Boulder Canyon Trail

The trail is quite rewarding. The Boulder Canyon Trail (also known as Trail #103) starts at the Canyon Lake Trailhead just across the street from the marina.

Two trails begin at the trailhead. Take the one to the left that heads up the mountain. (The other is a quick jaunt to the lake’s edge.)

The walk up is never very steep, and although it’s a steady, gradual incline, the trail is sometimes rocky, so watch your step.

As you ascend, you begin to get a bird’s eye view of the canyons and mountains. They become more majestic the higher you climb.

Our group hiked the trail on a fairly warm day. The heat wasn’t overbearing, but we took plenty of water breaks along the way.

The weather is cooling (finally), but in case you head out for this hike on a hot day, make note that shade is non-existent.

We followed the trail until the top of the hill. Once there, we simply headed back down the mountain, enjoying the relaxing walk.

I didn’t put a stopwatch on the hike, but my guess is that we covered around 3.5 miles total.

Once you reach the top of the hill, check out the stunning 360-degree views of Canyon Lake, the Superstition Mountains, Four Peaks, Battleship Mountain, and Weaver’s Needle.

That’s the true treasure.

Boulder Canyon Trail is about 15 miles Northeast of Apache Junction on SR 88, just after mile marker 210. Turn left into the marina parking lot just after the second bridge. Parking spaces for hikers are marked. Also, a restroom is available at the marina.

If you’re hungry after the hike, the marina has a restaurant and Tortilla Flat is just two miles up the road (turn left out of the marina parking lot).

This hike was first featured November 2004 and revised February 2007.