Route Editor
Route Scout
Canyons are inherently risky. Flash floods occur without notice on sunny days. Technical skills & surrounding topography knowledge required yet does not eliminate risk.
Overview: This is a scenic off trail hike up rugged Ash Spring Canyon, which is a side drainage of the San Francisco River, near Clifton, AZ. A good destination is the 100 foot seasonal waterfall about 1 mile in, where Ash Spring Canyon spills over an overhanging limestone cliff, in the main fork of the canyon. There are several other side canyons off of Ash Spring Canyon that might be worth exploring. NOTE: old signs at the entrance to Ash Spring Canyon warn of the old quarry operation above saying "DANGER-NO ENTRY: BLASTING AND DUMPING OF ROCK AND OTHER DEBRIS FROM CLIFF ABOVE-KEEP OUT", but the quarry appears to have been abandoned many years ago. There are not any "no trespassing" signs. Check out the Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your canyon trip to support this local community.
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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
Ash Spring Canyon
I took it easy on this lunch break hike, due to a battle with bronchitus. Followed a long abandoned mining road up the mountainside at the mouth of Ash Spring Canyon to the 4100 foot contour, enjoying great views of the area along the way. This road eventually takes one to an old limestone quarry atop a mountain, just west of Ash Spring. Man, it was warm. I miss winter already.
2011-03-18 PrestonSands
Ash Spring Canyon
This canyon has been calling me. I discovered that the distant signs along the fence I had seen in the past, with the words "keep out", were actually referring to the old (now inactive) limestone quarry. So off I went. This was a nice little hike, and one that I'll certainly revisit. More later...
2010-02-11 PrestonSands
