Water Wheel Recreation Area

This morning we drove to the Water Wheel Recreation Area in the Tonto National Forest about 9 miles north of Payson Arizona. We went a short ways both upstream and downstream.

In some places the East Verde River was very still.

We went  upstream first, there were lots of lovely rocks.

Views as we continued upstream

Lovely rock walls in the small canyon. 

There are several small waterfalls along the river.

There are gorgeous rock formations along the near side of the river as well.

More view as we continue upstream

We turned around shortly after where Ellison Creek joins the East Verde River. I hope to come back and explore more of this area one day.

The water was much calmer going downstream from the Water Wheel parking area.

Alligator juniper tree

These red leaves were the only fall color I saw here this morning.

some of the wildflowers we saw this morning