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BOX CANYON of the HASSAYAMPA RIVER
Wickenburg
For most of its 100-mile course, the Hassayampa River flows
only in subterranean channels. But
for roughly 14 miles, bedrock buoys the water above ground. Two of the easiest
access points to the wet sections are The Nature Conservancy's Hassayampa River
Preserve and Box Canyon.
While the preserve area is a quiet place with beautifully
tame riverside trails, "The Box" is an outdoor recreation
free-for-all. Hikers and equestrians share the waterway with motorized traffic,
gold panners and raucous families with kids and dogs. From the parking area, a rugged Jeep road descends from the
lip of the canyon to the river gorge.
Here, the exploratory trek heads off in both directions. Turn west to visit the rubble of
defunct Mistake Mine, or go east along a water-hopping route that leads through
the most spectacular section of the canyon where vertical walls of conglomerate
rock pinch the water into lacy rivulets and shifting sandbars before exiting into
the spillway of Dinosaur Wash. The canyon narrows are about a mile in length,
and water levels vary with rainfall, so, be prepared to get your feet wet.
LENGTH: up to 1.5 miles each way
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 2295'-2240'
GETTING THERE:
From the US60/93 traffic circle in Wickenburg, go 4.6 miles
north on US93 to Scenic Loop Road at milepost 195. Turn right, drive 6.8 miles, take the right fork at a BLM
"no dumping" sign and go 0.1 mile to the parking area. Scenic Loop is
sedan-friendly graded dirt, however, some sections may wash out during heavy
rain.
INFO: Bureau of Land Management, 623-580-5500
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