Cattail Falls Trail

Cattail Falls Trail is a 3.2-mile round-trip out-and-back from the small parking area on Oak Spring Road to a spring-fed pour-off in Cattail Canyon. The route follows the old road through open desert to Oak Creek, climbs a low ridge on log steps, then drops into the canyon. Allow about 2½ to 3 hours for the moderate walk and the rough finish. The falls are often a trickle; the shaded oasis is still the payoff.

After the parking area, pass the gate and follow the old road. At about half a mile it reaches Oak Creek, where a large oak and sign mark the Cattail Falls branch. Turn right, south, here; going straight continues up Oak Spring toward the Window. Log steps climb the ridge between Oak Spring and Cattail canyons, then the grade eases and views open toward Vernon Bailey and Carter peaks.

The path descends into Cattail Canyon, bends southeast toward a saddle below Carter Peak, and follows the north rim of the wash before dropping to its rocky floor. Oaks and other moisture-loving plants gather below the rugged walls. The last approach to the pool involves scrambling over boulders and rock slabs and hopping across small pools. A spring feeds the roughly 80-foot pour-off; flow is usually light and strengthens after wet periods. Stay on rock to protect the oasis, and don't wade in the pools. From the dry rocks, frame the falls with the steep canyon walls rather than stepping into the water for a closer view.

The short route starts at a small parking area about 1.3 miles along Oak Spring Road from Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Walking in from the drive makes it about 5.8 miles round trip. This informal route is not shown on the park's trail maps, and current NPS access and the road's vehicle gate status could not be confirmed; check with a ranger before setting out. Pets are not allowed on park trails.