Walnut Canyon Rim

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Flow · Views

This trail follows the Arizona Trail from Old Walnut Canyon Road to Fisher Point with sweeping views of Walnut Canyon and canyon-rim riding along the way. With the exception of one short difficult section (that can be walked easily), this is a spectacular moderate ride.

This ride starts at the large AZ Trail parking lot on Old Walnut Canyon Road. Signs to Fisher Point will guide you the entire way. The first 1.2 miles of the trail roll gently through open pine and oak forest, before descending steeply into a tributary of Walnut Canyon. This stretch of trail drops through interesting terrain and involves several tight switchbacks (watch your speed!) and dips over limestone ledges - it is far and away the most difficult section of riding on the entire route and can be easily walked. The climb back out the south side of the side-canyon is comparatively easy, but will get your lungs pumping!

After 2.2 miles, look for a signed intersection to a spur trail (0.2 miles) to a lookout point. This is a worthwhile detour. The viewpoint itself lies just beyond a fence at the end of the spur trail (look for a short ladder to get you over the fence, leave your bike behind).

About a mile further along the AZ trail, you'll hit a second signed intersection for yet another lookout point. This time the spur is 0.7 miles each way, but don't wimp out on taking the sidetrip - this second viewpoint is one of the highlights of the Walnut Canyon Rim! Bike your way onto a limestone rib that juts out into the canyon, getting narrower and narrower as you go. Leave your bike whenever you feel like it, and enjoy the killer views on both sides of the peninsula of land.

Continuing on the AZ Trail toward Fisher Point the ride gets closer and closer to the rim of Walnut Canyon. Eventually, the trail features a spectacular length right along the edge with outstanding views into the canyon (just don't get too distracted while you ride - its a long way down!). Fisher Point marks the last lookout point on the ride, and the turnaround point back to your car.