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.

Nearby gauge (Verde River) · 754 ft³/s · Much higher 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 Oct 2026

3D terrain

Also For 20 other waterfalls also named The Falls, see below

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

Trail Length

0.2 miles

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.

The Setting

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

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Ladders (#0016), a 0.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. 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 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

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

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 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Verde River, 0.7 miles away, not on The Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

754 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

133 149 189 215

Based on 49 years of record

5.65 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.

About This Gauge

VERDE RIVER NEAR CAMP VERDE, AZ

USGS 09506000

0.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 5,009 sq mi

Altitude: 2,874 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge VERDE RIVER NEAR CAMP VERDE, AZ (1 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

754 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

754 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

777 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

781 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

864 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

885 cfs

4/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

817 cfs

5/10

Mon

Low

901 cfs

3/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early January to early April, peaking in March.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Camp Verde hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is The Falls Frozen?

Updated about 8 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

The Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 76°F to 47°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 779 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain Around The Falls

High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.

Aerial view of the ground around The Falls near Camp Verde, Arizona

The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

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

2,900 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.

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