One Of Arizona's Best Water Hikes Is Full Of Swimming Holes And Thrilling Waterfalls

Tumbling waters. Tufts of green. Cragged walls of rock. There are so many reasons to love the Water Wheel Falls hiking trail, a scenic path in rural Arizona fit for almost any visitor, no matter what your level of outdoors experience. The trail leads you into a tree-studded valley, where cliffs rise around you and the East Verde River pours down stone slopes. The route isn't very long, at 1.6 miles, and you basically walk to the end, turn around, and come back to the parking lot; but Mother Nature has packed a lot of spectacular terrain into this little corner of Tonto National Forest, and the East Verde is safe for swimming, so there are plenty of chances to cool off. You can confidently bring only basic provisions, but if you haven't hiked often, here's a list of gear you need for a day at a national park.

The state of Arizona is littered with hiking trails, which also follow brooks and streams through the arid outback. But many routes are located in remote corners of the Sonoran Desert, where signage and services are limited, or they're difficult to traverse, such as this hike near Phoenix, which is not for amateurs. The Water Wheel Falls hike is considered easy, and the trailhead is just a 20-minute drive from the old cowboy town of Payson, which is itself a great place to visit, thanks to its three golf courses and the world's oldest continuous rodeo. You can drive to Payson from Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport in about 80 minutes.

The narrow East Verde River can get warm under the intense summer sun, and the combination of high ledges and deep waters lead to plenty of cliff-jumping escapades among locals. However, visitors are better off finding a safer way to cool down when the afternoon sun becomes unbearable. Despite the heat, the trail's accessibility makes Water Wheel Falls a popular destination, and you'll almost certainly pass some fellow travelers, if not whole groups, as you make your way. The trail is also dog-friendly, so you may encounter some furry companions as well (leashes required).

With great freedom comes great responsibility, of course. Summer temperatures can get as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and visitors should guzzle water throughout their visit, even if they keep to the shade. The trail is level but unpaved with rocky sections that can get slippery, and it's easy to get overconfident and sprain an ankle (or worse). Banner Payson Medical Center is a 25-bed facility that can treat basic injuries, but the closest large hospital is back in Phoenix. To travelers from greener parts of the country, calling Tonto a "national forest" may seem peculiar, given the relative lack of leafy boughs. Here in the Southwest, cacti also count as vegetation, and Tonto is considered the ninth-largest national forest in the United States. The Water Wheel Falls trail can be unclear at times, so if you end up wandering off-trail, please be kind to the flora, and remember not to break this cactus rule when visiting anywhere in Arizona.