Box Canyon Trail

Route Description for Box Canyon Trail

There’s nothing quite like a swimming hole at the end of your hike, especially when you’re hiking in Arizona. The perk of the Box Canyon Trail is that it’s a bit of an undiscovered gem still. You won’t need to share this route with too many other hikers, escaping the crowded atmosphere that more popular swimming hole hikes can have.

This route is quite short, but there are some steep sections that young kids might need a hand with. Additionally, we definitely recommend coming prepared with GPS tracks since the trailhead and parking area for this hike can be hard to find.

When you’re looking for the parking for this hike, here’s what to watch for: about 4.8 km after Kohl’s Ranch, look for a soft shoulder next to an embankment with tall trees. There is one guardrail that ends and a gap before the next begins. This is where the hike starts.

Once you’re parked, head up the embankment. There are two paths about 6 m from one another and you’ll want the one on the left.

Continue through the trees after the embankment to the fence. Head under the fence and keep hiking through the trees. About a quarter of a mile into the hike, don’t be tempted to follow the path that heads left into the clearing. You’ll continue straight through the trees.

Past the trees, you’ll find yourself at the top of the canyon. Take a minute to soak up the view before tackling the last half-mile of the route. You’ll hike through the brush and down to the creek bottom. Don’t be tempted to scramble down- there’s a dirt path that continues through the brush that’s safer to use.

Once you reach the creek bottom, get ready to take a dip. Settle in to soak up the sun, have a picnic, or just take a quick swim before retracing your steps back up to the trailhead.

Hiking Route Highlights

Box Canyon Pool

The swimming pool at the bottom of Box Canyon is a treat, with a trickling waterfall flowing over the dramatic red granite. This swimming spot doesn’t get too busy, so you might just score some solitude while you splash in the cool water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you park for the Box Canyon?

Look for the soft shoulder embankment on the side of the highway. It’s not marked, but a GPS route can help you find it.

Do I need a permit to hike Box Canyon Trail?

There is no pass or permit required for this hike.

Insider Hints for Box Canyon Trail

• We always recommend staying away from water-based hikes in Arizona when there is rain in the forecast. These areas can be prone to flash flooding, which can be deadly. Visit on a sunny day!