December 2021
Hiking Yavapai
Stan Bindell

Wolf Creek Falls

Wolf Creek Falls has been howling at me to visit for years, but I didn’t make it until recently. Now it’s my favorite Prescott hike when the water is running.

Lower Wolf Creek Falls

Under decades of drought conditions, usually the 90-foot cataract isn’t running. But right after snow or rainfall you may catch it if you time it just right. We did. With three other Prescott Hiking Club members I was able to see this spectacular waterfall.

The main fall was actually three waterfalls as the water shoots down from one to the others. It’s so big that you can barely see the top of it, and it’s tough to get it all in a photo because the water course curves around rather than coming straight down.  Hikers can follow a short stream to the top of the fall before reaching it from below. From the top you cannot see the bottom.

A short way from this main waterfall you come to another, then after descending a short, steep path you reach the creek-sized Hassayampa River. This water was also flowing like crazy, creating some small cascades. Frogs the size of a quarter splashed into the water while butterflies flitted about.

There is no named trail going directly to the falls. The hike begins on Senator Highway a short way from where the pavement ends. You can park off to the right, and the hike begins on Trail 384. Just over a mile in you start to find the unnamed side paths that take you down to the falls.

Hassayampa River grotto

The side paths are short but steep in some areas. You have to watch both your footing, to keep from falling, and your hands. There are beautiful flowers here, but the thorns can cut you if you’re not careful. You want to be careful, but this hike is well worth it.

Stan Bindell is always looking for a good hike. If you have one, contact him at thebluesmagician@gmail. com