13 Best Lesser Known Waterfalls Trails for Spring in Arizona

Before the summer heat, spring is the best time to explore Arizona’s waterfall trails.

Because the weather becomes mild and creeks are flowing.

While iconic spots like Havasu Falls or Fossil Creek are often crowded and require advance permits.

On the other hand, lesser-known waterfall trails offer peace, unspoiled views, and often no permit hassle.

Let’s get into the topic.

Sycamore Falls Trail

It is located near Williams in the Kaibab National Forest. It is a short and easy hike of about a mile round trip.

In spring due to snowmelt it adds water to the falls. They are most active from March to May.

The trailhead is accessible via Forest Road 109 with parking available at the trail.

Though high-clearance vehicles are recommended after rainfall.

There’s no permit required but visitors should stay back from the cliff edges and bring a map, as cell service is unreliable here.

Reavis Falls Trail

It is one of Arizona’s most remote and secluded waterfalls which is located in the Superstition Wilderness near Apache Junction.

The 13-mile round-trip hike is considered difficult. Spring especially from late March to early May is the best time to see it flowing after a wet winter.

The trail itself passes through the historic Reavis Ranch area.

Access to this trail requires a high-clearance vehicle via Forest Road 212.

While no permits are needed for day hiking and keep in mind that there is a limited cell service in this remote area.

So prepare accordingly bring plenty of water and all necessary tools during this hike.

Massacre Falls Trail

Massacre Falls Trail is located just outside the Apache Junction.

This trail begins within Lost Dutchman State Park and stretches about 5.4 miles round trip.

Waterfall flows between February and April after following good rainfall. This trail offer views of the Superstition Mountains.

Parking is available at the First Water Trailhead and while a state park entrance fee may apply but no special permits are needed.

Pacheta Falls Trail

Pacheta Falls Trail is one of the tallest waterfall of Arizona a 131-foot in the White Mountains on the Fort Apache Reservation.

This 4.5 mile round-trip trail offers a moderate hike through pine forests to a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall.

The falls are best when you visit them in late spring basically from April through early June.

To access the trail you’ll need to obtain a permit from the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

Before visit check the tribal regulations and fire conditions.

Barnhardt Trail

This trail is located near Payson. It’s a longer hike of about 8 miles but not too hard if you take your time.

Best time to visit this trail to see the flowing waterfall is from March to May.

You don’t need any permit to hike here plus there’s parking area at the trailhead.

Workman Creek Falls

It is in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness near the small town of Young. This is an easy to reach waterfall which is accessible via a short 1.5 mile round trip hike.

April through early June is the best time to visit because at this time the pine shaded trail is cool.

The trail is accessed by Forest Road 487 but seasonal road closures may apply.

So check it before visiting and no permit is needed for this trail.

Ash Creek Falls Trail

This trail is located in the Pinaleño Mountains near Safford which requires a 7 mile round trip hike.

The waterfall of the trail is most active during the mid to late spring when snowmelt from higher elevations which feeds the falls.

The trail offers steep switchbacks, mountain views, and peaceful enviornment.

This remote area has no cell service.

La Milagrosa Falls Trail

Located near Tucson in the Rincon Mountains. It is a spring fed with series of waterfalls.

The trail is about 6.3 miles round trip and is considered moderate hike trail with some elevation gain.

This best time to visit this trail is from March to early May.

The trail features canyon views plus cool pools.

Access is via the Lower La Milagrosa Trailhead and no permits are required.

Chevelon Creek Falls Trail

In the Mogollon Rim region near Heber this waterfall Trail offers about 8 miles of round trip and offers a moderately challenging hike.

To watch the live waterfall visit it between April and June.

Along the way, you’ll find campsites and great fishing spots. There’s no permit requirement.

East Baldy Trail

It is in the White Mountains near the town of Greer and it offers a high elevation hike of 14 miles round trip that’s moderately challenging.

Along the trail you’ll see several small waterfalls and fast running streams which appear in spring.

May through June is the ideal time to visit this waterfall trail.

No permits are needed, and the trailhead is easily accessed off Highway 273.

West Clear Creek Trail

West Clear Creek, located near Camp Verde which offers an 8-mile round-trip hike through canyon plus seasonal waterfalls and deep swimming holes.

It is best visited between April and early June during spring runoff.

While no permits are needed for the trailhead and here you can reach via a rough forest road, so check conditions ahead.

Apache Falls Trail

Apache Falls is one of Arizona’s most visually appealing waterfalls which is located within the Salt River Canyon on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.

The trail is a very short 0.3-mile walk from the roadside to the waterfall, making it one of the most accessible on this list.

Best time is between march and may. A tribal permit is required to visit and access is along US-60.

Hidden Falls Trail

Final of our list is located in the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument in northwest Arizona.

It is a rarely visited place i don’t know why.

It requires a 2-mile round-trip hike through remote red rock country. Active mainly in April through early June after spring rains.

No cell service is also available here.

Conclusion

So here is my final opinion:

Beginners or casual hikers you can go for Apache Falls Trail, Sycamore Falls Trail, Workman Creek Falls,

Hidden Falls Trail.

If you are with your families you can head towards Massacre Falls Trail, La Milagrosa Falls Trail, West Clear Creek Trail.

If you are experienced then you can go for Reavis Falls Trail, Ash Creek Falls Trail, East Baldy Trail, Chevelon Creek Falls Trail.

For those who wants camping plus peaceful enviornment then here are the options Chevelon Creek Falls Trail, Reavis Falls Trail, East Baldy Trail, Hidden Falls Trail, Ash Creek Falls Trail, Pacheta Falls Trail.

If you have any suggestion or questions then comment down below we are her for you.