Massacre Falls, AZ

Massacre Falls hike heads east out of the Crosscut Trailhead. Use the Official Route for best results as the area changes over the years. It's 0.9-miles to the pre-2004 trailhead.

The old trailhead is seemingly in the middle of nowhere, with little trace of its existence. Walk through the fence, and the trail is wide and well defined. In season, wildflowers blanket the lower sections of this trail. Immediately to the left is a small knoll with some small caves. The trail heads towards a mini needle then passes it on the east. The trail works up to a low saddle crossing a usually dry creek three times.

Next comes the subtle ascent to the falls. When the creek is running, you can hear the falls in the distance. Otherwise, be on the lookout for the dark vertical stripe to the southeast. The stripe is one of the falls. From the low-lying saddle mentioned above to the falls is nothing challenging. However, it can be a route-finding challenge. My best advice is to study the map. Two or three cairned routes get you to the falls, and one takes you far away to West Boulder Canyon. Generally, the most traveled route brings you to the falls as it's the most popular destination in this area.

My route of choice is the red line on the map. When you're hiking in you, swear you are going wide to the east, which it does "slightly" but not by much. The old dashed line trail on the map is cairned too. Both routes work, and you probably won't know the difference on your first outing.

The trail goes through a tunnel of lush before delivering you to the east side of the Massacre Wall. Two falls pour over this wall. First encountered is the large waterfall on the east end. A short but steep canyon directly above the wall feeds this waterfall. It generally runs right after heavy rains. It pours off in a wide swath. This swath being the vertical stripe visible from distances far north into the wilderness. There is a nice spout on its left, which funnels water out from the wall. To the west is another waterfall. Although on the same wall, it's fed by a different drainage. This drainage goes all the way up to the Superstition Ridgeline and is much broader. Although longer and wider, it's not a solid rock surface. This waterfall flows upwards of a week after heavy rainfall employing the sponge effect.

Trail data provided is for an out-n-back hike to the waterfalls. On the return, consider the short excursion up a small ramp style ridge, which I've dubbed the "Massacre Ramp." It's easy to spot heading back and away from the falls. There are lovely 360-degree views from the top. There's also a sheer drop off. In fact, you're standing on an overhang if you're looking down. It kind of makes you take a step back when you look down, then notice there's no wall below.

Note #1: The actual "Massacre Grounds" aren't along this trail. Request for more information will not receive a response.

Note #2: Hike summary was revised on 04/02/04
2020-12-02 Guide updated to be less confusing about old access.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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2001-03-17 joebartels