Hike | Boulder Canyon Trail #103 – Arizona Hikers Guide

  • Length:  15.2 miles (round trip to Dutchman’s Trail and back)
  • Trailhead Elevation:  1,677 ft.
  • Gain/Loss:  +618 ft.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Rating: 6/10
  • Solitude: Moderate
  • Season: Winter/Spring/Fall
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Boulder Canyon offers spectacular views of Canyon Lake, Battleship Mountain, and the vast wilderness of the Superstitions.  I recommend this hike to active day hikers and those who wish to connect this hike with other trails.

Note: For a shorter day hike (around 8 miles) feel free to visit Boulder Canyon Trail to Second Water Trail.

Boulder Canyon Trail begins on the northern side of the Superstition Mountain range at the Canyon Lake Trailhead.  Parking for the trailhead is actually in the Canyon Lake Marina parking lot and is clearly marked from the road.  From the trailhead you begin the hike ascending at a moderate slope for about 1.5 miles.  However, stop and take a breath about halfway up the incline and turn around to find beautiful views of Canyon Lake.
If you begin in the evening hours you will be able to see the sunset over Canyon Lake which is a nice way to start your hike.  Once you make it to the 1.5 mile mark you will reach the max. altitude for this hike which offers some of the greatest views of the Battleship Mountain and Weaver’s Needle.

You will descend into the canyon on a long, winding, and rocky trail until you reach the canyon floor. Once at the bottom of the canyon the trail heads west and crosses La Barge creek.  You will begin ascending out of the creek and up to a saddle.  On the left look out for Indian Paint Mine.  This mine was used to extract red clay to make pottery and paint and the pit and furnace are still very recognizable.  You will come across Second Water Trail #236 at around mile #4 which is a great place to stop, refill water (it’s a pretty reliable source for water but you will need a filter) and head back if you have had enough for the day.  If you wish to keep going, continue south on the Boulder Canyon Trail. From here, the trail will get a little less defined as it follows along Battleship Mountain and it tends to stay close to the sides of the creek, but makes frequent crossings. There are cairns to lead you in the right direction but take this section slowly.

Next you’ll reach the intersection with the Cavalry Trail #239 which displays a sign on the east side of the canyon.   The trail will eventually flatten out and will lead you to the intersection with the Dutchman Trail, which is also very close to the Bull Pass Trail #129 and somewhat near Black Mesa Trail #241.

Directions: Drive east on U.S. Hwy. 60; take Exit #196, and drive north one mile on Idaho Road to Hwy. 88. Drive northeast for approximately 15 miles to the Canyon Lake Marina. Their parking lot may be utilized, with the trail access located on the south side of the highway. Use care when crossing the highway!

I love this trail.  It offers great views of the lake as well as Battleship and Weaver’s Needle.  I also love it because of the amount of options you have to make loops, extended backpacking trips, and through hikes.

  • Bring a lot of water
  • Consider connecting this hike to Second Water Trail or Dutchman’s Trail #104 to Peralta Trail #102 for a longer through hike!
  • Park at the Canyon Lake Marina in the designated spots and access the trailhead by crossing the street
  • Turn around and take in the views of Canyon Lake within the first mile of hiking
  • Pick up your trash
  • Second Water is “typically” a reliable water source for filtering

Let me know in the comments below and I will do my best to do a personal write up about it! Your comments and feedback are appreciated and taken seriously.