DOGS: Allowed on leash Travel 4 miles to the parking area just outside the entrance to the fish hatchery. The rocks are colored various shades of red, grey and white - usually smooth polished granite at water level then jagged, crumbling, darker rock higher up. The thunderstorm hit about 8 miles upstream along Ellison Creek, which quickly flooded the narrow canyon and caused a flash flood. From Payson head 21 miles east off of Highway 260. Stealthy approach and making the first cast into each pool count. There isn't a more welcoming oasis in the desert than a swimming hole in Arizona. From Cabins on Strawberry Hill, take Highway 87 south approximately 5 miles to Control Road. Not far upstream from the canyon entry point the creek forms a deep pool about 20 meters long beneath a short, pretty narrow section and a waterfall. A small swimming hole with limited access helps prevent overcrowding. 288. The new permits will allow for Four dirt lots – First Crossing, Water Wheel, Second Crossing and Third Crossing – all offer park-and-swim access to the water, but a little wading and hiking will get you to the really good stuff. 0 … There is a self guided tour of the facility. Stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout. Lava Hot Springs Swimming Pools and Hot Pools. Fossil Creek is a place that many people visit to sunbathe, hike, birdwatch or swim in the crystal clear waters of the creek. east of Payson on State Hwy. East of Mile Marker 269, turn north onto Forest Road (FR) 289. A stay at Upper Tonto Creek means awesome fishing, endless trails, shallow swimming holes and a fun day trip to the Tonto Fish Hatchery. Tonto Creek is right there, just head downstream. The access to these areas requires hiking so someone physically fit is recommended to find the daring spots. Apply towel, problem solved. Copyright: Hike Arizona - All Rights Reserved. The rocks become jagged and metamorphic with a great variety of colors and forms, and enclose a canyon that is over 1,000 feet deep in places and contains many beautiful pools, cascades and flooded narrow channels. From the 260 / 87 intersection in Payson go north on 87 a couple miles to the Houston Mesa turnoff on the right. The Water Wheel area offers the best single swimming hole around- a deep pool and 50-foot waterfall! From the intersection of State Highways 87 and 188 about 60mi northeast of Phoenix, Arizona, drive southeast on SR 188 for 19.4mi through the hamlet of Punkin Center to mile post 255. Ellison Creek/Cold Creek (Waterwheel) Tonto National Forest - Payson Ranger District. Hell’s Gate Trail #37 leads in and out of one of the best swimming holes in the Tonto, at the bottom of the canyon where Tonto Creek flows in Haigler Creek.The approach from either direction is precariously steep, and the march out of Hell’s Gate is an infamous trial of endurance. No overnight camping will be allowed in the permit season. Are you planning on heading to Fossil Creek between April 1st and May 1st? Creek Access Point #2: When the hills eventually recede and the creek enters a wide valley near the little town of Gisela, the land is now part of the Sonoran Desert and has typical Arizona scenery of huge saguaro and other cacti. Many natural water slides pop up along the route—use caution, but consider giving nature’s Slip n’ Slide a try. Fishing hiking and swimming are the main draw to Horton Creek. Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery is located just 3 miles north. In summertime, the hike out can be brutally hot. The East Verde River flows through parts of the Mazatzal Wilderness west of Payson. Watch for natural and man-made hazards in the creek. There is an entrance fee. It takes a short drive, a mile hike down a dirt road or if you want to take the scenic route, an incredible hike through a prehistoric looking landscape of slate and dense foliage, a jump over the creek and several ponds that you have to navigate over and around to reach this inviting, cold clear swimming hole that is most definitely worth the trip. Several hiking trails (2.5 miles) — one takes walks along-side Tonto Creek leading to swimming hole and waterfalls, the other with easy terrain that leads to scenic points. Right after that a group of about 20 people came. The trail ends at the historic old dam. GETTING THERE: From the State Route 87/260 junction in Payson, go 2 miles north on SR87 to Houston Mesa Road. Ellison Creek will be coming from the right (south-east). Tonto Creek is a year round stream with a considerable water flow that has formed a deep, remote and often narrow canyon below the Mogollon Rim in central Arizona. Hotels near Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery; Hotels near Mazatzal Casino; Hotels near Rim Country Museum ... Sedona, with a guide. Perfect for small families with little ones. The Salome Wilderness area is situated in the Sierra Ancha Mountains, just above Arizona’s Roosevelt Lake. For more information about how to get to Fossil Creek we strongly suggest that you review all the information on the Forest Service website - Click here. Two short paths lead out of the parking area. Except in winter, the ford and the dirt road are passable in a 2WD vehicle but a high ground clearance, 4WD vehicle is preferable. Ellison Creek is a wonderful swimming hole tucked back between Payson and the Mogollon Rim. Turn north off SR 260 at the signed road near Kohl’s Ranch Resort and travel four miles to end of road. A rugged and wet non-technical canyon hike down miles of Tonto Creek pink granite in the heart of Rim country, will lead you to one of Arizona's swimming gems. I lost count of the number of pools to wade and swim. The silt can also wreak havoc on filters, so you may want to carry enough water for the full trip. Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery. Take Hwy60 east from the valley through Globe and turn north towards Show Low, go 35mi to the 287.6 milepost. Our Geothermal Hot Springs range from 102˚ to 112˚. That should allow for up to 740 visitors per day to the area. Situated along the banks of the East Verde River. It is approximately 3 miles to Workman Creek Falls (a high-clearance vehicle is needed). Perfect for small families with little ones. After splashing through the pools, the walls being to disappear, and the water leads to an open area. Join Free or Sign In. There is a lot to do in the area in addition to the cool rushing water of Tonto Creek. There will be a trail leading down to the East Verde River. Turn right on Forest Road (FR) 405 and follow it for 4½ mi. Plan your trip late spring to early summer—it’s not too hot at this time, nor is it monsoon season. Here, you’ll hop on the cacti surrounded trail to your right, which will ultimately lead you back to the beginning. You'll need to drop a shuttle vehicle at the Hell's Gate #37 trailhead on FR405A, where you'll end your adventure. Right across from Home Depot you will see Houston Mesa Road. The path to the left leads to shady, shallow pools and interesting water features. Third Crossing: Travel on Houston Mesa Road (FR 199) for 8 ½ miles. One parking space will be included for each permit issued. This area offers many pastoral scenes and interesting rock formations. Starting at the end of Tonto Creek Drive in the little village of Gisela, (just south of Buckboard Trail), follow the dusty 4x4 path through the cottonwoods and mesquite trees. The dirt road drops down into the wide river valley and, after about a mile, crosses the stream at a broad ford where the water is usually only about six inches deep. If you are backpacking or canyoneering there are many areas to camp along the creek. As you come to the last ridge between you and the Butte, you will easily find the A+ Cross Trailhead, 10.1mi from SR188 at 33o46.24'N 111o8.17'W. The water temperature is usuall cool, a 2mm shorty wetsuit is a nice feature on this adventure and makes things very comfortable. Make sure you have Tevas or some other slip proof water shoes as any of the rock that gets wet is very slippery. Continue traveling on FR 272 for ½ mile to the site. A classic canyoneering spot and it is recommended that you are in above average shape to engage in this adventure. Explore 114 swimming holes on the Natural Atlas map, or record the ones you encounter out on your outdoor adventures with the Natural Atlas app. Hidden along Cave Creek Trail #4 is a swimming hole deep enough to refresh from the summer heat. STATE PARK WEB SITE check to be sure it is open before you go. Though the river is now a shadow of its former self, Seneca Falls still flows, especially after rain. TONTO NATIONAL FOREST, Ariz. — Nine people died and a 13-year-old boy was still missing Sunday after a furious flash flood tore through a group of family and friends cooling Below the SH 188 turn-off from SH 87 is Rye Creek, which feeds Tonto Creek just above a 2-mile box canyon of considerable difficulty, where paddlers sometimes encounter barbed wire fences strung across the creek to contain cows. The parking area is on the left side of the road. There are no other campgrounds located along or near Tonto Creek. Several USFS campgrounds are located between Tonto Creek and SH 260 just east of Payson, just below the second access point where SH 260 crosses the creek about 2 hours northeast of Phoenix and around the top of Roosevelt Lake, some accessible from the river. Best described as an Oasis. This is a new action from the Tonto and Coconino National Forest to battle overcrowding, search and rescue operations and trash issues among other things. Right on Hwy 87 and drive 8 mi; OR, From Payson: 18 mi north on Hwy 87 to Strawberry. Educate yourself well, and be sure you have the appropriate skills, before taking off in to this WILD area. ELEVATION: This hike reaches the highest point in the Sierra Ancha range at almost 7800 ft of elevation via trails bounded by beautiful ponderosa pine, and aspen forest. At a fork where dirt roads go left continue straight as the road becomes asphalt. For 30 miles it snakes through the steep hilly land at the north edge of the Tonto National Forest, starting right beneath the Rim at an elevation of 6,600 feet. To be sure, the upper end is a kayaker-only stream that is not well-suited for canoes and rafts due to difficult access and the tight, twisting channel that demands quick and effective boat control at all times. 188 (between Globe and Miami) drive northwest on Hwy. The Jug Trail used to be a Jeep run, but now it guides canyoneering enthusiasts on foot down rocky slopes to the Salome Creek. Hike up the dirt road up and to the left until you reach a low point in the road approximately 0.5 miles. "This is a beautiful hike along the creek to a waterfall with a swimming hole." From Payson head north on highway 87 towards Pine/Strawberry. Copyright: DJ Craig - All Rights Reserved. At first jump, the water is so cold it takes your breath away for a few seconds. TONTO NATURAL BRIDGE S. P. [TONT]: Swimming place in Pine Creek in State Park. In this state famous for giant cacti and triple-digit temperatures, there are actually many hidden canyons that flow with cold, clear water. 260. You then continue east 5.5 miles on FR405A and FR405, where the road ends at the Bear Flat trailhead. The parking areas can be miles apart and you won't want to be lugging gear, chairs, coolers etc a few miles. The Tonto Bench site at Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River offers a deep swimming hole and shady creek banks to explore. Grab your favorite pair of cut-offs, pack a sandwich lunch and dive in – we’re taking you on a tour of Arizona’s best shady spots to get wet and some of them are incredibly beautiful. The final long swim takes you through the soaring walls of Hell's Gate, where you say goodbye to Tonto Creek and begin the somewhat hellish 7 mile slog up the Hell's Gate #37 trail and back to your shuttle vehicle. Here the rocks are sedimentary, the surroundings densely wooded and the canyon quite shallow but the character soon changes as the creek flows south into a particularly rugged area known as the Hellsgate Wilderness. Bring exact change for self-serve pay stations. Tonto Creek Swimming Holes Not far upstream from the canyon entry point the creek forms a deep pool about 20 meters long beneath a short, pretty narrow section and a waterfall. This area is an Arizona swimming hole favorite. It takes almost four miles of hiking in Arizona desert to reach the swimming hole, but the water is refreshing enough to be worth it. Altogether it will take about 30 minutes to reach the pool. Start at the large parking area at Water Wheel. The Gate is an impressive cut in the Tonto Creek side as the water cut a 100+ foot deep path through a rock face. In 2018 A lot of wild Brook Trout have been caught this year in Tonto Creek, anglers who are stealthy and quiet may be able to locate and find these elusive fish. Fossil Creek has been designated a "Wild and Scenic River". Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail and Ellison Creek Swimming Hole Tucked between Payson, Arizona and the base of the Mogollon Rim, this watering hole is a picturesque destination full of gorgeous natural landscapes. Updated 10/17/2007. Zoom into the map and take a good look at the way in to help not get lost along the way. There’s not much of a hike to get to the falls, so we wouldn’t consider it a premier hiking destination, but if you time your trip after the right storm, Seneca Falls offers a stunning viewing experience that’s worth a visit. Roadside parking near Fossil Creek Bridge will be designated. Watch for a psychiatrist if you are thinking about running Tonto Creek in high water. Sycamore Creek - Tonto National Forest. © 2020-21 - Site operated by the Discover Gila County, Inc. 288 for approximately 25 ½ miles to the Workman Creek Bridge. Camping from Stehr Lake to Childs (via FR 508) and outside the permit boundary on FR 708, will continue to be available year-round and access to campsites via motor vehicle will continue to be displayed on the Coconino National Forest Motorized Vehicle Use Map. Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery. swimming holes in Arizona. The water in Tonto Creek is often cloudy with silt, which makes wading slow and difficult. 148 reviews "There is a little dispenser that gives you hands full of fish food for 25 cents and you can feed the fish." Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery. For safety, be sure to always check the weather forecast and be aware that isolated storms can cause heavy rainfall and high water in a very short amount of time. This section is particularly dangerous because of boulder garden rapids, moderate drops of 8-10 feet, keeper holes, dead-fall strainers, a VERY constricted channel, sticky pourovers, few places for good portages and difficult access, just to name a few reasons why most paddlers would avoid this place like they would the plague. You’ll find yourself wading through waist, to chest deep water channels that weave through the colorful pink walls. Soon you will arrive at Tonto Creek, where, if it has not gone dry, you will find a nice swimming hole next to an unusual conglomerate rock formation. People do swim downstream in Pine Creek. Near mile marker 257 just south of the East Verde River, turn right (east) on Forest Road (FR) 272. On the way out we saw more and more people, so get there early to … Look for a place where you can cross over to the east side of the … Park at Second Crossing parking area immediately after you cross the creek on the left and cross the road. “The Jug,” is a hikeable, green-water-filled granite slot canyon carved by Salome Creek that demands wading. This is where John Wayne would take a bath. ... Fossil Creek - Tonto Bench Swimming Hole. The body search went on for a week. Jumping can be risky, because monsoons and other conditions can push debris into the pool. If you start going up hill and pass mile marker 8 you missed the pull out to the right at 7.8 miles. Workman Creek Falls is a nice 200 foot waterfall that you can visit right from your car, located in the Tonto National Forest, in central Arizona, USA. The main attraction is the arching torrent and plunge pool at Ellison Creek Falls, where brisk water slips over polished cliffs before charging south toward the Verde River. Beginning on the Mogollon Rim near Washington Park, it flows generally southwest through Gila County and the Tonto National Forest northeast of Phoenix. This is the popular swimming site and also has lots of litter, but there is no more beyond since very few people explore further up canyon. There are 6 picnic use areas with grills. If you want WILD...this is the place. Second Crossing: Travel on Houston Mesa Road (FR 199) for 8 miles. ... be a very good destination if you're looking for a nice swimming hole. © 2020-21 - Site operated by the Discover Gila County, Inc. Campgrounds, both primitive forest campsites, are located between Tonto Creek and SH 260 just east of Payson. There is a lot to explore in the area and if you park just past second crossing. A quarter mile further on (1.85 miles) is a larger hole. This is a beautiful hike along the creek to a waterfall with a swimming hole. HORTON & UPPER TONTO CREEK RECREATION SITES: Travel 17 miles east of Payson on State Hwy. Summary: ... Drive in a short distance and pick a spot to park near the creek (this is a big ATV area and there are crisscrossed use roads everywhere). Trout. A stay at Upper Tonto Creek means awesome fishing, endless trails, shallow swimming holes and a fun day trip to the Tonto Fish Hatchery. Since then the trail has been rerouted around the Hitchin' Rail Ranch, and the locals have posted lots of helpful signs. is a favorite pastime. Tonto Creek is largely impassable above the gate, whereas Haigler Creek can be walked upstream for miles. Note that all riparian zones are sensitive ecosystems, and this is especially true of water in the desert and the high deserts. BEAR FLAT: Travel 14miles east of Payson on State Hwy. Boulder scrambling and clinging required to get down to Oak Creek, but once there enjoy a great lush spot to picnic. Please respect private property along the creek. If desired, you may also drive along the creek on FR 487 that turns right (east) just past the bridge. Creek Access Point #1: This asphalt road ends at a boatramp and campground but, about 1.8mi before that (and 2.3mi from SR188), you must turn left onto a dirt road signposted A+ Cross Road. Fishing is available in both Horton Creek and Tonto Creek for rainbow trout. The new permits will allow for 148 parking spaces along the river in several different locations including the Waterfall Trailhead, Irving Parking Area, Tonto Bench, Fossil Creek Bridge, Homestead Parking Area, Sally May, Purple Mountain and Mazatzal Parking Areas. Hike upstream (follow the dark blue line on the map) and boulder hop up to the confluence of Ellison Creek and the East Verde River. Nature & Parks. There is a parking lot that you can leave your car and then head to the river. From Camp Verde/I-17: Exit 287, 34 mi east on Hwy 260 toward Payson to intersection with Hwy 87. About a quarter-mile from the road begins a series of small waterfalls and pools near the bottom of a narrow stone canyon. This turn is easily missed but if you arrive at the boatramp just backtrack 1.8mi. You can hardly blame them, given the piles of trash along the trail. This is the popular swimming site and also has lots of litter, but there is no more beyond since very few people explore further up canyon. When buying a permit, you will need to select a parking area. Nature & Parks. 87. The dream didn’t last long, and today the area is largely abandoned. There are a couple short sections of Class 4 down-climbing as you work your way around some falls, and one 3-foot drop off a ledge into a pool, but no rappels or big drops. A classic canyoneering spot and it is recommended that you are in above average shape to engage in this adventure. If you know where to look, you can find relief on even the hottest of days in Arizona. If you're really up to the challenge, continue on another half mile to the Soldier Camp Creek confluence. This site is 3 ½ miles north of Payson. Swimming is not allowed under the Natural Bridge. Nearby, a trail winds through fields of wildflowers, wild berries and ponderosa pine forests as it follows the Horton Creek up to its mouth, the Horton Spring. Ellison Creek is a moderate mile hike just a few miles from Payson, Arizona. Turn right and continue 7 miles for First Crossing, 7.5 miles for Water Wheel, 8 miles for Second Crossing and 8.5 miles for Third Crossing. With adequate water Tonto Creek can be paddled from a few miles below its headwaters to Roosevelt Lake, but not in a single day unless it is so high that you should not be there anyway. 88 for approximately 15 miles to the junction of State Hwy. FACILITIES: Picnic tables, toilets BOOK YOUR PERMIT AT www.recreation.gov Are you planning on heading to Fossil Creek between April 1st and October 1st (May 1st starting in 2017)? The Water Wheel Falls area features flowing waterfalls, shimmering pools, and cool water along the East Verde River. Although much of the hike takes place where only cactus will keep you company, the trail does intersect with shaded areas where you can cool … There is more information on Water Wheel and Flowing Springs below. A grandmother 60 years old, two of her daughters, a father and six children as young as two lost their lives in this canyon. The pool below is known as the heart of the Jug, and it’s Insta-worthy. The first swimming holes is just upstream of Bell Crossing, a huge one called "The Crack". Exit Trail: Cross Tonto Creek and pick up the Hellsgate Trail #37, which begins just upstream from a small side drainage. ELEVATION: 4,800' It's a beautiful hike. Coconino National Forest – Red Rock Ranger District, Tonto National Forest – Payson Ranger District. LAT, LON :lat=34.6741, lon=-111.6592(source: topozone) (accuracy:exact). Small stream tactics are in order for this creek. Additional Alternate Route: (even a bit more difficult). FEE: No fees FACILITIES: No facilities There are rock benches and walls all around the … This is a great place for families wanting to get out of the Arizona heat and head to the high country. Christopher Creek, Tonto Creek, Kohl’s Ranch After this the canyon opens for a while at an area known as McDonald Pocket then constricts once more and remains narrow for most of the next 10 miles upstream to the Hellsgate Trail crossing. Relax in our World Famous Natural Hot Springs! Heads up, you're going to need to buy a $6 permit. It is a scenic paradise to say the least. Definitely NOT a place to be during heavy Spring run-off or active monsoon conditions. On the other side continue on the good dirt road following the posted sign for Salome Creek. Situated along the banks of the East Verde River. This strenuous trail descends four miles into a 1600' deep canyon before you'll see a drop of water. Lava Hot Springs Idaho is located about 2 hours north of Salt Lake City, Utah and 3 hours south of Yellowstone Park. There is another decent campsite just north of the bench on the south side of Tonto Creek. Below Sycamore Creek Road the river drops at an average rate of about 24.8 feet per mile, which is still substantial, but far less than the 30 miles above and the channel is a little wider and deeper with a much more reliable flow that at the top where a lot of walking and carrying or dragging boats may be required. Turn left following the sign for the A+ Cross Road and note the odometer reading. There are said to be more swimming holes upstream of here within 1.25 miles of the crossing. Outside of the reservation season (Oct 2 to March 31), overnight camping will be allowed at specific locations including Homestead, Purple Mountain, Sally May and Mazatzal. Turn left into campground and bear right on paved road past lake on your left to its end and continue on dirt for another 100yds (@1/2mi total) to parking area and overlook. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you into the backcountry to explore off the beaten track. Stay on trails, pick up trash, don't disturb plants or wildlife, and respect other users and private property. From the junction of U.S. Highway 60 & State Hwy. The dirt road winds in and out of various drainages as it climbs episodically along the southern slopes of Victoria Peak. “The Jug,” is a hikeable, green-water-filled granite slot canyon carved by Salome Creek that demands wading. Copyright: Craig Haymond - All rights reserved. Make sure your permit is near the area you want to explore. There is a nice small waterfall that you can swim up to. From Payson, go north on State Hwy.