Boulder Canyon Trail (103)

Superstition Wilderness

NOAA forecast: 33.82, -110.92

Distance: 7.4 | Total Elevation Gain: 1760

From the south shore of the Salt River's busy Canyon Lake, Boulder Canyon Trail leads into the western Superstition Wilderness and the seclusion of the LaBarge and Boulder Canyons. Up through the hills south of the lake, the initial climb is rewarded with a unique view of Weaver?s Needle, followed by a descent into LaBarge Canyon and a dramatic approach to the prominent northern end of Battleship Mountain. Over a small hill into Boulder Canyon, the trail passes the junction with Second Water Trail, one of several potential loop options in the area.

The lightly used and somewhat overgrown remainder of the trail continues a shallow ascent southeast along the normally dry wash, crossing more than a dozen times before connecting with the Dutchman?s Trail in a sandy basin below Palomino Mountain. Given this trail?s proximity to a reliable water source, desert bighorn sheep sightings are likely, particularly in the summer months.