HomeArizonaApache Junction › Canyon of the Waterfalls

Canyon of the Waterfalls

4.9 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Running trail in Apache Junction, Arizona · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Canyon of the Waterfalls' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Open 24hScenicHilly

What runners say about Canyon of the Waterfalls

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (12 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Superb, underrated hike. It was a hot and dry day. I'll have to catch it fully animated in water. I truly enjoyed the rock formations, views, pocketed shade, length, and ascension. Wildlife was out as the flowers are starting to bloom.

★★★★★ — Michael , May 2024

Great hike. Said moderate but I thought it was pretty difficult. Steep climb most of the way.

★★★★★ — Jaclyn , Feb 2024

This hike is quite beautiful and not overly busy, most people seemed to head towards the praying hands instead of the canyon, however finding parking can be a bit challenging. Wouldn't hurt to download a map for the area as there are many different trails.

★★★★★ — Stephie-J , Jan 2025

Trail in name only. Would advise using an App. like All Trails to help map it out. Trail is very rocky/treacherous as you near the top. Would not recommend for families with small children.

★★★★☆ — Arizona , Oct 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 4 mentions

“This hike is quite beautiful and not overly busy, most people seemed to head towards the praying hands instead of the canyon, however finding parking can be a bit challenging.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“It does get a little steep, hiking poles were nice for the way down.”

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Plan your run at Canyon of the Waterfalls

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Canyon of the Waterfalls

First Water Road, Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Get directions

Running trails near Apache Junction

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Broadway Cave

4.5 ★★★★★ 30 reviews

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Treasure Loop Trail #56

4.8 ★★★★★ 470 reviews

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2.4 miLoopNatural surfaceShaded

Moderate, 2.4-mi. hiking trail known for spring wildflowers & unique rock formations.

1.8 miles away

Jacob's Crosscut Trail

4.9 ★★★★★ 19 reviews

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LoopScenic

2.0 miles away

Horse Trails Trailhead

4.3 ★★★★☆ 81 reviews

Apache Junction, AZ

Natural surfaceScenic

Mountainous park for camping and hiking, plus horses and wildlife.

3.0 miles away

Silly Mountain Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 744 reviews

Apache Junction, AZ

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Desert hiking spot, featuring well-maintained trails, botanical walks and panoramic vistas.

5.1 miles away

Prospector Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 810 reviews

Apache Junction, AZ

PavedShadedLitScenic

5.3 miles away

All running trails in Apache Junction, AZ →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.