HikeArizona.COM

Hi, Im looking at taking a detour of the AZT Gila River section consisting of following the
grand enchantment trail (possible former AZT) up Walnut Canyon to the artesian well
about 3.5 mi north of the current AZT along the Gila. I was at this well maybe 10 yrs ago but Ive heard there is some mining or something commercial in that area now. Does anyone know if the well is still accessible or is it "locked up" behind a fence ? Also is whatever this development is big/loud enough to ruin camping near it ? Sorry I just have a vague memory of what might be there now , thanks. Rob

I don't recall seeing/hearing anything in that area as far as commercial stuff so I don't think that's a concern (I was last there last March). I do recall a well being fenced up but still easy to get to in that general area, if you're so inclined, but with that said, there's tons of water in that canyon and general area right now according so one person I've talked to recently.

@xsproutx

Nice thanks !

@robxxx The last time we updated the HAZ labeling- "Named place" notes on this one was Feb'20-->
[ Artesian Well - Walnut Canyon ] and the last posted pic of the Artesian Well was Jan'22. We do need an updated status and pic as to if that previous fence and gate with sign shows the Artesian Well area to still be illegal for entry?

@Grasshopper

Ok Ill be sure to report back on what's there now.

The well is fenced off and looks nothing like it did back in the day. Disappointing.

Although I was on the AZT near Walnut canyon I didnt have time for the detour to the artesian well. I did run into some ATVers who said a hiker could get access to the well but not their vehicles.

robxxx wrote:I did run into some ATVers who said a hiker could get access to the well but not their vehicles.

I don't think I would trust those ATVers (Re: for legal access) with this sign [ photo ] and [ photo ] posted on the Artesian Well perimeter fence 3/8/23.

Hi, I was there Feb 15, 2024 and it's not developed. There are a few corrals and a water tank. The "no trespassing" sign looks like it's just meant to keep people out of the corrals. You can still access walnut canyon. I wasn't looking for the artesian well because there was plenty of water flowing in the walnut canyon creekbed. There was a water tank with clear water so i wonder if the rancher is using well water to fill the tank.

@lisac Good to know that there is a doable entrance to Walnut Canyon from this corral area.

The actual entrance area to the locked gate/no entrance signed Artisian Well area, is a little further up the road where the fenced cattle gate is.
(Ref: [ photo ] , [ photo ] , and [ photo ] )