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Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 883 Google reviews · Running trail in Payson, Arizona · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Short riverside hike with some rock scrambling to reach a waterfall, popular for family day trips.
What runners say about Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail
“Beautiful hike and it is a *MODERATE to HARD* hike - not for the elevation gains, but for the very rocky, uneven path about 1/4 mile onto the hike.”
“For the most part, it was a very easy trail to hike.”
NO FEE Nov-March. Pics and videos were taken Feb 2023. It's gorgeous here during winter when some rocks are covered in snow. Lots of water flow and falls this time of the year. When I looked at the other photos some part of the creek were dry but it was full when we went.
One of my favorite hikes, did it 2-3 times in last 2 years. Easy and not too far from Payson (10-15 minutes) and Phoenix (1-2 hours). If driving in the weekends, make sure to be ready for the parking search. No T-mobile coverage. A few picnic tables available and saw some people fishing.
For the most part, it was a very easy trail to hike. I had my 8 year old daughter, and my 81 yr old mother made the hike with very little difficulty. Plan on getting wet if you're hiking to the wheel about 2 miles back. The views are just awesome. Was not very crowded on our Sunday.
Short hike to the top. Bring a bathing suit, water shoes, and a fishing net. This place is a diamond experience!! Pictures do not give this landmark justice. The amount of wildlife in combination with the cuts in the canyon with its flowing water makes a timeless memory to enjoy with loved ones.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful hike and it is a *MODERATE to HARD* hike - not for the elevation gains, but for the very rocky, uneven path about 1/4 mile onto the hike.”
“Beautiful hike and it is a *MODERATE to HARD* hike - not for the elevation gains, but for the very rocky, uneven path about 1/4 mile onto the hike.”
“Bring good shoes to get over the boulders, and get there early to get parking and avoid crowds.”
“Beautiful hike and it is a *MODERATE to HARD* hike - not for the elevation gains, but for the very rocky, uneven path about 1/4 mile onto the hike.”
Plan your run at Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Payson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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