Ellison Creek Cascades is a series of cascades and deep pools along Ellison Creek on Houston Mesa Road just past Water Wheel Falls near Payson. It is a popular warm-weather swimming-hole hike at the base of the Mogollon Rim.
Its water comes from Ellison Creek. You'll find it in Gila, Arizona. It is protected within Tonto National Forest.
This is a short hike waterfall: reached by a short trail, generally under about a mile each way. A short walk gets you to the viewpoint, so it works for most casual visitors and families. The walk to the main viewpoint runs about 1.5 miles round trip. Base a visit out of Payson, the closest town.
When to go: spring. Expect the strongest flow in spring and after big storms, with a quieter trickle by late summer; confirm current conditions with the land manager before committing to the drive.
