Cibecue Creek Falls: A Hike to a Hidden Gem

From the PHX area head east on the 60 to Globe. From Globe take the 77N toward Show Low for ~40miles. Once the 77N begins descending into the canyon you are close. Immediately after crossing the Salt River Canyon Bridge make a left turn onto a dirt road. There should be an old piece of plywood with "Turn Here" spray painted on it. About 100 feet in, on the right, is an out-of-use registry and fee pay station that also has a couple abandoned ramadas, where I assumed the locals once sold food and craft. Now, permits are now available for $15 online at: http://www.wmatoutdoors.org/buy_permits_

The primitive road will descend into the canyon for four miles. The road is rough and narrow in places but safely passable in a passenger car. It will be slow going, but it allows you to take in sweeping glimpses of the Salt River. Satisfy your curiosity by passing through Campground 1 and Campground 2. Once at the bottom of the canyon, the road will come to Cibecue Creek Crossing. Low clearance vehicles will want to park here. For the more adventurous, with a high clearance vehicle, fording (or 4Running :) the shin-deep waters will wet the appetite for this adventure. Immediately after crossing the creek there is a generous parking area on the right. A faded, unreadable, metal sign at the end of the parking area closest to the creek marks the trail head.

*Note: the creek crossing marks the tricky part for many. If the waterfall is the goal, resist the temptation to continue driving the road. In fact, about a quarter mile after the creek the road is paved. By this point you have gone too far, turn around, and look for the parking area. Also, whether you park before or after the creek, resist the temptation to hike down stream. The "secret" at this point is to go RIGHT. As long as you are heading upstream to the RIGHT of where you parked you are headed the RIGHT way.

Head up creek. There is a trail. It works for the most part, but it is overgrown, and you are likely to see slither tracks. (Just tell yourself a hiker in front of you was dragging his/her walking stick ;). When the trail disappears you either have to do some minor boulder hopping or head into or across the creek. The creek is walkable for the most part, there are some deep spots, and even deeper spots for a feet-first, boulder jump or two. Slogging through the creek or beside it, is slow going; you never get into a rhythm really. You will get up to your knees. You are quite likely to fall in once or twice. But, the water is refreshing, and you are just further embellishing the Tale of Adventure. If you desire to stay on the use trail as much as possible, try not to over focus your concentration on the creek slog; you will miss the trail's reentry points. Don't forget to look up!

Old, online directions state the hike to the fall is about 1.5-2miles and should take an hour. It will seem/it will be longer. You will begin to doubt the route. About 20 minutes in, you will pass a gauging station. Count on another 60 minutes of hiking from this point. Do not be distracted be the side canyon on the left about 15 minutes after the station. Have faith: stay with the creek, keep on upstream. The very, very kind, faster water "rapids" can trick the ear into hearing the falls and add to route doubt. Finally after a series of narrowing curves you will arrive at the falls. The route dead ends; you cannot miss Cibecue Falls. It can be a laborious hike for many, but it is worth it. You will spend most of your day in solitude, and will more than likely have the falls to yourself for decent period of time. However, this hike seems to be gaining in interest recently. When you are ready, head back the way you came.

Careful to watch your time down here. The high canyon walls will make for an earlier sunset. For those inside, it will get very dark, very quickly.