Devils Canyon

Location: Pinal Mountains / Tonto National Forest, AZ
Rating: Intermediate Canyoneering 3C III
Length: 6 to 12 hours
Mileage: ~8 to 10 miles round trip
Longest Rappel: ~60 ft (18 m)
Start: Old Flat Campground Area
End: Out and Back
Permits: None
Wet Suit: Recommended
Shuttle: No

Resolution Copper Notice: Devils Canyon lies within the broader Oak Flat and Resolution Copper project area east of Superior. While the canyon currently remains accessible, portions of the upper drainage terminate near private mining property. Visitors should verify current access conditions and land ownership boundaries before planning a trip.

Overview: Devil's Canyon is one of central Arizona's most scenic water canyons, featuring perennial pools, waterfalls, technical rappels, and a surprisingly lush riparian environment hidden within the rugged Pinal Mountains.

The canyon is best known for the Five Pools, a series of deep plunge pools connected by waterfalls within the lower canyon. Reaching these pools requires significant route finding, scrambling, and travel through rugged canyon terrain.

Unlike many Arizona canyons that remain dry for much of the year, Devil's Canyon often contains flowing water, deep pools, and extensive vegetation, creating a unique canyon environment within the otherwise arid landscape east of Superior, AZ.

Approach: From Superior AZ, travel east on US 60 approximately 4 miles to the Old Flat Campground area. Park near an established access points and locate the social trail leading east toward Devils Canyon.

Locate the established access trail descending toward Devil's Canyon. The route initially follows trails and old mining era pathways before dropping into the drainage.

Route Description: Once inside the drainage, travel proceeds downstream through a series of increasingly dramatic waterfalls, plunge pools, narrows, and polished rock channels.

The canyon's signature feature is the Five Pools section, where waterfalls ranging from approximately 12 ft to 60 ft descend into large emerald and blue pools.

Progress is frequently interrupted by waterfalls, requiring rappels, swims, or careful route finding around obstacles. Water levels can dramatically affect route difficulty and overall canyon character.

Rappels: Modern canyoneering routes document approximately five rappels within the technical section of Devils Canyon. Exact lengths may vary depending on water levels, anchor selection, and route choice.

• Rappel 1: ~20 ft
• Rappel 2: ~20 ft
• Rappel 3: ~60 ft
• Rappel 4: ~60 ft

Anchor conditions should always be evaluated before use. Seasonal flooding may alter anchor locations and obstacle characteristics. Water is frequently present within the canyon and may range from shallow flow to deep plunge pools depending on season and recent weather.

Flash flooding remains a serious hazard. Water levels can rise rapidly following storms in the surrounding Pinal Mountains.

Exit: Historically, most parties completed Devil's Canyon as an out and back adventure. The canyon's lower technical obstacles were commonly reversed using fixed ropes at R1 and R2. Depending on conditions, experienced parties may be able to bypass portions of the technical section R3 and R4 without ascending every rappel directly with Class 4 scrambling routes located along the canyon walls.

A potential downstream exit may exist via a tributary drainage leading toward the Lower EK Tank area and associated access roads. However, route conditions, land ownership, mining activity, and access permissions may change over time. Current route beta should be consulted before attempting any through trip or alternate exit.

Devils Canyon offers one of Arizona's finest combinations of waterfalls, deep pools, technical canyon travel, and lush riparian scenery. The canyon's famous Five Pools, perennial water, and technical obstacles make it a standout destination among the canyons of central Arizona.