Fish Creek near Canyon Lake in Arizona is a wonderful hike for those who like to boulder and go of trail. That is because there is no designated trail. We follow the creek. Therefore you can make the hike as long or as short as you would like.
Getting to Fish Creek
Starting of the trail is about 30 miles from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. When going East on AZ-88/N Apache Trail, cross over the first bridge and park on either side of the road. There are no trailhead signs. Go to the south side of the bridge and walk down. Form here you are free to walk, climb, or swim as far up the Fish Creek that your heart desires.
Terrain
We hike this as an up and back hike.
There are no trail markers. Follow the creek.
Do you like climbing on rocks?
There are sections where we get on our hands and knees.
The best time of year for this hike is from October through April. We also like hiking the area when there is water in the creek.
Gear
Bring the essentials: hat, sunscreen, clothing to fit the weather, food, water, good hiking shoes, first aid kit, gloves, tweezers, and camera. The tweezers are for thorns that might get in your skin or shoes.
Choose your hikes based on the gear you have.
Fish Creek Hike
We have noticed that many states have a “Fish Creek.” Let us know what state the creek is in that you have seen.
Such a beautiful area.
WOW, that looks adventurous. It’s wonderful to know that isolated areas are still available for the ambitious.
I just love all of your fun outdoor photos! I like hikes where you can wander around a bit! Thanks for sharing 🙂
We like wandering hikes to view the plants and rock structures.
Wow, the getting on the hands and knees would make me nervous! I am such a klutz. I think I would have a hard time with that.
Sometimes, being on my hands and knees makes me feel safer with multiple points of contact with the earth. 🙂
I love that you got on your hands and knees that is a great picture!
Thank you. It was a fun hike.
What a beautiful area! I haven’t been to Arizona yet, but I certainly hope I get to one day. I haven’t really been hiking on rocks, but your pictures make me want to give it a try!
Hiking on rocks is fun.
This hike looks incredible! Is the water deep enough to swim in?
Not the last time we went. It has been dry lately.
This is definitely the type of hike I would really enjoy! Love all the crawling and rock climbing! Thanks for sharing this fun adventure! 🙂
That is great that you like crawling and rock climbing. It adds another level to hiking.
You have such a variety of hiking trail recommendations. Let me know if you ever publish an ebook. I wasn’t aware of any Fish Creek in Minnesota but when I googled it, we do indeed have one right here in the metro area as part of a huge nature preserve
That is awesome that you found one near you. Thank you for sharing!
This looks like so much fun! I can’t wait to visit Arizona in April. The hard part will be deciding what to do because you make me want to do everything!
April is a great time to visit.
I love all of your hiking pics! This place looks like such a fun place to visit…adding to my travel wishlist!
It is a nice place. It is great when there is running water in the creek.
That looks more like rock climbing than hiking, but still a lot of fun. I can just see myself twisting an ankle here.. LOL
You got to have the right pair of shoes. 🙂
This looks like a great hike that should be added to my “hiking bucket list!” Thanks for the information!
You are welcome!
That looks like quite a hike! I have never been there!
It is a challenge.
My girls and husband would LOVE this! Me, I would be on the side taking the photos haha Looks amazing.
You would do a great job of taking photos of them. 🙂
This looks like such a fun adventure. I’d definitely like to go on this hike. Thank you for sharing!
You are welcome.