Pacheta Falls: A Remote Oasis in the White Mountains
Discover the hidden beauty of Pacheta Falls in Arizona's White Mountains, a remote and rewarding natural wonder on Apache tribal lands.
Pacheta Falls is a stunning natural wonder located deep within the White Mountain Apache Reservation in eastern Arizona. This remote waterfall offers a dramatic 131-foot cascade down a vertical cliff face into a narrow, forested canyon along Pacheta Creek. The falls are surrounded by lush pine and fir trees, creating a serene and picturesque environment. What makes Pacheta Falls particularly special is its relatively untouched nature. The White Mountain Apache Tribe has worked to protect this natural treasure while allowing visitors to experience its beauty. The journey to the falls is an adventure in itself, requiring a permit and some effort to access. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of elk and other wildlife in the forest. The falls hold cultural significance for the Apache people, who have lived in harmony with these lands for centuries. The serene surroundings have been a part of local legends and traditional stories, adding a layer of mystique to the falls. The best time to visit Pacheta Falls is from late spring through early fall (May to September). During this period, the snow has melted, the roads are more accessible, and the waterfall typically flows strong.
Local tips
- Obtain a recreation permit from the White Mountain Apache Tribe before your visit. Permits are required for all non-tribal visitors.
- Check weather conditions and road accessibility, especially during monsoon season (July-August), as roads can become muddy and difficult to navigate.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support for the rocky and steep terrain.
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and emergency supplies, as there are no facilities near the falls.
A brief summary to Pacheta Falls
- Whiteriver, Arizona, 85941, US
Getting There
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Driving
Most visitors start from Show Low, Arizona. Take AZ-260 East toward Pinetop-Lakeside. Turn onto Forest Road 25, then FR 31, and finally FR 20. These are unpaved forest roads that can be rough, especially after rain. A permit from the White Mountain Apache Tribe is required to visit the falls. Permits cost approximately $45 per person and can be obtained at designated locations, such as the Hon-Dah Outdoor Sports Center off Highway 260 just south of Pinetop. There are no services available. Cell service may be weak or unavailable. It is approximately 66 miles from Pinetop, which takes over 2 hours because of the dirt road. Costs: * Permit: $45 per person
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Hiking
From the end of the drivable road, hike the rest of the way. The hike is a 2–3 mile roundtrip. The final approach to an overlook of the falls is a 1.25-mile (one-way) hike that descends moderately down a rocky hillside through a forest. Cross-country off-trail hiking is required. Be cautious on slippery rocks. There is no established trail down to the falls, and hikers should be cautious when navigating the steep and slippery terrain.
