the valley you’re coming from. Take AZ-87 north through Payson and the trailhead is about 18 minutes north of town.
Summary: Water Wheel Falls Hike
Water Wheel Falls is one of those hikes that earns a permanent spot on your Arizona summer rotation. It’s short enough to be accessible, beautiful enough to feel like a real adventure, and the fact that you get two swimming holes out of it makes it hard to beat when the Phoenix heat is at its worst.
Grab your Tevas, get your Tonto Pass sorted before you leave home, and try to get there early on weekends. Everything else takes care of itself.
If you found this helpful, save it for your next trip up the Beeline and share it with someone who needs a summer hike recommendation. And if you’ve been to Water Wheel Falls, drop your favorite tip in the comments — I’d love to hear it!
