Your Kids Will Love This Easy 1 Mile Waterfall Hike Right Here In Arizona

Hiking in Arizona with kids along can sometimes pose a bit of a challenge, but not with this trail. It’s short, and offers a bit of shallow water swimming once you reach your destination: Water Wheel Falls.

Named for the water wheel found along the trail, this one mile round trip trek has all the makings of a perfect hiking adventure for the whole family.

The terrain can be somewhat bumpy (in the form of big rocks), but much of the short trail follows the East Verde River, so the views are amazing.

Once you reach the first waterfall along the river you'll have a chance to stop and enjoy the fun. In much of the year, there is a small pool at the bottom of the falls where you can cool off.

And, if you want to extend the hike then you have the option to go a little further upstream.

The day use trail parking lot is easily accessible on Houston Mesa Road leading out of Payson. A restroom facility is located in the parking area.

The parking area for Water Wheel Falls contains an honor system payment box. The fee to park is $9 per vehicle. NOTE: Water Wheel Falls is not a trail you want to take during Monsoon Season. The trail is in a flash flood area. You should always be aware of the weather forecast before heading out on this trail.

Robin Jarvis

Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.