Getting There
Boulder Canyon trailhead from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is about 31 miles northeast. When you type in Boulder Canyon Trailhead it will show an address in Apache Junction, AZ 85119. The road is paved from the airport to the trailhead.
Boulder Canyon Trailhead
Parking for the trailhead is at the Canyon Lake parking lot. It is a dirt lot. Depending on the day of the week and time of day there is a restaurant and restrooms available. The trailhead is southeast of the parking lot. A nice sign marks the entrance.
The Hike
This is a scenic hike that is up and back. Therefore you can go as far as you would like and then turn around. Wear good shoes as the trail has loose rocks that someone could slip-on. The first part is uphill. Feel free to stop and take a few breaks and look around. There is not much shade coverage, therefore bring a hat and sunscreen. Always bring water. The Alltrails website reports the hike one way is 8.7 miles. See link for more details https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/boulder-canyon-trail
Be prepared for snakes and cactus, therefore watch were you step. Being prepared is part of our 7 Tips for Choosing a Day Hike. There are many low desert plants and depending on the rainfall and time of year, you will get to see cactus blooming and multiple shrubs flowering.
There was a wilderness fire in June 2019. Then rains which caused flooding and roads to get washed out in September 2019. It will be interesting to see what the terrain is like and how the vegetation will grow back.
Boulder Canyon Hike in Arizona
With the weather cooling off in the Phoenix Valley, many people will be out to explore. We recommend this moderate hike for those who love viewing expansive views of the mountains and lakes. While hiking, look to see if you can find Battleship Mountain.
What is your favorite part of hiking?
Nice! I think this would be most fun in the winter! I like the suggestion to take water! You for sure need it there
The weather would be great in the winter for this hike.
Snakes! Eek!! Your photos are beautiful! Thanks for sharing:)
Yes there are snakes but just walk around them and leave them alone.
Looks like a great hike. It’s perfect hiking season here in Indiana so I’m all about hiking right now!
I am excited to hear about your hikes too.
Looks absolutely amazing. We have flown over the mountains before. It would be awesome to hike them.
Yes, bring your hat and water.
I can’t wait to visit Arizona and do some hiking. So many neat places and amazing beauty all around.
This fall would be a great time to visit.
Your pictures are gorgeous. I love hiking through canyons and following the rivers. They are always so interesting and it looks like this one didn’t disappoint either.
Yes, Hunter prefers hikes that follow water/rivers or steams.
Looks like a hike I would love to go on!
Yes, you would.
I love finding great hikes. So Awesome!
I agree.
I’ve been on this hike! It feels like a million years ago but it was nice to see it again!
Yay! That is awesome!
It’s great to get out of the city and have some time in nature! Great hiking tips – I’ll never forget the hike I did without water. Not so fun.
Oh no, no water. Yikes.
It looks like a great place for a hike. Arizona looks so pretty.
It is. In the spring when the flowers are blooming give it a different look.
Love hiking in Arizona so would definitely want to check this trail out the next time we visit. Beautiful images.
The AZ landscape is a wonderful place for scenic photos.
I’m going to be in and around this area in January. Added to the list!
Awesome! Have a fun time.
I love your site! Your photos are awesome. Thanks!
Thank you
Love hiking and this looks like a fun adventure in AZ. Cactus and snakes? Yikes!
LOl, You get used to them.
You sure have discovered some amazing hidden gems in Arizona! We hope to visit one day so we can check these out!
Thank you
I LOVE hiking in the desert when the weather starts to cool off. It is so beautiful. If we make it to Phoenix anytime soon, we will keep this hike in mind.
Wonderful! Yes, it is better when the weather is cooler.
I’ve hiked to the highpoint of Arizona, Humphreys Peak, but that’s all I’ve hiked in the state. Once I recover from hip replacement surgery, I’m going to add this one to my hiking wishlist.
That is awesome that you did Humphreys Peak. Hunter has done that hike too.
Arizona is stunning. I can imagine that next year, after the grow back, it will be even more beautiful.
That is what we hope for too.
I love me some desert hikes. I’ve never been to the land of Az but I’d love to go someday.
There are so many desert hikes in AZ.