Arizona’s reputation for unexpected and magical sights is well earned. The variety of ecosystems and climates boggles a traveler’s mind. One moment you are in a sweltering desert cityscape, and an hour or so later you are walking through a cool pine forest. As a result, we are a state filled with explorers and adventurers.
Still, some of the most incredible hikes in the state are relatively unknown. One such trek is the enchanted Cibecue Creek Trail, which leads to the Cibecue Falls.
Cibecue Falls is the destination at the end of a three-mile out and back trail.
Maribel Sanson/AllTrails
All visitors must have a Cibecue Falls Access Permit. This pass extends access to the nearby Apache Falls as well as camping for one night at the Salt River Campgrounds.
Gina Kackman/AllTrails Cibecue Falls is on the land of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. The fees gathered by the permit help keep the land pristine. Here it is especially respectful to follow the adage of “leave no trace and pack out litter.”
The trail is considered a moderate hike that takes less than two hours. Keep in mind that you will be walking through water and doing some light climbing over rocks. (The wet rocks are NOT slippery, which is great.)
Jennifer W/Alltrails Be sure to dress in clothes that you don’t mind getting wet and wear light water shoes. Some folks may feel more comfortable bringing a walking stick for added balance.
The scenery along the path is varied and fascinating.
Stewart Carnes/AllTrails
Many say pictures cannot capture the magic of this trail.
Erin Blaskowsky/Alltrails Be sure to bring your camera anyway.
The water will never be much deeper than your calves.
Ginger McCabe/AllTrails Dogs are welcome and many would love this.
The cool water makes the hike that much more pleasurable.
Ginger McCabe/AllTrails Lots of flying bugs also like the water, so bringing some bug spray is a good idea.
So much to look at. Also, keep in mind that rocks like this look different by the hour according to the sun.
Alle Gick/AllTrails It’s worth it to go slow.
And there it is.
Stewart Carnes/AllTrails This is a perfect spot to take a dip. It’s also a nice place to enjoy a bite to eat after your walk.
Be sure to plan ahead for this trip. While it is a special place that will make for a special day, you will want to be prepared. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
Bill Hall/GoogleMaps
Maribel Sanson/AllTrails
Gina Kackman/AllTrails
Cibecue Falls is on the land of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. The fees gathered by the permit help keep the land pristine. Here it is especially respectful to follow the adage of “leave no trace and pack out litter.”
Jennifer W/Alltrails
Be sure to dress in clothes that you don’t mind getting wet and wear light water shoes. Some folks may feel more comfortable bringing a walking stick for added balance.
Stewart Carnes/AllTrails
Erin Blaskowsky/Alltrails
Be sure to bring your camera anyway.
Ginger McCabe/AllTrails
Dogs are welcome and many would love this.
Lots of flying bugs also like the water, so bringing some bug spray is a good idea.
Alle Gick/AllTrails
It’s worth it to go slow.
This is a perfect spot to take a dip. It’s also a nice place to enjoy a bite to eat after your walk.
Bill Hall/GoogleMaps
A vehicle with higher clearance will make your drive to the trail smoother.
Call ahead and get the latest information about passes and weather.
Cibecue Falls is generally open May through September, but it must close if there is a danger of flooding.
Only In Your State has another article called “You’ll Want To Spend All Day At This Waterfall-Fed Pool In Arizona” which discusses hiking here at night! Check it out.
Be sure to call the White Mountain Apache Tribe in advance for access information at (928) 338-4385. Their website is a good place to seek out information as well.
We can’t wait to hear all about your trip. Be sure to share this with friends and family you think might be interested.
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Address: Cibecue Falls, Whiteriver, AZ 85941, USA
