Black Rock/Waterfall Trail Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

This trail incorporates the Black Rock Short Trail , Black Rock Long Loop, and Waterfall Trail into one efficient route. These well-maintained interpretive loops allow you to tack on a bit of mileage in half mile or full mile increments depending on how you are feeling and your distance goals for the day.

These are very well-maintained trails that are great for beginners get their "trail legs" under them. Overlapping loops make this a very versatile run depending on your fitness and distance goals.

This particular route begins at the Black Rock Loop Trailhead. Shortly after leaving the trailhead, you'll cross the road and pick up the Black Rock Loop trails. Take the first left and complete the Black Rock Short Trail. Swing back around to the west and head back up the trail, with a small hill covered with beautiful vegetation unique to the Sonoran Desert.

This time, go straight past the Short Loop junction onto a section of the Black Rock Long Loop and up to the Waterfall to Black Rock Connector. Jump onto the connector trail, run down into a wash and emerge from the other side.

Welcome to the Waterfall Trail. A left-hand turn will guide you up to the "waterfall" which occasionally runs after heavy rains. The interpretive signs are very informative and great excuses for a quick breather. The trail terminates at the "waterfall".

Whip a 180-degree turn and glide down to the Waterfall Trailhead. Wave to the folks in the parking lot and head back up to the Waterfall to Black Rock Connector. Take a left onto the connector trail, run down the wash and back uphill, and you'll soon be hanging a right to follow the Black Rock Long Loop back to the beginning.

Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer, jackrabbits, hawks and of course rattlesnakes and cactus. These trails provide a great cross-section of all the Sonoran Desert has to offer.