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A Revolutionary Experience by AZLOT69 Overview: This awesome hike runs parallel to the White Rock Canyon after leaving it. The Liberty Bell takes the high road as the White Rock Canyon takes the low road. The result is at the end of the Liberty Bell Trail, about a third mile past the arch, you look down a sheer cliff of one thousand feet to White Rock Canyon below and the Colorado River. The acoustics in White Rock Canyon are so good you can hear people walking in the wash and hear the conversations from above. Views from above include the camp sites for Arizona Hot Springs and the new bypass bridge for the Hoover Dam. Warning: There is no shade available on this hike. The intense sun on the dark rock can make for a very uncomfortable day if you are not prepared. Hike: From the White Rock Canyon Trailhead head west. The trail goes downhill steadily and eventually drops sharply into a sheer rock wash. The wash becomes lined with rocks about twenty feet tall on both sides and continues to rise. At about three quarters of a mile into the hike dark volcanic rock walls appear in front of you. There are red rocks now in the wash you are walking in. There is a high wash entering above you to the right. Turn right just before the red rocks start to avoid a dry fall and contour around and up to this wash. If you miss the unmarked turn and continue in White Rock Canyon you will know you went to far if the canyon makes a sharp right, then sharp left and there is a large white boulder to negotiate. Turn around and follow the prior directions. This high wash you are now proceeding in is actually an old miners access road which from time to time you will see some signs of rock work. Soon you pass a mining claim marker and soon after a trail divide. Turning right will take you back to highway 93, so bear left up the hill. It is pretty obvious here this was once a road. There is another mining claim marker on your right. After a dip you will find a mine on top of the next hill with some artifacts still around. This was a magnesium mine. There are a few trails off to the right to explore the area but the main trail bears left. The trail now descends to a wash. Try as you will from this point you can not see the arch from any vantage point yet. Its close though. Its in the light shaded super structure of mountains right in front of you but at a right angle. As the trail swings north the arch slowly comes into view. Another trail joins here from the right. This is another alternate trail back to highway 93. Bear left, the trail continues south, losing sight of the arch again and then a full view of it looking to the north. You can also see the Hoover Dam bypass bridge from here. Its only another third of a mile now to the overlook of the Colorado River. Its uphill and rocky but you would be remiss to pass up this opportunity. Be prepared for several false saddles. At the first view of the Colorado River sneak up to the edge and look down and listen. The popular White Rock Canyon Trail is directly below. Continue on now to the top for wonderful views in all directions. When done return the way you came. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Liberty Bell Arch Via White Rock Canyon
A quick hike out at White Rock Canyon today. First, Liberty Bell Arch, plus enjoyed the views from the overlook. Then, back down to loop through the hot springs. Shocked to find no one at the pools, I enjoyed a solitary soak. As an aside, climbing that ladder with bare feet really hurts! Lesson learned = always bring extra shoes, even though the water-not-optional part of this canyon is so short. There was a group of 3 camping in the wash just above the hot springs.
Looped around to finally climb out the way I had been eyeing last December. A couple reasonably challenging climbs, but knowing I didn't have to worry about possibly needing to downclimb them made all the difference. The climbs lead to a whole additional wonderland of cave and hole-filled canyon walls. Added a fun new dimension to a hike I have done so many times.
Upon returning to the trailhead, there was an emergency vehicle parked and a young man in a SAR vest asked which way to the hot springs? Hmmm...
An update to report for this hike. The park service has now placed a sign at the Liberty Bell turn-off.
Looped around to finally climb out the way I had been eyeing last December. A couple reasonably challenging climbs, but knowing I didn't have to worry about possibly needing to downclimb them made all the difference. The climbs lead to a whole additional wonderland of cave and hole-filled canyon walls. Added a fun new dimension to a hike I have done so many times.
Upon returning to the trailhead, there was an emergency vehicle parked and a young man in a SAR vest asked which way to the hot springs? Hmmm...
An update to report for this hike. The park service has now placed a sign at the Liberty Bell turn-off.
2015-12-20 autumnstars
Liberty Bell Arch Via White Rock Canyon
Hike to Arizona Hot Springs with a few side trips.
A little chilly to start the day off with cloud cover and a breeze, but things warmed up nicely and ended with pleasant hiking temperatures. First was the hike to Liberty Bell Arch and the Colorado River overlook - beautiful as always. No one along this section except a very friendly British couple. We chatted about the area's geology for a bit.
Back in White Rock Canyon, it was cool and damp. After reaching the Colorado, the Park Service has added yet a few more signs to try and keep people on a single trail. Whether this is working, I don't know - some signs only seem more confusing because the arrows only point up, down, or at 90 degrees, but no diagonals.
Met three groups at the hot springs pools. I stayed only long enough to soak my feet briefly - didn't really want to involve myself in their animated argument about which group had hiked in the harder way. On the plus side, skipping a soak gave me "extra" daylight to go wandering and locate some sites I had been wanting to check out up canyon.
A good day and a good hike for my last before our New Year's Grand Canyon backpack.
A little chilly to start the day off with cloud cover and a breeze, but things warmed up nicely and ended with pleasant hiking temperatures. First was the hike to Liberty Bell Arch and the Colorado River overlook - beautiful as always. No one along this section except a very friendly British couple. We chatted about the area's geology for a bit.
Back in White Rock Canyon, it was cool and damp. After reaching the Colorado, the Park Service has added yet a few more signs to try and keep people on a single trail. Whether this is working, I don't know - some signs only seem more confusing because the arrows only point up, down, or at 90 degrees, but no diagonals.
Met three groups at the hot springs pools. I stayed only long enough to soak my feet briefly - didn't really want to involve myself in their animated argument about which group had hiked in the harder way. On the plus side, skipping a soak gave me "extra" daylight to go wandering and locate some sites I had been wanting to check out up canyon.
A good day and a good hike for my last before our New Year's Grand Canyon backpack.
2014-12-28 autumnstars
Liberty Bell Arch Via White Rock Canyon
It is impossible not to enjoy the view at the end of this hike. One of those cold wind but hot sun days so common in autumn here. Lunch and then headed back, exploring some alternate trails. Quite a few people on the main trail enjoying the nice temperatures.
Good condition, although it has recently become more difficult to notice where you need to branch off from White Rock Canyon unless you know what you're looking for.
Good condition, although it has recently become more difficult to notice where you need to branch off from White Rock Canyon unless you know what you're looking for.
2014-11-22 autumnstars
Liberty Bell Arch Via White Rock Canyon
I had planned on hiking AZ Hot Springs on my way to Vegas, asking autumnstars if she was interested. She had plans, but suggested I check out Liberty Bell Arch while in White Rock Canyon. I knew I would not have time to do both springs and arch, but made arch plans as a backup. Good thing, as I was running an hour behind schedule when I arrived at the trailhead. (Not helped by making two wrong turns due to interpreting the AZ Hot Springs driving instructions as being a dirt lot on the west side of the road, when in fact they are paved on the east side of U.S. 93.) 
The arch trail is about two miles shorter than the hot springs trail.
The first .9 miles are boring, passing west under U.S. 93, then down a very wide wash. Just as the wash begins tightening up into what appears to be a more interesting White Rock Canyon, the Liberty Bell Arch trail takes an unsigned -- there are *more* than enough signs at the beginning! -- right/north turn up a side wash. At 1.4 miles, on top of a small saddle, I spotted a hole in a rock. It was not the arch. 
While checking out the hole, I spotted some mining equipment, which was a cool surprise. (I had not read the hike description.) I found the shaft, which would have been easy to climb down, but being short of time, decided not to explore it.
The hill which houses Liberty Bell Arch is actually visible almost from the moment you cross under U.S. 93, if you know where to look. (It is the lightest color hill amongst many dark ones, sandy, with a wedge shape protruding towards you.) The hill is more obvious after the mine, and sun can be seen shining through the arch about 1.7 miles into the hike. At 2.1 miles, as you round the south tip of the wedge onto the sunny side, the arch becomes obvious. It is also obvious why it is called the "Liberty Bell" Arch.
After that, it was a short half mile jaunt to the top of the Colorado River overlook mesa. Wow, what a view!
The mesa top is relatively flat, but rocky. If you had an air mattress, it would be an awesome place to camp.
I had considered possibly down hiking the river side of the mesa, as the topo makes it look steep, but doable. Yeah, right. Hundreds of feet of vertical. As always, maps lie. (Should have the contour lines merge, being replaced by a single hash-sided line for a more accurate indicator.)
The trail is very slippery in multiple spots. (I twice fell on my fourth point of contact.)
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1-2-bar reception at the trailhead four miles south of Hoover Dam; 2-3 bar reception at the overlook mesa.
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Hike Video: youtu.be/KLNvNvWYCPo
The arch trail is about two miles shorter than the hot springs trail.
The first .9 miles are boring, passing west under U.S. 93, then down a very wide wash. Just as the wash begins tightening up into what appears to be a more interesting White Rock Canyon, the Liberty Bell Arch trail takes an unsigned -- there are *more* than enough signs at the beginning!
-- right/north turn up a side wash. At 1.4 miles, on top of a small saddle, I spotted a hole in a rock. It was not the arch. While checking out the hole, I spotted some mining equipment, which was a cool surprise. (I had not read the hike description.) I found the shaft, which would have been easy to climb down, but being short of time, decided not to explore it.
The hill which houses Liberty Bell Arch is actually visible almost from the moment you cross under U.S. 93, if you know where to look. (It is the lightest color hill amongst many dark ones, sandy, with a wedge shape protruding towards you.) The hill is more obvious after the mine, and sun can be seen shining through the arch about 1.7 miles into the hike. At 2.1 miles, as you round the south tip of the wedge onto the sunny side, the arch becomes obvious. It is also obvious why it is called the "Liberty Bell" Arch.
After that, it was a short half mile jaunt to the top of the Colorado River overlook mesa. Wow, what a view!
The mesa top is relatively flat, but rocky. If you had an air mattress, it would be an awesome place to camp.
I had considered possibly down hiking the river side of the mesa, as the topo makes it look steep, but doable. Yeah, right. Hundreds of feet of vertical. As always, maps lie.
(Should have the contour lines merge, being replaced by a single hash-sided line for a more accurate indicator.)
The trail is very slippery in multiple spots. (I twice fell on my fourth point of contact.)
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1-2-bar reception at the trailhead four miles south of Hoover Dam; 2-3 bar reception at the overlook mesa.
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Hike Video: youtu.be/KLNvNvWYCPo
2013-12-16 kingsnake
Liberty Bell Arch Via White Rock Canyon
It seemed like a good plan to get everyone out of the house and into some fresh air. This was a pretty rugged hike for my parents - their idea of rough is walking a level path covered with wood chips - but they did well and soldiered all the way to Liberty Bell Arch. The rest of us continued to the overlook of the Colorado River. We could see a few kayaks on the water, and the tamarisk in the side canyons were turning yellow, making for a lovely contrast with the green water.
Very nice weather, no other hikers once we were out of White Rock Canyon, and the trail was in good condition. There were a few puddles left in the bedrock from our recent rains.
Very nice weather, no other hikers once we were out of White Rock Canyon, and the trail was in good condition. There were a few puddles left in the bedrock from our recent rains.
2013-11-29 autumnstars
Liberty Bell Arch Via White Rock Canyon
My sister wanted to take advantage of getting out of the gloomy weather of an Oregon fall to go hiking. I figured this hike was a good bet - relatively easy with many interesting things to see.
We spotted a bighorn both on the way out and on the way back. It may have been the same one, in fact. It was the closest my sister had ever been to one before, and they are not very skittish in this area. Finally, the bighorn got sick of us staring at her and sauntered off.
We were surprised to see several shrubs still flowering in the wash, covered with butterflies as a bonus. Checked out the mine and arch, then pulled out our lunch at the overlook. It was so pleasant, we hung out there for several hours taking pictures and enjoying the view. Made it back to the car just in time for sunset.
We spotted a bighorn both on the way out and on the way back. It may have been the same one, in fact. It was the closest my sister had ever been to one before, and they are not very skittish in this area. Finally, the bighorn got sick of us staring at her and sauntered off.
We were surprised to see several shrubs still flowering in the wash, covered with butterflies as a bonus. Checked out the mine and arch, then pulled out our lunch at the overlook. It was so pleasant, we hung out there for several hours taking pictures and enjoying the view. Made it back to the car just in time for sunset.
2012-11-21 autumnstars
Liberty Bell Arch Via White Rock Canyon
Very nice day for a hike. There were still a few pools in the bedrock along the wash, and even a tiny waterfall (knee-height, very cute). The Asclepias subulata (milkweed) plants were flowering their hearts out. Very disappointing to have not brought the camera 
Saw 2 groups of 2 hikers headed out as I headed in. This is the first time I have ever seen anyone on-trail after leaving White Rock Canyon, so it must be fall.
Saw 2 groups of 2 hikers headed out as I headed in. This is the first time I have ever seen anyone on-trail after leaving White Rock Canyon, so it must be fall.
2012-10-14 autumnstars
Liberty Bell Arch Via White Rock Canyon
A Monday with no work and what's a girl to do?
Well, go hiking, of course!
We had been trying to plan a hike with some friends of ours for several months, and finally it worked out.
Somehow, my husband got to select the hike, and he picked this completely unshaded, low elevation trek.
The views were as great as always, but I doubt those friends will ever agree to hike with us again.
It was HOT, it was shadeless, they didn't bring enough water.
Checked out the mine area again, since our friends had never been there. Interestingly, there were parts of a young bighorn strung out all around the mine entrance. Guess it made a good spot to hang out and enjoy the feast. Also saw a young chuckwalla wedged between 2 wooden planks in the sluice - cool! We stared him down for a while, but didn't want to trouble him too much.
Finally, we made it to the overlook, enjoyed some lunch and views in the slight breeze, and headed back. Good thing my husband and I both brought lots of extra water - ended up giving it all to our friends on the way out. At one point, we became very concerned our friend would
, but we all made it back safe and sound to cold drinks in the cooler.
Only a few multi-headed barrel cacti flowering, otherwise not much going on in the flower department.
Well, go hiking, of course!
We had been trying to plan a hike with some friends of ours for several months, and finally it worked out.
Somehow, my husband got to select the hike, and he picked this completely unshaded, low elevation trek.
The views were as great as always, but I doubt those friends will ever agree to hike with us again.
It was HOT, it was shadeless, they didn't bring enough water.
Checked out the mine area again, since our friends had never been there. Interestingly, there were parts of a young bighorn strung out all around the mine entrance. Guess it made a good spot to hang out and enjoy the feast. Also saw a young chuckwalla wedged between 2 wooden planks in the sluice - cool! We stared him down for a while, but didn't want to trouble him too much.
Finally, we made it to the overlook, enjoyed some lunch and views in the slight breeze, and headed back. Good thing my husband and I both brought lots of extra water - ended up giving it all to our friends on the way out. At one point, we became very concerned our friend would
, but we all made it back safe and sound to cold drinks in the cooler.
Only a few multi-headed barrel cacti flowering, otherwise not much going on in the flower department.
2012-09-03 autumnstars
Liberty Bell Arch Via White Rock Canyon
This was our first time doing this hike. Simply splendid! On the way past the arch to the Colorado River overlook, we spotted a bighorn mom and yearling in profile on the next ridge. Upon reaching that ridge, they were just standing there staring at us from about 100 feet away. Wow!
Oh yeah, I guess the views were pretty amazing, too. And the mining relics provided a very interesting side-trip. Although the hike started out in White Rock Wash with loads of hot spring enthusiasts, we didn't see another soul all day after heading out of the wash.
Oh yeah, I guess the views were pretty amazing, too. And the mining relics provided a very interesting side-trip. Although the hike started out in White Rock Wash with loads of hot spring enthusiasts, we didn't see another soul all day after heading out of the wash.
2012-02-12 autumnstars
Liberty Bell Arch Via White Rock Canyon
This was one of four hikes I printed out for our return from Vegas this Sunday morning, the other three near Kingman. All four looked very interesting, but this looked the most intriguing, certain to tackle the others in the future. Rainy morning in Vegas had me hoping for the best, had my heart set on doing this one. Easy enough to follow the trail using AZLOT69's description, though at times other small trails spurred off. The new bypass bridge and the arch came into view through the course of a scenic hike through a couple washes. Beautiful hike that went up and down a few times via some volcanic-type hills, moderate in effort. Cresting the plateau our first view of the river was a big "wow" effect, we moved onto the cliff for more views of the Colorado and surrounding terrain. On the return right by the arch we happened upon a gent named Joe Booze who told us about his encounters with bighorn in the area (all we saw were numerous piles of droppings), and that he is a poet. Lots of downtime on this hike, plenty of beauty to enjoy. ... (Were lucky to discover a gallery of photos by Peter Lik at Caesars's Palace. Incredible photos that sell for, ummm, $4000 each.)
2011-12-18 leonesiegel
