Hike | Gordon Creek Falls – Arizona Hikers Guide

• Length:  4.5 miles (round trip)
• Trailhead Elevation:  6,300 ft.
• Gain/Loss:  -300 ft.
• Difficulty: Easy
• Rating: 4/10
• Solitude: Moderate/High
• Season: Spring/Summer
• Dog Friendly: Yes

Gordon’s Creek Falls is a great little hike through rim country in Arizona. I recommend this hike to novice hikers, visitors to Arizona, and everyone in between.  It makes a great introduction hike to the Molgollon Rim.

This short hike begins at a dirt pull off on the right side of Concord road about 1/3 of a mile.  The trailhead begins at the “road closed” sign about 15 or 20 yards past the pull off which you can’t miss.  You know you are in the right spot when you see power lines running directly overhead.  Follow the closed road south for about 100 yards until you meet Gate #1.

Continue through and close the gate.  At around 3/4 of a mile you will meet another road.  If you turn left, you will shortly be met with a private property sign which leads to a very nice private home (there are usually horses hanging around the fence line).  If you turn right (southwest”ish”) you will be on the right path.

• The trail can get a little confusing here because there are so many roads that lead in various directions but I suggest you follow the most pronounced road that generally leads southwest and gradually descends

This road will continue on a gradual descent the entire way to the creek.  On this part of the jeep road you need to stay on the most worn path that maintains a gradual south to southwest direction (see pictures).  About 1 mile into the hike you will cross Gordon Creek.  If it is dry the falls are probably at a light trickle.  At almost 1.5 miles you will meet Gate #2.  Make sure to close it when passing through.  The jeep road will turn into an actual trail at this point.  Continue on the trail until it disappears and turns into rock hopping.  Don’t worry, however, you are almost there.  Follow the creek by boulder hopping or following the rock ledges for about 200 yards and you will come to the falls.  You can keep your feet dry the entire way.  Enjoy the hot tub sized swimming hole, pick up any trash, and exit the same way you entered.

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Directions: From the Phoenix area, take HWY 87 North towards Payson. Once in Payson, take HWY 260 east toward the town of Christopher Creek, AZ. About 25 miles from Payson, near mile marker 277, make a right turn on paved Colcord Road (FR 291). Drive 1.3 miles and park next to the telephone line on the right side of the road.

I thought this hike was a perfect half-day hike. It was very simple to get to, easy to navigate, and fun for my wife, my dog, and myself. We strolled through large ponderosa pine forests and took in the beauty of the area. The “waterfall”  left a little to be desired, however.  It was a little more than a trickle, which is to be expected in mid-summer.  This hike is perfect for those who are looking for an easy hike to water without all the crowds and trash.

• Bring a swimsuit
• Try to plan your trip in spring as the snow melt makes the falls much more impressive
• Park next to the power lines
• If you are up for a little bushwhacking, you can follow the power lines straight to the creek (you can almost see the creek from the road)
• Pick up your trash
• Stay on the path that generally leads southwest and maintains a gradual decline in elevation.

Let me know in the comments below and I will do my best to do a personal write up about it! Your comments and feedback are appreciated and taken seriously.