Wave Cave Trail

Route Description for Wave Cave Trail

The Wave Cave is one of many must-see rock formations in Arizona, hiding in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix. This cave has a rock “wave” that extends into the middle, serving as an ideal photo spot. Your view from the cave extends out over the mountainous landscape beyond, and the hike there will have you feeling positively remote.

This trail isn’t signed, so you’ll want to make sure you have a GPS track to follow. The last thing you want is to get turned around in the hot desert. Speaking of desert, this route is exposed to the sun and there isn’t any water on it. Avoid planning your hike in the summer months and bring plenty of water no matter what time of year you visit. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended for sunny days- which tends to be most of them!

The parking lot on Peralta is a bit sneaky, so make sure you’re watching for it. From the parking lot, look for the cave on your left. You’ll be able to see it during the hike, which can help you find your way despite the lack of signage.

Take the wide path that heads towards the base of the mountain. About 0.6 miles in, you’ll hit a fence. There is some signage here, but you need to ignore it. Go straight past the fence through the gap to get to the cave.

You’ll start climbing more consistently past the fence with tall saguaros lining your route. There are spur trails that look very convincing, but keep an eye on your GPS track and don’t be swayed. Watch for rocks across the entrance to trails and keep generally left.

You’ll climb more steeply the closer you get to the cave. About a mile in, you’ll be able to stop guessing which way to go as the route becomes nicely defined.

The last few steps of the hike are the steepest. Take your time if needed. You’ll climb up into the cave, which is surprisingly deep. Roam around into the cave, walking to the back to look forward at the wave. Snap photos, climb around, explore, and then get ready to head back to the trailhead.

You’ll retrace your steps to the trailhead.

Hiking Route Highlights

Wave Cave

The Wave Cave is a deep cave in the Superstition Mountains notable for its “wave,” the rock lip in the middle of the cave that resembles a crashing wave. The cave is particularly deep, allowing visitors to snap photos atop the wave with ease, making it a fan favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you park for the Wave Cave?

You’ll park at the Carney Springs Trailhead.

Do I need a permit to hike the Wave Cave?

Yes, you’ll need a Tonto Discovery Pass for this hike.

Is the hike to the Wave Cave hard?

The hike is quite easy until the last 0.3 km, when it steepens. Overall we rate this hike as moderate.