You’ll Want To Spend All Day At This Waterfall-Fed Pool In Arizona

There's no denying that Supai has some of the best waterfalls in Arizona, but not everyone can fork over nearly $1,000 for a permit to reserve a spot. Luckily, there are plenty of other breathtaking destinations for those who love nature and are on a budget. Cibecue Falls is one such place, and many well-traveled folks have declared it a close second behind Havasu in terms of splendor.

Tucked away deep inside the Salt River Canyon is the remote Cibecue Creek Trail.

Paralleling the river for almost its entire length, the little-known trek takes hikers on an unforgettable adventure to one of Arizona's most breathtaking waterfalls.

A gradual incline leads to the canyon's summit, where panoramic views extend in every direction.

With an elevation gain of just 439 feet and a distance of only 3.5 miles, the trail is accessible to almost everyone.

The trail then leads down into the canyon to the Salt River.

A sizable section of the route is covered in water, so be sure to wear shoes you don't mind getting wet.

It's actually a blessing in disguise - especially during the summer - because it keeps your feet cool throughout the hike despite scorching desert temperatures. That said, bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen too.

As you can see in the photo below, you might not expect that a waterfall is hiding just around this corner.

In fact, many visitors miss it entirely and have to make a second trip back to find it. Don't let that be you!

Keep going right up to the rock wall, at which point a hidden corridor and the fantastic falls will make their presence undeniably apparent.

While the water color and clarity varies depending on the strength and amount of recent rainfall, its striking beauty never changes.

Gentle yet immensely powerful, the soft roar beckons visitors to close their eyes and slip into a meditative trance.

Stick around for a while and immerse yourself in the refreshing spring.

The water surrounding the falls is extremely calm, making it perfect for a relaxing soak. Even your four-legged family members will delight in giving their paws a break from the hot trail.

As is common with outdoor recreation spots in Arizona, the view gets even better after dark.

Use extra caution if you do decide to experience the trail at night, however, as it only takes one misstep for flowing water to turn treacherous.

Cibecue Creek Trail is about a three-hour drive east of Phoenix.

Before embarking on the trail, you'll need to purchase a permit either online or at the self-pay station in the parking lot; the current rate is $30 per person. For more information about day-use permits, click here.

Please note: A 4x4 vehicle is strongly encouraged to safely navigate the road leading to the trail, especially after periods of heavy rainfall.

Have you ever hiked Cibecue Creek Trail? If so, what did you think of the waterfall? Are there any other trails in Arizona that lead to breathtaking waterfalls? Let us know your favorites! Here's one of ours: The Hike To This Little-Known Arizona Waterfall Is Short And Sweet.