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I have some time in April that is free and trying to do a nice hike in that I could spend a couple nights and nice hike out. Would have my 2 dogs and wife with me, so trying to please her is the hard part. Does anyone know of a place that has a waterfall near by? I know Havasupai does, but one they are closed til May and two they don't allow domesticated dogs on their trails. Arizona is preffered, could do a neighboring state. Not looking to get in the water really, just see and hear the waterfall. Let me know if anyone has ideas.

New to actually posting in these boards so hi to everyone. I have enjoyed the trails recommend to others, but thought its time I branch out and ask for a little help.

The dogs don't have an issue with hiking, so don't let that be a limiting factor for hikeablity. Of course if the trail doesn't allow dogs please don't mention it. Mostly, just interested in the sights of a waterfall or two. Thank you in advance.

If you click on on TrailDex in the upper left, you can select a whole bunch of criteria to sort out hikes. If you select dogs yes and WTRFL either perennial or seasonal, that'll get you headed in the right direction, I believe.

Aztec Peak might be an option. Workman Creek has some nice falls, and the runoff this spring will probably be pretty good. But April might be a bit too soon for the elevation if you're trying to keep a wife happy (uh, warm). It will all depend on how our spring weather goes but might be one to keep on your list of options.

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=910

Perhaps Massacre Falls near the First Water TH would be an option. Somebody posted pics of it flowing about 2 weeks ago. I'm probably going to check it out real quick on friday.

Edit: Oohhh my bad this wouldn't really be suitable for a backpacking trip since it's such a short hike.

Massacre Falls has been pretty bad for me this year... And I've been going at all the wrong times. I think it flowed well for probably a week or so after those Christmas storms we got. I went two weeks after Christmas and it was a pretty weak flow, nothing to get excited about. I'm sure it's doing great right now, but I wouldn't count on it being great for longer than another few days since it was only one night of good rain. I was there the night it rained hard (before the rain, of course, because I suck at timing) and it was bone dry.

If your wife is a native Zonie it probably won't take a spectacular waterfall to please her, and most creeks with any elevation change may suffice. But, for a butt-kicking hike with an amazing waterfall, check out Reavis Falls. Personally, I would backpack all the way down to the creek and camp down there (which is entirely feasible), but I think most would prefer to camp somewhere along the descent and dayhike to the falls. It's 200 feet tall and surely has tons of water right now. I'm sure as it warms up the flow will only increase. Just make sure to check the accumulated elevation gain before committing. Thinking about hauling a pack up that hill makes my legs hurt.

Winn Falls on the back of the Chiricahuas should be spectacular in April. It's a good climb to get to the viewpoint along the Greenhouse trail, and you're still across the canyon from it - but there aren't many 300+ foot falls in AZ so it's quite a treat. If you camp near the old forest service cabins, you should be good in terms of avoiding snow in April. I know it's dog friendly, too.

My other suggestion is not actually a waterfall, and it's a wet hike up a canyon, but Jordan Hot Springs in the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico is a sure wife (and dog) pleaser. As a wife, I can assure you it's a big winner - and my dog loves that trip. A beautful hotspring, a scenic canyon, relatively easy hiking... bring a nice bottle of wine and you've got a sure recipe for romance! ;)

writelots wrote:My other suggestion is not actually a waterfall, and it's a wet hike up a canyon, but Jordan Hot Springs in the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico is a sure wife (and dog) pleaser.

Timing is important. The Gila was cold at Thanksgiving. We did some crossings barefoot and walked on ice a couple times to reach the water. The ice wasn't as bad as the river.

Thank you all for your responces. I might have to do a few of them. I may just take a few weekends to explore these ideas.