Are there fees or permits required for Ash Creek Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Ash Creek Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Ash Creek Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Ash Creek Falls.

Live Conditions · 2 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Ash Creek Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Ash Creek Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Ash Creek Falls.

Arizona

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Photo Credits (3)

em_burk CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

em_burk CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

em_burk CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

4.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

2 ft

About Ash Creek Falls

Ash Creek Falls tumbles through a remote, forested canyon in the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona, offering a quiet mountain escape from the desert lowlands. The cascade threads through shaded boulder fields and quiet pools, creating an intimate setting that feels like a well-earned reward for hikers who make the journey. Photographers and nature lovers will appreciate the close, tucked-in character of the falls more than wide-open views — it's a cool, green pocket of the high country. Reaching the falls requires a commitment: the route is an out-and-back of about 4.5 miles round trip with a negligible net elevation change (roughly 2 feet), but it’s rated hard because of rugged, uneven footing and occasional route-finding rather than steep climbing. If you plan to overnight, Riggs Lake Campground sits about 6.82 km (≈4.2 miles) from the falls and makes a convenient nearby basecamp for a longer Pinaleño outing. Come prepared with sturdy boots, plenty of water, and time to move carefully — the reward is a peaceful, shaded waterfall in a surprisingly lush canyon.

The Setting

Ash Creek Falls sits at 7,913 feet along the Bonita Creek, in the high mountains of Arizona.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The hard 4.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 2 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Length: ~4.5 miles round trip; Elevation gain: ~2 feet; Type: out-and-back; Difficulty: hard. The tread is frequently narrow, rocky, and uneven with limited built trail infrastructure. Expect exposed roots, loose rock, and occasional steep or slippery approaches near creek crossings that require careful footing and basic route-finding skills. The minimal net elevation change belies the technical nature of the route—wear sturdy footwear, carry water, and allow extra time for slow, careful travel on the rough sections.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a strenuous hike with rewarding views of the waterfall and surrounding wilderness. The falls are most impressive after periods of rain or during spring snowmelt. Wildlife sightings, such as deer or birds, are common in the area.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Ash Creek Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Ash Creek Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September).

Safety Information

The trail can be steep and rugged, with loose rocks in some areas. Be prepared for sudden weather changes and carry sufficient water. Watch for wildlife, including snakes. Let someone know your hiking plans before heading out.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

Based on a USGS gauge 26 miles away

2 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2 2 4 5

Based on 44 years of record

4.60 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.

BONITA CREEK NEAR MORENCI, AZ.

USGS 09447800

26.2 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 302 sq mi

Altitude: 3,478 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Ash Creek Falls is located in the Coronado National Forest, near Mount Graham. Access typically involves driving to the Ash Creek Trailhead, which is reached via dirt roads that may require a high-clearance vehicle, especially after rain.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Ash Creek Trailhead, but spaces may be limited. Visitors should plan to arrive early, especially during weekends or peak seasons.

Elevation

7913 feet above sea level

Coordinates

32.729791° N, -109.893969° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to avoid hiking in the heat, and bring plenty of water and snacks. Wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Cell service may be unreliable, so carry a map or GPS device.

This trail sits at 7,913 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 32% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This challenging 4.5 miles trail gains 2 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Riggs Lake

4.2 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Riggs Flat Lake is located at the end of Swift Trail, a road that winds along the top of the Pinaleno Mountains. It is a small picturesque lake, 11 acres in size, set in alpine forest and meadow. Its cold waters are stocked during the summer with rainbow, brown and brook trout, and anglers report that the fishing is usually good. Best baits for the rainbows are corn, cheese, garlic cheese, salmon eggs, and worms. The brown and brook trout are taken on artificial lures and flies as well.

Book on Recreation.gov