Ellison Creek
Gila County, AZ

Welcome to Ellison Creek

Fishing, picnicking and water activities – that is what it is all about at this widely popular Arizona summer “wet and wild” hang out.

Families with young kids to teenagers and oh yes the college crowd knows where this place is as well – can all be found on summer weekends basking in the sun and jumping in the large greenish-blue pools of water. The only time the water is not clear is after a large rain storm, which is very common during the summer monsoons.​

The hike along the East Verde River to Ellison Creek will take you past another Arizona favorite swimming hole – Water Wheel. Here you can fish, play in the water, bird watch, pic nick, and get a hike in all at the same time.

Make sure you are aware of building black clouds during monsoon season as summer storms are known to send massive torrents of water down these canyons in the form of flash floods. This is a pack it in packe it out area.

Get Directions

Check the Forest Service prior to going and make sure the roads are open.

Learn More With the US Forest Service

About East Verde River

Find the most important information to create a memorable trip to the canyon creek.