Are there fees or permits required for The Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit The Falls.

Is swimming allowed at The Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at The Falls.

Live Conditions · 66 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

The Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at The Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at The Falls.

Arizona

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Prescott National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

@CarShowShooter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

HawkeyeUK CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About The Falls

Tucked into the pinyon and juniper of Prescott National Forest, The Falls is a welcome reward on a moderate Arizona hike managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The route to the cascade follows the USFS LADDERS Trail (Trail #0016) and offers a compact, scenic experience: expect a short, well-defined approach that finishes at a pleasant waterfall set among native rock and trees. The trail’s manageable length and gentle elevation change make it a popular choice for day hikers and photographers seeking a relatively quick nature escape. If you’re planning to extend your trip, Clear Creek Campground is about 6.64 km away and provides a convenient nearby option for overnight stays. With 2.4 miles of trail and roughly 350 feet of elevation gain on an out-and-back route, The Falls is best visited in sturdy footwear and during daylight when the trail’s native tread is easy to follow and the waterfall is most photogenic.

The Setting

The Falls sits at 2,900 feet within Prescott National Forest, fed by the Verde River, in the hills of Arizona.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Ladders (#0016), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

LADDERS #0016

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Nat Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.10 mi

Trail Description

The approach to The Falls is an out-and-back route totaling about 2.4 miles with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The USFS records the access as LADDERS, Trail #0016: a Class 2 route with a natural (NAT) native-material surface. Typical grades along the trail fall in the 12–20% range, so you’ll encounter some sustained inclines; the Forest Service GIS listing shows a mapped segment of 0.1 miles for the LADDERS Trail feature itself. Expect a narrow dirt-and-rock tread—uneven in places but generally straightforward—so bring supportive shoes and be prepared for brief steeper pitches on the way to the falls.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a natural setting with scenic views and the sound of cascading water. The area may include rugged terrain and varying trail conditions.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at The Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at The Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit due to milder weather conditions. Summer visits may be possible but can be hot, while winter conditions may vary.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September). Check with Prescott National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as uneven terrain, slippery rocks, and changing weather conditions. Always stay on marked trails and carry sufficient supplies.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

66 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

73 82 118 181

Based on 48 years of record

3.40 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

VERDE RIVER NEAR CAMP VERDE, AZ

USGS 09506000

0.7 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 5,009 sq mi

Altitude: 2,874 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and directions to The Falls in Arizona may vary depending on the specific waterfall referred to. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or trail guides for accurate directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is not confirmed. Visitors should check local resources or visitor centers for parking options near the trailhead.

Elevation

2900 feet above sea level

Coordinates

34.458638° N, -111.786537° W

Land Management

Prescott National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and check weather conditions before visiting. Cell service may be limited in the area.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

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.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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

Clear Creek Campground (AZ)

4.1 miles away · 19 sites

Reservable

Overview This cozy group campground is tucked in the Lower Sonoran Desert along the banks of the fresh, chilly Clear Creek. Campers can wade in the creek, fish, or curl up with a book under the umbrella of cottonwood trees. Another popular pastime here is birdwatching, where you might just spot a hawk or bald eagle in flight. Clear Creek Campground is seven miles southeast of the small ranching town of Camp Verde. It's part of the Coconino National Forest, one of the most diverse forests in the c

Book on Recreation.gov