Fish Creek
A+ A- Main ContentLocation: Superstition Mountains / Tonto National Forest, AZ
Rating: Basic Canyon Hiking 2B III
Length: 4 to 8 hours depending on section
Mileage: ~6 to 8 miles round trip depending on route selection
Longest Rappel: None
Permits: None
Wet Suit: Not Needed
Shuttle: Optional for Lower Canyon
Overview: Fish Creek Canyon is one of the most impressive non-technical canyon systems in the Superstition Mountains. Located along the Apache Trail, the canyon cuts through rugged volcanic terrain beneath towering cliffs, creating a diverse desert environment filled with boulder fields, seasonal pools, riparian vegetation, and dramatic canyon scenery.
Unlike many Arizona canyons that attract technical canyoneers, Fish Creek Canyon is primarily a scrambling and route finding adventure. Massive boulder jams, occasional pools, dense vegetation, and steep canyon walls often slow progress considerably.
The canyon may be explored both upstream and downstream from Fish Creek Bridge, with each direction offering a distinctly different experience. Fish Creek Canyon is best approached as 2 separate route options rather than a single continuous hike.
Canyon Sections: Fish Creek Canyon can be broken into 2 primary sections, each offering a different experience.
Upper Fish Creek Canyon: Accessed from Fish Creek Bridge and traveled upstream into the Superstition Wilderness. This section contains the largest boulder fields, the most scrambling, seasonal pools, and the greatest amount of riparian vegetation.
- Length: 4 to 7 hours
- Mileage: ~6 miles round trip
Lower Fish Creek Canyon: Accessed from Fish Creek Bridge and traveled downstream toward the Salt River. This section offers larger canyon scenery, seasonal water, towering cliffs, and a potential shuttle option near the lower road crossing.
- Length: 4 to 8 hours
- Mileage: ~8 miles round trip
For additional resources check local hiking reports and current Apache Trail access conditions.
Length: 4 to 7 hours
Mileage: ~6 miles round trip
Start: Fish Creek Bridge
End: Out and Back
Shuttle: Not Required
Overview: Upper Fish Creek Canyon offers the most rugged hiking experience within the Fish Creek drainage. House sized boulders fill much of the canyon floor, requiring scrambling, route finding, and occasional exposed climbing moves.
The canyon supports a surprising amount of vegetation for the Sonoran Desert. Cottonwoods, sycamores, cattails, and seasonal pools create a lush environment that contrasts sharply with the surrounding volcanic cliffs.
Approach: From Apache Junction, follow Hwy 88 approximately 25 miles to Fish Creek Bridge. Park near the bridge and descend into the drainage.
Route Description: Travel upstream through increasingly rugged canyon terrain. Progress is frequently slowed by large boulder fields, seasonal pools, and route finding around obstacles.
Numerous side trails enter the canyon from the surrounding Superstition Wilderness. Most parties simply explore upstream until reaching a predetermined turnaround point before returning the same way.
Water is seasonal and highly dependent on rainfall. Pools are commonly encountered, especially during spring months following wet winters.
Exit: Return downstream the same way to Fish Creek Bridge.
Length: 4 to 8 hours
Mileage: ~8 miles round trip
Start: Fish Creek Bridge
End: Out and Back or Optional Shuttle
Shuttle: Optional
Overview: Lower Fish Creek Canyon provides a more expansive canyon experience as the drainage descends toward the Salt River. Massive volcanic cliffs dominate the landscape while the canyon meanders through increasingly remote terrain.
This section contains less scrambling than the upper canyon but offers larger views, broader canyon walls, and a stronger sense of isolation.
Approach: From Apache Junction, follow Hwy 88 approximately 25 miles to Fish Creek Bridge and park near the bridge.
Route Description: Travel downstream from the bridge through the lower canyon.
The first mile is often dry, though water frequently begins appearing farther downstream. Seasonal pools provide opportunities for cooling off during warmer months.
The canyon occasionally narrows before opening into broader sections framed by towering mesas and cliffs.
Power lines and a road eventually enter the drainage near the traditional turnaround point. This area may also be used as a potential shuttle terminus for longer trips.
Seasonal pools are common. Water availability varies considerably depending on recent precipitation and seasonal conditions.
Exit: Most parties return upstream to Fish Creek Bridge. An optional shuttle may be possible using roads that approach the lower canyon near the powerline corridor.
