Photo by Mare Czinar Barnhardt Canyon

Mazatzal Wilderness Area

Devastated by a wildfire in 2005, the oak-pine woodlands and manzanita-covered hillsides that formerly shaded the Barnhardt Trail No. 43 are now charred, crumbling stumps. However, the fire also opened up views of astonishing landforms and endless mountain vistas for hikers to enjoy.

The trail steadily gains elevation as it winds uphill through some of the most complex geology in Arizona. Rose-colored, metamorphic Mazatzal quartzite, angular sheets of flaking schist, scoured basalt ravines and artful bands of contorted rock layers known as “chevron folds” provide continuing points of interest for geology buffs and photographers alike.

The highlight of this trail is a tiered, 50-foot-high waterfall nestled in a secluded slot canyon located 3.3 miles from the trailhead. The waterfall is not visible from the trail, so you’ll need to keep your eyes and ears open to hear the sound of roaring water from above.  To get to the falls, scramble up into the grotto and prepare to be “wowed” by a double ribbon of icy water tumbling over the slick red canyon walls. The trail continues on for another 2.6 miles to an elevation of 6,000 feet.

INFORMATION

Length: 7 miles round-trip (to the falls and back)

Rating: moderate

Elevation:  4,200 – 5,800 feet

Getting there: From the Shea Boulevard intersection with State Highway 87 in Fountain Hills, go north on Highway 87 for 51 miles to the Barnhardt Trailhead. Turn off on Forest Road 419, located a quarter-mile south of the town of Gisela. Follow the dirt road 4 miles to the signed trailhead.

Information: www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rogs/hikingtrail/wilderness/Trails/mazatzal/BarnhardtTrail43.pdf or Tonto National Forest, Payson Ranger District, 928-474-7900