First, Second, Third Crossings and Water Wheel
Set in the shade of tall pine trees, this recreation area is perfect for any day trip that you have planned. Fishing, picnicking and water activities are available along the East Verde River. Pack it in, Pack it out!
General Information
- Day Use Only
- Restrooms will be serviced daily. Please pack it in, pack it out!
Year-round
Day use only
- Tonto Daily Pass (and Watercraft Sticker, if required). Available at retail vendors (please call for availability).
- Tonto Discovery Pass.
- America the Beautiful Pass. Available at online at USGS.gov.
- Passes also available at Tonto National Forest Offices.
- Tonto Fee Machine Pass. Nearest locations are as follows: Shoefly Village (Houston Mesa Rd.), Houston Mesa Campground, and the Payson Ranger Station.
Day Use: $8/vehicle/day.
Tonto Fee Machine Pass: $12
Tonto Forest Passes are Honored: $80/annual; $60/senior/access annual.
The links under "Passes" provide additional information on purchasing information.
Address: 1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541
Phone: (928) 474-7900
Hours: Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1:30 p.m.) Passes, permits and products not sold after 4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 34.350662
Longitude: -111.285495
Elevation
5,100 Feet
Directions
First Crossing: Travel on Houston Mesa Road (FR 199) for 7 miles.
Water Wheel: Travel on Houston Mesa Road (FR 199) for 7 ½ miles.
Second Crossing: Travel on Houston Mesa Road (FR 199) for 8 miles.
Third Crossing: Travel on Houston Mesa Road (FR 199) for 8 ½ miles.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
