Hike | Barnhardt Trail | Mazatzals — AZHG + Keep it Wild Co.

  • Length:  6.2 miles (to the first waterfall) round trip
  • Trail Type: Out and Back
  • Trailhead Elevation:  4,200 ft.
  • Gain/Loss:  +1500 ft.
  • Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Barnhardt Trail is known as the gateway to the Mazatzal Wilderness area and connects with the Mazatzal Divide which is part of the Arizona Trail.  This hike is best completed in spring or during a period of considerable moisture in the area as the falls are seasonal.  If you are in good shape and want to see 25-30 foot waterfalls this is the hike for you!

The trail begins at Barnhardt Trailhead (map below) which is located four miles from highway 260.  The dirt road is well maintained and is easily accessible by a passenger car.  I took my little Toyota Corolla and was just fine.  The dirt road opens up into a nice, large parking area and dead ends at the trailhead.  From this trailhead you can access both Barnhardt Trail #43 and Y-Bar Trail #44 which heads southwest.

Right from the outset you find yourself in high desert scrub for about 1/2 mile or so.  I really like the high desert ecosystem because you get the beauty of the desert without all the prickly nonsense. Plus, I don’t have to clean up my dog’s pads and feet afterwards!

You will see Y-Bar Trail #44 to your left and Barnhardt Trail continuing straight.  After about 1/4 mile you will see the Mazatzal Wilderness sign to your left.  This is about the time the trail opens up into the canyon wall and begins it’s steady incline cutting through the south side of Barnhardt Canyon.  Although the elevation change is moderate, the constant uphill gets a little annoying.  At about 1 1/2 miles or so you hit a series of switchbacks that lead you away from Barnhardt Canyon and into an adjacent one.  Again, the switchbacks are not demoralizing, just unfriendly.

The views from the switchbacks are worth the leg and knee pains you are currently feeling.  As you ascend, look down onto the canyon floor and see if you can spot pools of water or even a flowing creek.  There is a trail that supposedly takes you down to the canyon floor but I didn’t take it.  It is faint but you will notice it on your way back out of the canyon.

You know you are getting close when you see a really nice resting spot (see photo below).  This spot is about 1/4 mile from the waterfalls.  Keep trekking and you will come to a spot that is noticably greener and prettier than the rest of the trail.  About 20 yards to your left is the 25-30 foot waterfall which is walled by rocks on three sides.  It is a beautiful sight to see in the desert.  Once you have taken pictures, dunked your head, and enjoyed the falls, return the way you came.

The trail continues to ascend toward Mazatzal Divide where there are two other falls.

Hiking tips

  • Passenger car okay
  • Best time to see the falls is March, April, and May when the snow melt creates the falls
  • The trail is loose and rocky so bring good shoes
  • You are exposed almost the entire time so I recommend going early  in the day

Directions: Travel north on the Beeline Highway (SR 87) 4 miles past the Junction of SR 87 and SR 188 to Forest Road (FR) 419. Turn left (west) on FR 419 and continue for approximately 4.7 miles to Trailhead.