Apache Falls
Whiteriver, Arizona
Details
Distance
0.82 miles
Elevation Gain
16 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Brian Cahill
Apache falls are one of Arizona's best kept secrets. Hidden in the heart of the Salt River canyon the falls are an incredible sight to behold and easy to get to.
Apache Falls in the Salt River Canyon is an impressive fall because of the size and the amount of water flowing over them (especially after snowmelt) and is one of the few waterfalls in AZ that is in a river not a creek. The falls are very easy to get to, only ¾ mile off the HW. To reach the falls from phoenix drive east on hwy 60, 43 miles past globe. You will drop down into the canyon through a series of switchbacks, cross over the river, and take your first left. You can park there in the parking lot or follow the semi rough road under the bridge for ¾ of a mile to the falls.
Important! You need a hiking permit to visit the falls. You can either get the White MT Apache Salt River Canyon Recreation Permit or a San Carlos Apache Recreation Permit. Most people buy the White Mt Apache permit and combine the trip with a hike to Cibecue Falls, you can purchase the pass online for $15 from the tribe’s website. If you are only going to the Apache falls you can purchase the San Carlos permit from the last circle K in Globe for $10.
I would also encourage everyone to take a hike up river past the falls as it is very scenic and beautiful.
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Apache Falls Reviews
The waterfalls are just a short distance from a major highway so they can get quite crowded. With a high clearance vehicle you can make it down close to the falls but if not, you will need to park back closer to the bridge and walk the rest of the way. Be sure to watch where you step as you make your way down to the falls because there was a lot of broken glass scattered throughout the whole area. The falls are beautiful, but I'm not sure this place alone is worth the $15 permit.
4.0
The drive to the falls requires ground clearance, and probably best down with a 4X4. We parked our car at the bottom of the bridge, and did a quick walk down to the falls. There was several groups of people there drinking liquor, and there was graffiti on the bridge, and broken glass on the ground. I carried my dogs due to the broken glass, and didn’t spend too long at the falls due to the groups of people drinking. The falls where beautiful to see, but I prefer the more secluded areas than this. Glad I went, but I wont be back.
3.0
Drove out to the location twice, first time didn't bring enough money for the special permit you need for the day. Second time we were prepared!! No markers saying how to get side rode but if you follow the map you'll find it! It's truly beautiful and the sound of the waterfall is soul soothing! While it was 119 in Phoenix it was a warm 89 degrees with the cold water rushing around!!
5.0
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Nearby
Cibecue Falls
Camping on Roosevelt Lake Overlook
Visit Tonto National Monument
Mogollon Rim Interpretive Trail
Blue Ridge Cave Trail
Hike the Show Low Bluff Trail
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