★★★☆☆ Moderate / Phoenix Area:

Wade in a gentle creek, or relax on a wide stone beach, outside Black Canyon City. Just a mile-and-a-half off the ever-bustling I-17 highway, the Black Canyon Trail splashes across a bend in the cool Aqua Fria River. Lucky for us, this scenic water crossing, at the foot of a tall canyon, is easily accessible via the short & sweet Rock Springs Spur Trail.


TRAILHEAD: South Warner Road, black canyon city   DIFFICULTY: MODERATE  •  DISTANCE: 1.4 MILEs (2.8 Miles RT)  •  APPROX. TIME: 1.5-2 HOURS  •  ELEVATION GAIN: 232 FEET (17 STORIES)  •  APPROX. CALORIES BURNED: 420-476  •  BEST TIME OF YEAR: OCT. – APRIL  •  PETS: YES  •  KID FRIENDLY: yes  •  FACILITIES: YES (no water)  •  FEES: none

Hiker, Boy Playing, Aqua Fria River, Horseshoe Bend, Black Canyon Hiking Trail, Rock Spring Spur Trail, Black Canyon City, Arizona, Canyon, Phoenix Area, Water Hike,When you feel like escaping Phoenix, but don’t want to go too far, the Rock Springs Spur Trail to Aqua Fria River, is a pretty sweet option. Tucked into the hills behind Black Canyon City, this short access trail quickly departs civilization and enters the endlessly rolling crests and canyons of the Bradshaw Mountains.

Landscape, View, Hikers, Rock Springs Spur Trail, Aqua Fria River, Black Canyon City Trail, Horseshoe Bar, Bradshaw Mountains, Phoenix Area, Black Canyon City, Water HikesAt only 0.8-miles long, the pretty, Saguaro lined Rock Springs Spur Trail quickly ends at a T-intersection with the Black Canyon Trail. To hike to the Aqua Fria River crossing, turn left onto the BCT and head south. 

Landscape, View, Hikers, Rock Springs Spur Trail, Aqua Fria River, Black Canyon City Trail, Horseshoe Bar, Bradshaw Mountains, Phoenix Area, Black Canyon City, Water HikesIn just a short distance the meandering creek, its ample beach and the walls of Black Canyon come into view. The BCT slowly descends to the creek, twisting along the rocky hillsides.

Landscape, View, Hikers, Aqua Fria River, Horseshoe Bar, Beach, Rock Springs Spur Trail, Black Canyon Trail, Bradshaw Mountains, Black Canyon City, Phoenix Area, Arizona, Water HikesA wide sand and stone expanse, known as Horseshoe Bar, frames the river’s edge where it makes a tight U-turn around the canyon.

Young Hiker, Landscape, View, Aqua Fria River, Stepping Stones, Horseshoe Bar, Beach, Rock Springs Spur Trail, Black Canyon Trail, Bradshaw Mountains, Black Canyon City, Phoenix Area, Arizona, Water HikesThis is an awesome area to hang out. The creek’s cool water is refreshing, changing depth with the seasons. A few large shade trees are perfect to sit and relax beneath.

Landcape, View, Arizona, Bradshaw Mountains, Aqua Fria River, Horsehoe Bar, Black Canyon Hiking Trail, Black Canyon City, Phoenix Area, Water HikesIf you’re feeling ambitious, and want to hike further, cross the creek to get back onto the Black Canyon Trail. Hike 2.5 miles further up the surrounding hillsides, on this well defined and moderately inclined trail, to find incredible views over the twisting river.

Landscape, View, Mountain Biker, Arizona, Bradshaw Mountains, Black Canyon Trail, Black Canyon City, Phoenix Area, Rock Springs Spur TrailOne mile further, and the trail crests and begins its southward journey towards New River. If you’re unfamiliar with the BCT, it is a 62-mile trail stretching from Prescott (in the north) to New River (in the south). Its extreme length and perpetually winding trail make it hyper-popular with mountain bikers, who spread out along the length of the trail.

Total Nerdery

The 120-mile long Aqua Fria (Cold Water) River starts north of Prescott, winds south through the Bradshaw Mountains, and reaches its final destination as a cool dip in Lake Pleasant.

Resources

Click here to download a trail map. The Rock Springs Spur Trail starts at the Black Canyon City Trailhead.

Directions: From I-17 (about 27 miles north of Phoenix) take exit 242 west, to Black Canyon City. Turn right / north onto Old Black Canyon Highway and drive 0.6 miles to South Warner Road. Turn left onto South Warner Road and continue approximately 0.5 miles to the Black Canyon City Trailhead parking lot on the right side of the road.