Less popular doesn’t mean less impressive. At least that’s certainly not in the case of Cibecue Falls, Arizona. If you’ve never heard of this waterfall, you’re not alone.
In central eastern Arizona, on the Fort Apache Reservation, lies the Salt River and its tributary, Cibecue Creek.
The “Battle of Cibecue Creek” was a significant event that occurred on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation between the White Mountain Apaches and the US Army soldiers, sadly leading to numerous more conflicts over the next couple years.
Something about the area feels significantly spiritual or historic. I’ll always remember what a special day we had at Cibecue Falls and be grateful to the White Mountain Apaches for sharing such an incredible place with the public.
Getting a Permit For Cibecue Falls, AZ
Because Cibecue Falls is on Fort Apache Reservation land, you must get a permit from the tribe. The permit can be purchased for $45 per person ahead of time. You cannot buy the permit at the trailhead, and the location is definitely monitored and fines are handed out. We did not see a ranger or have to show our permits, but from reading the reviews, they definitely frequent the area.
You can purchase your permit either at the Sportsmans Warehouse in Mesa, Arizona OR from the Sinclaire gas station 18 miles PAST Cibecue Falls, pictured below.
There is a third option to buy the permit online from the tribe’s website, however the website wasn’t operating correctly for me or many others whose Google reviews I read. I could add the permits to my online cart, but when I went to pay, the website gave an error. I didn’t realize this until we were on our way, so I had to drive the extra distance to the Sinclair station.
Getting them ahead in Mesa would’ve been much easier. However, in a pinch, the gas station lady was super helpful and I could pay with a card. She printed the permits and instructed us to keep them on us during the hike.
The Drive to Cibecue Falls, AZ
Cibecue Falls Trailhead is almost 3 hours east of Phoenix. It’s a long drive, but it’s scenic and totally worth it. Consider getting a hotel or camping in order to not be so rushed. There are a couple small campgrounds near the trailhead which require a permit because they are on tribal land. The Cibecue Falls permit DOES include 1 night of camping and fishing along the Salt River. You can find details HERE. Or you could get a hotel in the little town of Globe about 40 minutes away. The Best Western has the best reviews, believe it or not.
Google maps will correctly get you to Cibecue Falls. After cruising down the hairpin turn highway 60, you’ll cross the Salt River right after a rest stop. Here, you’ll take a left onto a dirt road (pictured below) that just says Primitive Road on Google maps. There is a sign that tells you it will be 4 more miles on this dirt road.
I’m not going to lie, it’s a pretty rough road. But it can definitely be done in a 2 wheel drive sedan, just take it slow. Our Sprinter van was bouncing and rocking all over. A cupboard popped open and dry spaghetti noodles went all over the place at one point. The road is narrow and on the edge of a cliff most of the time, which kind of freaked me out. I would personally prefer to not drive this in the dark.
When you’re almost there, you’ll see the Cibecue Creek pass through the roadway. Here, you’ll have to decide whether you drive through it or stop and park on this side of the creek. There are a few spots and it barely adds a minute or two to the walk. We made it across the creek fine in our 2 wheel drive Sprinter but a really low car should probably not try.
After you cross the creek, go up the road to the right to a large dirt lot and you’re at the trailhead!
The Hike to Cibecue Falls, AZ
This approximately 3 mile roundtrip hike is relatively level and not strenuous. The only things that make it moderate are the occasional climbing up or over big rocks and through the creek. There is not always an obvious trail, but you literally just follow the creek. The first crossing is at a cable stretched in the air above the creek. Occasionally the overgrown trail will disappear on one side of the creek, so you’ll know to cross to the other side and continue until you cross back again. I think I counted 7 or 8 creek crossings total.
Eventually, you’ll round a bend and hear the falls and it will come into view in all its emerald glory. There are large flat areas where you can put your stuff down, set up a chair or lay out a towel if you want to be uncomfortable on some rocks.
We arrived to the trailhead a little after 1pm and after stopping a few times for photos, arrived to the falls around 2:30. The sun was already starting to lower in the sky and canyon, so by the time we left the falls around 3pm, most of the sunshine was gone from the falls and it was a bit shaded and cool in the canyon. The emerald green water would have been more illuminated if we’d gotten there an hour or two earlier.
Cibecue Falls Important Information
As mentioned before, you must have your permit with you. We did not encounter a ranger checking, however if you read the Google reviews, plenty of people do have their permits checked regularly. Don’t take a chance of getting fined.
Apparently swimming is prohibited in the waters of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. I didn’t realize this until I researched to write this post after I’d visited. Some places online mention the sign at the trailhead says “swimming prohibited” but it definitely no longer said that when I visited. Nor did the lady who sold me the permit at the Sinclair station. Naturally I took a dip in the cold, refreshing water. If I was going to go again, I would not swim.
I did go back and read my permit as I’m writing this, and on the back in tiny, light grey print with all the rules and regulations, it DOES say “Swimming is prohibited in all Reservation waters.” So there you have it.
Cibecue Creek is a flash flood area, so keep a very close eye on the weather and do not attempt this hike (or drive) if rain is in the forecast anywhere nearby. Check the tribal website for information on closures.
There are no trash bins so PACK YOUR GARBAGE OUT! Shockingly, we didn’t see any trash along the way. Yay! Always leave no trace.
There are no bathrooms past the rest stop at the junction with the primitive road so make a stop.
Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.
There is no cell service anywhere along the trail or at the trailhead at the time of writing this. Let someone know where you’ll be and when to expect you back.
Leashed dogs are allowed. Yay! Water loving dogs will be in heaven on this one. Carry bags to carry out their waste!
Watch for snakes. Yes. We had one crossing our path that totally caught us off guard. Suffice to say we were watching much more closely after that. I have no idea what kind it was but it wasn’t a rattle snake, although I know they are there too.
What to Bring to Cibecue Falls, AZ
Since you’ll be in knee deep water much of the time, you’ll need some shoes you can wear in the water. I have cycled between lots of types of water shoes in the past, but this particular time I just used some Tevas and they did fine (pictured below). Admittedly my feet slid around a little when climbing up some of the big rocks, but it was fine. Other great options I’ve used for water shoes in the past are:
I’ve used Vibram Five Finger shoes for hiking in water and streams as well as on rocks. They can be a little tender on rocky trails, but I like the connection to barefootedness. I’ve also used the Keen sandals which are a nice hybrid, closed-toe shoe perfect for water.
Hiking poles are handy for crossing the creek. They give you a bit more stability, although I didn’t find the creek crossings to be slippery or difficult. You don’t need to spend a ton on trekking poles in my opinion, but carbon fiber is the way to go.
Backpack and dry bag. The dry bag probably isn’t necessary but I like to have that little bit of extra security. I put my camera and/or keys in a couple separate waterproof bags in my backpack. I’ve been loving the brand NiteIze lately with their zipper technology. These are the two I have and love:
Sunscreen (mineral), sunglasses, sun hat…all the goods to protect you from that Arizona sun. I’m all about the visor life so I can put my hair up!
A dry set of clothes/shoes back at the car.
Snacks and lots of water.
Camera! This is one very photogenic place!
When to Visit Cibecue Falls, AZ
The best time of year to visit is springtime when the weather is warm but not too hot. Try to avoid going after a monsoon rain, otherwise the water will be brown and there may be debris in the water. The trail may be closed after Labor Day until the following spring. And again, if rain is in the forecast anywhere nearby, avoid this area!
I hope you enjoyed this guide to how to visit Cibecue Falls, Arizona! It really is a gem and I can’t believe it hasn’t become more crowded. Let’s hope it stays this way! Adding it to your Southwest bucket list? Pin for later!
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Thanks for the detailed piece on the Cibeque hike. I’d love to use your image of the lower falls. I have already linked to this page on a Scenic USA feature. I will also include your name (Jessica Carpenter) in the photo credits.
Best regards, Ben