Massacre Falls

A steady climb along a ridge toward the Superstitions to a 30-foot seasonal waterfall that only runs after a good rain.

The Massacre Grounds Trail starts just past Lost Dutchman State Park, off First Water Road. It crosses a wash, then follows a ridge between washes straight toward the cliffs of the Superstitions, rocky in spots. Massacre Falls drops more than 30 feet over a wide cliff, but it needs a lot of rain to run, so go within a few days of a storm. On a dry day you'll see only a dark water stain on the rock. The lots along First Water Road fill fast on weekends.

Parking

The lots along First Water Road fill fast, especially on weekends with good weather. Arrive early.

Trailhead: Crosscut/Massacre Grounds Trailhead (First Water Rd.).

Fee

Free

Dogs

Dogs on leash

Shade

Not confirmed yet

Hazards

• First Water Road is potholed dirt and signed as not maintained for passenger cars; sedans make it when it's dry.

Best months

1. J
2. F
3. M
4. A
5. M
6. J
7. J
8. A
9. S
10. O
11. N
12. D

October to April, when the average high in Phoenix is under 90°F.

Trail map

Massacre Falls Trail on OpenStreetMap

Sources

6 sources · last verified Oct 2, 2026. Report a change

Where each fact comes from

• Massacre Falls Trail — OpenStreetMap checked 2026-10-02
• Tonto National Forest — FAQs ("Pets are welcome, but must be kept on a leash") checked 2026-10-02
• Crosscut Trailhead parking — OpenStreetMap checked 2026-10-02
• Massacre Falls — WildPathsAZ (undated; "Fees/Passes: None") checked 2026-10-02
• Hiking to Massacre Falls via Massacre Grounds Trail — Karabou Adventures (undated) checked 2026-10-02
• Best months: normal high under 90°F, Phoenix Sky Harbor 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI) checked 2026-10-02