TRAIL DESCRIPTION

Wolf Creek Falls Trail is a short hike that leads to a beautiful vista. Options for lengthening the hike can make it more challenging. In late winter or early spring, expect to see a running creek and a waterfall.

TRAIL STATS

Length: .9 miles
Trail Type: Out and back with a lollipop loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: 187 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Kid Friendly: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Accessibility: Limited parking on the side of Wolf Creek Rd.

THE HIKE

With the interconnectedness of the Prescott trail system, this hike can be started at the Groom Creek Trailhead or at the top of Upper Wolf Creek Road. The former seems more scenic as Upper Wolf Creek Road is actually unpaved gravel and intended for vehicles. If you opt for the shorter trip down to the falls, the trail will begin just past the trail marker for Forest Road 384 and its accompanying swing gate. (See directions below.)

The first quarter mile is a beautifully wooded descent down a well-traveled path. There is some loose rock present so do exercise caution. You’ll notice the “384” trail signs posted on the trees. When you reach where the forest is level, the signs will direct you to the left. You’ll want to ignore them and veer right. A felled tree with a cut out portion will confirm that you’re headed in the correct direction. At the fork, you’ll have the option of going left or right in a short loop. The right path is heavily overgrown and since this part of the trail is not heavily trafficked, be prepared to hike through dense brush that may catch on clothes or break skin. I recommend the path to the left, and rather than loop around, come back the same way you traveled.

The trail begins to get a bit more challenging as you’ll gain some elevation and then scramble down to the creek. By mid-spring the creek is almost entirely dry and the falls are diminished to a faint trickle. However, if you continue on the path the way the water would flow, you reach a plateau of rock. A single alligator juniper grows out of the rock and the breathtaking view of Prescott National Forest extends out in front of it. This would make for a perfect picnic or photo spot. If you do choose to loop around, make your way to the right of the large boulder as the footing through the crack in the center is tricky and would require bouldering skills. Once back from the loop, head through the trees again to Wolf Creek Road.

GETTING THERE

From Phoenix, take I-17 North 55 miles to AZ-69 North. Continue through the town of Prescott where AZ-69 becomes Gurley St. Make a left onto Mt. Vernon St., which quickly becomes Senator Highway. Continue on Senator Highway, past Goldwater Lake and Groom Creek. Just past the YMCA camp, you’ll see a sign for Crown King, the Wolf Creek campgrounds, and Highway 89. Turn right at the sign onto Wolf Creek Road, which is unpaved. Drive about a mile past the Upper and Lower Wolf Creek Campgrounds where you’ll find trail markers for Forest Road 384 on both sides of the road. Park on the right-hand side, just after the trail marker. The trail begins on the left-hand side with the swing gate.

HIKING TIPS

There are no services, facilities, or amenities on the trail. Make sure to pack plenty of water appropriate for the season and exercise “leave no trace” ethics.
Make sure to bring sunscreen or a hat as the first part of the hike is without shade cover.
The waterfall would be best viewed after a good rain.

THE NARRATOR

This blog was thoughtfully written by Jia Oak Baker. You can find her on Instagram at @violetsky29.

* Please remember to hike at your own risk. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer.

Hike | Wolf Creek Falls | Prescott