Waterfall Canyon Trail

White Tank Mountain Regional Park is on the other side of the Valley, but it’s well worth the drive.

We decided on the short hike named Waterfall Canyon Trail.

Restroom facilities, paved parking, picnic tables and even a playground with swings and slides are at the trailhead.

The trail is wide and flat for about four-tenths of a mile. It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, too. It leads to the “Petroglyph Plaza.”

This is a fascinating area for adults and kids. It features extraordinary examples of rock art carved into the boulders some 1,500 years ago. Dozens of examples are in clear view.

The trail continues on past the Petroglyph Plaza, but from there, the trail narrows and becomes rockier. It turns into a hike and not a stroll.

The Waterfall Canyon Trail follows a wide wash filled with smooth boulders and rocks. Dry most of the time, it becomes a rushing river during desert showers.

The trail is easy to follow most of the way. It does get tricky the last 100 yards or so. Some trail-finding skill comes in handy.

But the end of the trail is more than obvious. It leads up to a rock wall. When you can’t continue (without scaling a cliff), you’re at the end.

Because of the lack of rain, the waterfall didn’t exist, but its ghost was apparent. Still, a small pool of water sat where the falls would rush over during rain.

The trail is a there-and-back hike. Just retrace your path back to the parking lot. Total distance is two miles.

To get there from the Northeast Valley, get on Loop 101 north and follow all the way to the other side of the Valley. Take the Olive Avenue exit and head west. Olive leads right into the park (after 15 miles or so). It’s a drive of 55-plus miles from Fountain Hills.

Admission is $5 per carload.

This hike was first featured December 2002 and revised February 2007.