Top 6 Waterfalls in the Mollogon Rim
Best waterfalls in the Mollogon Rim are found within a prominent geological feature in Arizona. This area offers a refreshing escape with diverse natural landscapes. The region features serene pools, lush surroundings, and varying levels of accessibility. It is a worthwhile destination for nature enthusiasts seeking natural features and viewpoints.
Best waterfalls in the Mollogon Rim
- The most popular waterfalls is Hieroglyphic Trail #101, a trail that offers numerous waterfalls and rock art. This route provides a straightforward hiking experience to see petroglyphs.
- Another must-see spot is Box Canyon Trail, a trail journeying into a small box canyon. Visitors can expect a stream, canyon walls, small waterfalls, and multiple swimming holes in warmer months.
- Visitors also love Bear Foot Trail, a challenging trail with stunning views. This trail presents a rocky hike with nice ascents and descents.
- Mollogon Rim is known for trails leading to waterfalls, canyons with waterfalls, and natural pools with waterfalls. The area offers a variety of waterfalls to see and explore, often accompanied by rivers and viewpoints.
- The waterfalls in the Mollogon Rim are appreciated by the komoot community, with 8 upvotes and 8 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Hieroglyphic Trail #101
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Barnhardt Road 🌵 Payson, Eastern Arizona
Highlight • Trail
Three-and-a-half miles up Barnhardt Trail’s many switchbacks, you will arrive at a grotto in the mountainside. A shallow pool of cool water, often dry in the summer, flows out of the almost hidden waterfall a few yards back in the narrow opening in the grotto.
Moderate difficulty for mountain biking for the first few miles, then it is best to leave the bike and hike the last mile or so to the first falls.
The trail begins at Barnhardt Trailhead, four miles west from highway 260. The dirt road is usually well maintained and easily accessible by a passenger car when dry. After rains it is best to leave the car before tire tracks become too deep and muddy. But even if started further below the landscape approaching the mountains is beautiful. The dirt road dead ends at the trailhead with a large parking area. This trailhead serves both Barnhardt Trail #43 and Y-Bar Trail #44 which heads southwest.
arizonahikersguide.com/barnhardt-trail
paysonroundup.com/news/2012/apr/11/hiking-barnhardt-trail
fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/null/recarea/?recid=35281&actid=50
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Box Canyon Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Boulder Pools
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Bear Foot Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Water Wheel Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Mollogon Rim
Grand Enchantment Trail — Slot canyons, spruce peaks & desert solitude
Arizona Trail — A beautiful 800-mile struggle
Bikepack in America's southwest – deserts, cacti and Anasazi culture
The Arizona Trail — From Mexico to Utah in 43 days
Highline National Recreation Trail – The High Road around the Mogollon Rim
Historic Route 66 – curiosities, selfie spots and diners
MTB in cactus country – technical delicacies around Phoenix
Shred the Red – Mountain biking in Sedona’s MTB hotspot
Hiking in the Mollogon Rim
MTB Trails in the Mollogon Rim
Other adventures in the Mollogon Rim
Tips from the Community
This trail presents a rocky and challenging hike with stunning views of the surrounding area. As the name suggests, you need to be sure-footed with good footwear to tackle this trail. You'll also enjoy some nice ascents and descents along the way, making for an enjoyable hike.
0
0
You can pretty much figure out what to expect on this trail by reading the name. Box Canyon Trail is a short trail that journeys down into a small box canyon with a stream, canyon walls, small waterfalls, and even multiple swimming holes in the warmer months. It is easy to hop off the trail and do some scrambling down to the water, but use extreme caution if you decide to wander off the path since some of the canyon walls are literal cliffs.
0
0
As the trail follows the East Verde River, you can see some beautiful gorges and cascades. The trail gets less defined at this point, but if you want to continue, there is a path that follows the Ellison River to a larger cascade and swimming hole. Just remember to be careful and watch out for slippery rocks!
0
0
Hike Hieroglyphic Trail #101 is a straightforward hiking trail to see Arizona are rock art aka. petroglyphs. This route also offers numerous waterfalls.
0
0
At this point, Boulder Creek, which accompanies the Arizona Trail for a few miles, forms inviting but cool pools with a small waterfall. 1 to 2 tents can fit here.
3
1
Barnhardt Road near Payson, AZ is a mud/dirt access road which narrows after 4 miles into the Barnhardt Trail, known as the gateway to the Mazatzal Wilderness area and connects with the Mazatzal Divide which is part of the Arizona Trail. The beginning is bikeable, after that the hike leads to several medium size waterfalls, so it's at its best in spring or during a period of considerable moisture in the area as the falls are seasonal. Three-and-a-half miles up Barnhardt Trail’s many switchbacks, you will arrive at a grotto in the mountainside. A shallow pool of cool water, often dry in the summer, flows out of the almost hidden waterfall a few yards back in the narrow opening in the grotto. Moderate difficulty for mountain biking for the first few miles, then it is best to leave the bike and hike the last mile or so to the first falls. The trail begins at Barnhardt Trailhead, four miles west from highway 260. The dirt road is usually well maintained and easily accessible by a passenger car when dry. After rains it is best to leave the car before tire tracks become too deep and muddy. But even if started further below the landscape approaching the mountains is beautiful. The dirt road dead ends at the trailhead with a large parking area. This trailhead serves both Barnhardt Trail #43 and Y-Bar Trail #44 which heads southwest. http://arizonahikersguide.com/barnhardt-trail http://www.paysonroundup.com/news/2012/apr/11/hiking-barnhardt-trail http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/null/recarea/?recid=35281&actid=50
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular waterfall trails in the Mogollon Rim?
The Mogollon Rim offers several popular trails leading to waterfalls. You can explore Hieroglyphic Trail #101, known for its petroglyphs and numerous waterfalls. Another option is the Box Canyon Trail, which features small waterfalls and swimming holes. For a more challenging hike with stunning views and a waterfall, consider the Bear Foot Trail.
Are there any waterfalls with swimming holes in the Mogollon Rim area?
Yes, several waterfalls in the Mogollon Rim area are known for their refreshing swimming holes. Box Canyon Trail leads to multiple swimming holes, especially enjoyable in warmer months. Gordon Creek Waterfall is highly regarded for its secluded swimming hole, offering a peaceful experience. Water Wheel Falls, located along Ellison Creek, also features a swimming hole and is a popular summer destination.
What is the best time to visit the waterfalls in the Mogollon Rim?
The best time to visit the waterfalls in the Mogollon Rim is generally from late spring to early summer, when water levels are highest due to spring runoff. May to October is ideal for Gordon Creek Waterfall, with earlier spring visits offering a more powerful flow and summer being better for swimming. Seasonal waterfalls, like those along Barnhardt Road, are best seen in spring or after significant rainfall.
Are there family-friendly waterfall hikes in the Mogollon Rim?
Many waterfall trails in the Mogollon Rim can be enjoyed by families. The Box Canyon Trail is a short and relatively easy option with small waterfalls and swimming holes. Horton Creek Falls also offers a peaceful and scenic hike through a shaded pine forest, suitable for a family outing.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see near the waterfalls?
Beyond the waterfalls themselves, you'll encounter diverse natural features. Many trails follow creeks through shaded pine forests, like Horton Creek Falls. You can find serene pools, lush foliage, and canyon walls, especially along the Box Canyon Trail. The Boulder Pools, for example, feature inviting pools formed by Boulder Creek.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the waterfalls?
Yes, the Hieroglyphic Trail #101 offers a unique combination of natural beauty and history. Along this trail, you can see ancient rock art, also known as petroglyphs, in addition to numerous waterfalls.
What outdoor activities can I do near the Mogollon Rim waterfalls?
The Mogollon Rim offers a variety of outdoor activities beyond waterfall viewing. You can find numerous running trails, road cycling routes, and gravel biking opportunities. Many trails, like the Barnhardt Trail, are suitable for hiking, with some sections also open to mountain biking.
How difficult are the waterfall trails in the Mogollon Rim?
Trail difficulties vary. Some trails, like the Hieroglyphic Trail #101, are considered straightforward. The Box Canyon Trail is generally easy to follow, though scrambling off-trail requires caution. For a more challenging experience, the Bear Foot Trail presents a rocky hike with significant ascents and descents, requiring good footwear.
Are there any hidden or less crowded waterfalls in the area?
Gordon Creek Waterfall is known for its secluded swimming hole, often providing solitude even on busier days. Tonto Creek Waterfalls are also noted for being a beautiful and peaceful area, often with fewer people around, though the trails can be rugged and less defined.
What should I bring for a waterfall hike in the Mogollon Rim?
For a waterfall hike, especially on trails like the Bear Foot Trail, sturdy footwear is essential due to rocky terrain. If you plan to swim, bring appropriate gear. Always carry enough water, especially during warmer months, and be prepared for varying trail conditions.
Is parking available at the trailheads for these waterfalls?
Many trailheads, such as the one for Barnhardt Trail, offer large parking areas. Access roads to these trailheads are often well-maintained, though conditions can change after heavy rains, potentially requiring you to park further away and walk.
What do visitors enjoy most about the waterfalls in the Mogollon Rim?
Visitors frequently appreciate the refreshing escape offered by the Mogollon Rim's waterfalls, especially during Arizona's hot summers. The serene pools, lush surroundings, and opportunities for swimming are highly valued. The peaceful and scenic nature of trails like Horton Creek Falls and the unique combination of waterfalls and rock art on Hieroglyphic Trail #101 are also popular highlights.
Most popular routes in the Mollogon Rim
Most popular attractions in the Mollogon Rim
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls in the Mollogon Rim:
