Nestled deep in Arizona’s White Mountains, a secret waterfall lies waiting to be discovered. Pacheta Falls towers at a height of over 130 feet, surrounded by jagged cliffs and lush greenery. It looks more like something you’d find in the rainforest as opposed to Arizona, and you’ll be in absolute awe.

Tucked away in the White Mountains, Pacheta Falls is a 131-foot-tall waterfall that few people even know exists.
Google/Eduardo Fernandez
While not quite as lofty as, say, Mooney Falls, which towers at a height of approximately 200 feet, Pacheta Falls is still among the tallest waterfalls in Arizona.
A permit is required to access the falls, as they are located on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.
Google/Eduardo Fernandez
Permits are sold at the Sunrise Gas Station. We also recommend a high-clearance vehicle because the terrain is quite rugged, and the roads can quickly become impassable in a sedan should a heavy rainstorm pass through the area.
Getting there might be a little dicey at times, but the silver lining is that you'll only have to hike about 1.25 miles from the parking area.
Google/Eduardo Fernandez
Alternatively, you can drive right up to the falls - but this approach is trickier and involves traversing some very rough, unmarked roads.

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Looking in the other direction, the jagged cliffs of the high country landscape are blanketed in evergreen Douglas fir trees.
Google/Eduardo Fernandez
The views are so otherworldly, you'll have a hard time believing you're still in Arizona.
Your view will be from above the falls, offering a unique perspective that showcases the natural wonder in a truly breathtaking way.
Google/R J
Gaze in awe as the rushing water cascades down the moss-covered bluffs, eventually spilling into a crystal-clear oasis.
In addition to the main falls, several smaller ones make for an even more magical scene.
Google/Kou Vang
If you happen to visit during autumn, the foliage is spectacular, so prepare to be dazzled.
To reach Pacheta Falls, you'll start off on AZ-260 before making a right on AZ-273 S toward Sunrise Ski Resort.
Google Maps
When you come upon Forest Road 409, you'll turn right once again, continuing on until the road becomes Y40.

Have you ever visited Pacheta Falls? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below! Tell us how it went, then check out our previous article for more hidden gems in Arizona worth checking out.

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