Cibecue Falls, Arizona
So you want to see a waterfall but you live in the desert? Well, Cibecue Falls is a great option. It is an easy and beautiful hike with a big payoff which is why I decided it would be a great place to take my daughter. She hasn't hiked a bunch, so I wanted it to be enjoyable and not too difficult. Cibecue Falls fits that bill.
Cibecue Falls is located about a 3 hour drive from Phoenix....kind of in the middle of nowhere on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Let's get this out of the way first; you need permits, and they're $45 per person. Sure, that sounds expensive. But everything about this hike is an adventure, and what else can you do for $45 that can entertain you for an entire day? Permits can possibly be purchased on the White Mountain Apache Website: wmatoutdoor.org/purchase_perm...
I say "possibly" because when I went on there to buy them, the website said it was under construction. I have seen where you could get further on the website, but I've never successfully purchased a permit there. The other option is to go to the Sinclair gas station at the junction of the 73 and77 (34.00389,-110.25497). Unfortunately, that's about 24 miles PAST the turn off to go to Cibecue Falls (33.79883,-110.50624). But it does the trick and is a good backup. Just watch out if you use Google Maps though because that sent me into Cibecue the town, which wasn't the right place at all.
As a last note, permits are checked. I've been to the White Mountain Apache Reservation on many occassions, and I have been checked by rangers every single time. Including one waiting in the parking lot when we left this day. So don't try to skip the permit. They take it seriously.
Anyway, once you have your permit, you'll want to take the turn off just past the bridge where the 77 crosses the Salt River. You'll drive on a well maintained dirt road for about 4.5 miles to get to the trailhead. The road can be a little intimidating because of drop offs on one side, but it's really not that bad. Except for the very end. Right at the end, you have to cross Cibecue Creek. I made it across in my 4Runner with no problems, but some lower clearance 2WD cars with street tires may have issues. I'd recommend an SUV or truck. I'm not sure, but I don't think you're allowed to park before the creek crossing, so keep that in mind. There are two campgrounds along the way and your permit does include camping, so you might be able to park there and walk the road in if you can't get across the stream.
Once you park, just follow the creek upstream. There is a trail, but this is creek walking and it's not marked or really well maintained. You'll often see the trail just end at the creek; keep an eye out for where the trail picks up on the other side, and cross where you think it's safe. The creek doesn't really get higher than your knees, but it is a level up from a normal hiking trail. I found hiking poles helpful to keep your balance at the crossings. Do not bother trying to keep your feet dry or taking off your shoes; there are just too many crossings. You can bring water shoes or sandals, but personally I like trail runners with wool socks and just walk right through the water.
Anyway, after about 1.5 miles, you'll arrive at the waterfall, which is amazing. But the entire hike is really pretty. Throw in the adventurous drive in (and maybe even camp at one of the campsites next to the Salt River), and you've got yourself a great adventure.
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Daydreaming - Roie Shpigler
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