Ellison Cascades

 



This is a short hike to a great swimming hole with a water fall.  The area is north of Payson and gets a lot of use.  Unfortunately a few years back someone decided not to put their campfire out and the area to the southwest was burned out.  There are two ways to access this waterfall.  I have included a map showing both routes.  The easiest way is by walking down an old jeep road.   The hike is an easy 1 mile with a gradual hill.  People of all ages and skill level will be able to get to this swimming hole by this route, which is why it is so popular.  You can easily spend an entire day at this spot enjoying the water fall, the swimming hole, catching frogs, and exploring the area to the southwest, which is the aforementioned  water wheel area, where several creeks meet and converge into one drainage.  It is an impressive site.

 

 

Water Wheel and Ellison Cascades

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  EASY ROUTE
This hike is located outside of Payson, Arizona.  Follow Hwy 87 thru Payson.  Just after the roundabout you will see a road on your right called Houston Mesa.  Follow this road 8.2 miles to FR 420.  At mile 7 you will pass the Water Wheel parking area, to access the easy route continue 1.2 more miles to FR 420.  There is a small turnout on your right with a trail head sign.  The sign informs you not to park here.  We parked about 50 yards further up on another turnout and walked back down.  Follow the old jeep road thru the gate.  The road will gradually descend.  Once you reach the bottom of the hill you will see a trail go off to your right thru the trees, you can take this and follow it to an area below the falls where the creek is.  Ellison cascades is to your left, Water Wheel is to your right.  To find the water wheel area just follow the creek till you come to the confluence of creeks, you can't miss it.  It is probably about 1/4 mile down.  To go to Ellison Cascades follow the creek up to your left.  You will see the cascades in the distance.

You can also, access the cascades by continuing to follow the jeep trail instead of taking the spur trail.  The road will climb up a hill and you will shortly see the cascades or rather hear them on your right.  Find a way down to the creek through the rocks.  If you reach a fence saying private property you have gone too far.  All said the cascades are only about .9 miles from the trail head.  Remember to bring swimming clothes, camera and be ready for a nice day in the water.



Water Wheel

ROUTE TWO FROM WATER WHEEL PARKING AREA
The Second option and a bit more scenic and involves one creek crossing and scrambling up rock is the Water Wheel parking area at mile marker 7..  This is a fee area, and costs $6.00 to park. The trail begins at the far left end of the parking area as you pull in.  Follow the trail as it heads along the creek.  You will come to an area where it becomes rocky gradually heads up over the rocky slab.  This is an easy trail to find, but if you are not much of a hiker I would recommend the first route I described.  Continue to the follow the trail as it climbs up above the creek.  You will see the creek below rushing through a narrow gap, with a waterfall.  It is a great spot.  The trail descends back down the rock outcropping, at this point two creeks come together to form what is called The Water Wheel.  Find a safe spot to cross the creek and follow the creek coming from your right.  Continue to follow the creek as it winds its way up.  The creek disappears at one point but keep an eye out for the path and as long as you stay in the creek bed area you are fine.  You will eventually meet back up with the water and a large rocky creek bed area.  You will see the cascades at the far end of this area.   Please consult the map I have attached that indicates both routes.