GORDON CREEK FALLS Payson Just minutes from downtown Payson, in a fragrant ponderosa pine forest, Gordon Creek Falls spills over a 25-foot escarpment into a cool swimming hole. This pine-shaded outdoor spa puts on its best show during spring snow melt season and after heavy monsoon rains. SEE MY 2010 ENTRY FOR A VIDEO OF THE BOX CANYON WATERFALL.
Best season: March-May
Elevation: 6,200’
Driving distance from Phoenix: 125 miles northeast
Getting there: From Phoenix, go north on SR 87 to the intersection with SR 260 in Payson. From there, go east (right) on SR 260 for roughly 25 miles to Colcord Road (Forest Road 291) near milepost 277. Turn right and go southeast for 1.3 miles and park in a turnout near a green gate just south of some power lines. To get to the falls, hike down FR291 a few yards to a road that’s blocked with a “road closed” sign. Shimmy under the fence (it's legal) and hike down the dirt road. Pass through a gate and go left at the crossroads. At the second fork, go right. Turn left at the third junction and continue to the creek. From here, go right and follow the creek to the falls. Total one-way hiking distance to the falls is 1.5 miles.
Information: Tonto National Forest (928) 474-7900 or fs.fed.us/r3/tonto
GORDON CREEK FALLS Payson Just minutes from downtown Payson, in a fragrant ponderosa pine forest, Gordon Creek Falls spills over a 25-foot escarpment into a cool swimming hole. This pine-shaded outdoor spa puts on its best show during spring snow melt season and after heavy monsoon rains. SEE MY 2010 ENTRY FOR A VIDEO OF THE BOX CANYON WATERFALL. Best season: March-May Elevation: 6,200’ Driving distance from Phoenix: 125 miles northeast Getting there: From Phoenix, go north on SR 87 to the intersection with SR 260 in Payson. From there, go east (right) on SR 260 for roughly 25 miles to Colcord Road (Forest Road 291) near milepost 277. Turn right and go southeast for 1.3 miles and park in a turnout near a green gate just south of some power lines. To get to the falls, hike down FR291 a few yards to a road that’s blocked with a “road closed” sign. Shimmy under the fence (it's legal) and hike down the dirt road. Pass through a gate and go left at the crossroads. At the second fork, go right. Turn left at the third junction and continue to the creek. From here, go right and follow the creek to the falls. Total one-way hiking distance to the falls is 1.5 miles. Information: Tonto National Forest (928) 474-7900 or fs.fed.us/r3/tonto
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