Boulder Canyon Loop - 6.05 Miles Round-Trip

The Boulder Canyon Trail begins at Canyon Lake Trailhead on the NE corner of the Superstition Wilderness. It runs 7.6 miles south to the Dutchmans Trail, but first intersects La Barge Creek Canyon at 3.2 miles, which can be taken back to form a challenging cross country loop.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

The off-trail portion follows La Barge Creek Canyon into Boulder Canyon, a veritable obstacle course of rugged cobble, deep pools and heavy brush. Only fit and experienced hikers should attempt this route.

Despite the modest distance, allow plenty of time to negotiate the canyon. Consult a water report before setting out, as the La Barge - Boulder Canyon drainage can fill with deep, impassable pools after heavy rains. Avoid this route when rain is imminent:

The Boulder Canyon Trail climbs steeply to the wilderness boundary with expansive views over Canyon Lake (.65 miles : 1,948'). It wraps to a north face before curling back south on a rocky climb toward Frog Peak.

The trail crests at 1.18 miles (2,349'), then undulates ruggedly with little net elevation change through 2.5 miles (2,214'). Note greater concentrations of saguaro, cholla and brush as you progress. At 2.3 miles the trail begins a fast descent to the floor of La Barge Canyon (3.2 miles : 1,804').

The main trail continues across the wash and scales a saddle into Boulder Canyon, but you'll turn right here to begin the off-trail portion of the loop. Head south down the wash, which is initially wide with grassy islands that aid travel. There are some particularly nice, shaded campsites on this stretch.

Decidedly more challenging travel begins around 3.9 miles through rugged boulders and some of the route's thickest brush. You'll reach a large pool at 4.25 miles, which you must skirt (right) via a narrow rock slot.

The route weaves around adjacent pools into a narrow section choked by more heavy brush. Note cottonwood, willow and cattail in this richly appointed riparian corridor.

Though difficult to see from this limited vantage, La Barge Canyon seamlessly merges with Boulder Canyon between 4.15 and 4.25 miles (approximate).

The walls of Boulder Canyon open and recede around 4.65 miles, signaling your upcoming departure from the canyon. The route passes several more large pools before leveling on a rock terrace above another large pool (5.1 miles).

Continue (right) on the rock terrace and look for large cairns on the far side of this pool leading up the east canyon wall. This is your exit point (5.15 miles : 1,680').

If you miss this marked exit, you'll soon encounter impassable terrain above contiguous deep pools that flow virtually year round into Canyon Lake (the lake's inlet).

Cairns lead steeply up the east canyon wall on a faint path that rejoins the main trail at approximately 5.5 miles (1,916'). Retrace your steps back to Canyon Lake to complete the loop. Even if off track, an intuitive NE heading from the canyon exit point will eventually intersect the main trail.