Second Crossing Day Use Area
Park
4.6 (86)
Payson, AZ 85541
Public restroom
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Regional Creek/Waterfall EntryAZ
Payson Arizona Swimming Spots
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan the documented Water Wheel day-use area separately from old Ellison Falls directions and Flowing Springs photos. Check passes, water conditions and crossings.
Swimming restriction
Named water recreation does not approve jumping, slides or every falls pool. Follow current posted rules and avoid rising water.
Water type
Regional Creek/Waterfall Entry
Access
Informal
Fee
Grouped sites list $8/day via office/vendor or $12/day at fee machine, with applicable passes. Confirm chosen site.
Best season
Choose a date only after checking access, weather and current notices
Nearby towns
Phoenix, Camp Verde, Payson
Water body
Ellison Creek Historical Falls And Separate East Verde Day-Use Sites
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Phoenix, Camp Verde, Payson
Place-name search
Water Wheel day use Payson Arizona
Map searches for the named location. Confirm the entrance and current access with the park before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Pick the Payson creek destination before driving
The archive's retained entry describes Ellison Creek Falls from Houston Mesa Road. The regional title is not a list of seven independently verified entrances. The saved Flowing Springs result is a different recreation area and does not locate Ellison Falls or Water Wheel.
Use the named Water Wheel day-use access
The Forest Service groups First, Second, Third Crossings and Water Wheel along the East Verde River. Water Wheel is listed 7.5 miles along Houston Mesa Road. Use current signs and maps instead of an old locked-gate pullout and dry-wash shortcut. The page lists water activities, not surveyed depth or a cliff-jumping approval.
Budget for the pass and bring drinking water
A forest setting does not mean free entry
The manager lists $8 per vehicle per day from a forest office or retail vendor, or $12 at a fee machine, plus applicable accepted passes. Confirm the pass for the actual location before travel. Do not transfer charges from Flowing Springs or assume one purchase covers every regional stop.
There are services, but not a campground at every pool
The grouped day-use area lists restrooms and picnic tables, but no potable water. Those services are not guaranteed beside the falls themselves. Bring drinking water and pack out waste. Day-use-only status does not authorize creek-side camping; choose a separately authorized overnight destination.
Check the whole route, not just a summer forecast
Verify current forest alerts, road conditions and the return before entering the creek corridor. Do not cross fast or rising water or use an old photograph as a clean-water or safe-depth report. Waterfalls and wet rock are not natural slide or diving installations.
Getting There
Use current Forest Service Water Wheel/Crossings directions and signed access along Houston Mesa Road. The archive's gate/dry-wash shortcut is not current verified bathing navigation.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Current named day-use access supersedes guessed locked-gate parking. Flowing Springs is not this falls source.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Named water recreation does not approve jumping, slides or every falls pool. Follow current posted rules and avoid rising water. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Water Wheel Falls Hiking Trail
Hiking area
4.7 (876)
Payson, AZ 85541
Short riverside hike with some rock scrambling to reach a waterfall, popular for family day trips.
Flowing Springs Day Use Area
Picnic ground
4.4 (183)
Payson, AZ 85541
Clear Creek Campground
Campground
4.4 (482)
626, Forrest Grove Way, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Verde River RV Resort & Cottages
Campground
4.5 (509)
1472 W Horseshoe Bend Dr, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Relaxed resort with cozy cottages & mountain views, plus an outdoor pool & a picnic area.
Free Wi-Fi
Verde Ranch RV Resort
Campground
4.6 (1071)
1105 N Dreamcatcher Dr, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Free Wi-Fi
Public Toilets
Public bathroom
Scout Camp Dr, Rio Verde, AZ 85263
Camp Verde Community Library
Public library
4.8 (96)
130 Black Bridge Lp Rd, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Gender-neutral restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Payson Arizona Swimming Spots
Does this listing identify seven current swimming entrances?
No. Its surviving archive describes Ellison Falls; other regional places need separate identity and access checks.
Are Flowing Springs photos Ellison Falls photos?
No. They belong to a different named recreation area unless an individual image is independently located.
Is Water Wheel day use free?
The grouped Forest Service page lists fee passes: $8 via office/vendor or $12 at a machine; confirm accepted passes.
Are there restrooms and drinking water?
The grouped sites list restrooms and picnic tables but no potable water; do not assume services at the exact falls.
Can I camp at Water Wheel?
The grouped access is day-use only. Arrange an authorized campground separately.
Does water-activity publicity make jumping safe?
No. It establishes recreation context, not measured depth, water quality or permission to jump or slide.
Highlights
Fee pass replaces blanket free-access claim
Toilets/tables and no potable water clarified
Flowing Springs photographs kept separate
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
Photos and old visitor reports do not establish depth, flow, water quality or lawful access.
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The historical directory record is retained as evidence, not proof of present access or a verified cultural account.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Choose lawful public viewpoints. Photographs do not establish depth, safe conditions or permission.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect private boundaries and signs, use authorized paths and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose a date only after checking access, weather and current notices.
Difficulty Level
Exact lawful swimming approach and accessibility have not been verified.
Fee
Grouped sites list $8/day via office/vendor or $12/day at fee machine, with applicable passes. Confirm chosen site.
Facilities
Grouped access services are not a verified inventory beside every Ellison pool. Bring drinking water.
Activities
Manager-documented fishing, picnicking and water activities at Water Wheel/Crossings; exact Ellison Falls water entry requires separate confirmation; no jumping or slides.
Phone
928-474-7900 (Payson Ranger Station)
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Water Wheel/Crossings are day-use only. Confirm separately authorized campground operation, fees and booking.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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