Horse Thief Canyon Trail

Horse Thief Canyon Trail is an 8.8-mile out-and-back from Arizona Hot Springs Trailhead to two springs in the upper canyon. The route climbs about 1,500 feet; most of the way follows an unpaved canyon road, then a faint bypass skirts a dry waterfall and drops into the canyon. The payoff is a green pocket in bare desert rock. Allow about five hours. The mapped route is 8.8 miles round trip; other estimates are shorter, and the exact spring turnaround is not marked, so treat the mileage as approximate.

From the parking area, walk east on Horse Thief Canyon Road. The dirt road runs through open, rocky desert and makes up most of the approach. Near its end, a dry waterfall cliff blocks the wash. A faint trace climbs the ridge on the left, circles the cliff's north side, and drops into upper Horse Thief Canyon. The bypass can be hard to pick out among rock and brush, so keep an eye on the route rather than following the road blindly.

The first spring appears after you descend into the upper canyon; the second is roughly 1,000 feet farther along, with thicker brush around it. Their green trees and vegetation stand out sharply against the dry slopes. The mapped line follows the named canyon path through this spring area, but there is no signed turnaround. The more demanding Mount Wilson scramble loop continues beyond the springs and is a different, much longer outing. For a photo, frame the spring-side trees against the bare canyon wall; that contrast is the defining view.

This is an exposed desert walk with no confirmed potable-water stop. The springs are not a dependable drinking-water source. Lake Mead guidance calls for at least a gallon of water per person; summer heat can reach 120°F even in shade, so this is best for cooler months, not a summer afternoon. Stay out of the deep wash when storms threaten because flash floods can arrive quickly. Dogs are allowed on park hiking trails but must stay on a leash no longer than six feet.