Tonto Creek Waterfall – Payson’s Rocky Cascade

Unless you are hiking for cardio this hike is a waste of time. Very little water, lots of rocks, steep terrain with unsteady paths on the steepest parts.

Beautiful creek, forest and waterfall. We hike there all the time, as we live up creek. Trail is pretty easy. Just stick to the west side of the creek and take the upper trail when you see the split. Everyone should come hike Tonto Creek! That said, as a full-time resident, please DO NOT park on the road! The one gal, Holly, said to park at the end of the road, in front of Camp Tontozona or wherever. If you do that, YOU WILL BE TOWED, as fire trucks need access to the narrow dirt lane at all times. There is parking up at the beginning of the road, near the Lodge area. That makes for a nice hike down creek (use the east side until you can gain access to the west side of the creek). If you desire to walk Buenagua to reach the creek access, there are a few places where you can see access pathways. Do not trespass on anyone's property! The gate at the very end, right before the Camp T football field, is the main one. Also, do not go onto Camp T's property, as it is a closed campus. You will have cops show up!

Great hike, just wear good shoes. I would not suggest sandals or flip flops. Some areas are steep and loose clay dirt. Beautiful area by the falls! Love the rim area hikes.

It's a pretty difficult hike. A lot of steep inclines and decents, and the trail is not well marked. However, it's only about a mile long and you'll be at the falls and water holes before you know it. Park right before going in to Camp Tontozona, don't actually go in past their gates. You'll see a log that says Tonto Falls with an arrow. Park near that and follow that. I wish we had hiking sticks with us. It was beautiful at the falls!

Very short hike, less than mile, sometimes steep slopes and need to climb the rocks at the end - if you want to get directly to waterfall. But nothing really serious, simply need good shoes (no flip-flops, please!) and need to be cautious getting down through the sliding rocks slopes. It could be dangerous in rain - but in AZ it’s so rare occasion!