Canyon of the Waterfalls- A Post-Rain Superstition Mountains Hike
The Superstition Mountains are full of incredible hikes. A few times per year after persistent or heavy rain, the mountains turn into an oasis! The Canyon of the Waterfalls hike is just as it sounds- a beautiful waterfall that comes to life. The whole hike is stunning. Let me convince you!
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Hiking in the Superstition Mountains
There are so many incredible hikes in the Superstition Mountains, that doesn’t end at the Canyon of the Waterfalls. I made it easy for you and compiled a list of all of my favorites for you to enjoy for years!
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I’m sure after reading all of these hikes, you want to go on all of them! But how are you going to remember everything? You won’t.
That’s why I’ve compiled all of this information into a condensed PDF for YOU, to save on your phone for future reference. You’re welcome :-).
Where Is The Canyon of the Waterfalls?
The Canyon of the Waterfalls Trail is located in the Superstition Mountains, a little less than an hour from Downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It is a trek if you are living or staying near downtown, but it is worth it. Make a day out of it! It is located on the north side of the mountain range past Apache Junction, Arizona.
Parking For The Canyon of the Waterfalls Trail
I always suggest using the “directions” features on AllTrails. There is no specific name to this trailhead. It is the first designated parking area on the right side of First Water Road, about 0.5 mi from the paved road (HW88). This shares a trailhead with the Praying Hands to Slot Rock Loop.
HIKE STATS
Starting the Canyon of the Waterfalls Trail
The Canyon of the Waterfalls Trail shares a trail with Praying Hands to Slot Rock Loop. The trail is wide and easy to follow. This is a rocky trail- you do have to watch your feet as you walk! You’ll be slightly going up the whole time, but the first half of the trail up is pretty simple. You will be hiking towards Slot Rock (but you can’t see the slot from this angle).
The trail will start to thin out and bushes will get taller as you get closer to your first stop. Incline will increase as well. Wear supportive shoes, look down at your feet frequently, and enjoy!
SAFETY NOTE
First Stop: Slot Rock
You’ll start to notice you’re walking towards a singular “thumb” shaped rock up on a hill. You’ll make a steep incline up to this area, but it is worth it! Once you get up, you’ll see the slot rock below. It runs in an East-West direction. This is about 1.7 miles in, about 2/3 of the trail to the end of the Canyon of the Waterfall Trail. Stop and take some photos here!
After you pass Slot Rock, you’ll hike up towards the thumb structure. There will be a trail branching to the left past the “thumb shaped rock.” It’s easy to miss, so follow your AllTrails.
The Destination: Canyon of the Waterfalls
After you pass Slot Rock, you have less than a mile to the desination. Once you found the left branching trail, you’ll be following the wash for a bit. AllTrails helps a lot to stay on track! You won’t be able to see the waterfall until the very end when you wrap around a rock wall. It is beautiful, no matter the flow.
“Is The Waterfall Flowing?”
Here are a few tips for you! The water is most likely to be flowing on the Canyon of the Waterfalls trail after MULTIPLE days of rain, or after monsoons. Commonly, this would be January-March and July-September. Again, please be careful if you go during warm months.
The best way to check if the waterfall is flowing is to use the hiking app, AllTrails. Go on The Canyon of the Waterfalls Trail, then to photos, then click recent. You’ll be able to see the day and time people posted. This is what has been the most helpful for me!
Gear For Canyon of the Waterfalls Trail
BACKPACK: BUDGET ($50) OR SPLURGE ($100).
SHOES: BUDGET ($50-80) OR SPLURGE ($200).
HIKING STICKS: BUDGET ($30)
TRIPOD: BUDGET ($21)
Final Thoughts About The Canyon of the Waterfalls
I love this hike! It’s beautiful even if it’s bone dry at the end. It is a bit of an incline, but I feel like very managable overall. I think it’s important to note that no one can control Mother Nature. You can’t expect flow to be perfect all the time. Enjoy nature just how it is. :-).
Have More Time to Explore the Superstitions?
Check out these other hikes!
Black Top Mesa- A Nice Long Stroll
