Hiking Arnett Canyon: A Hidden Desert Oasis on the Legends of Superior Trails
- Superior, Arizona
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Just outside Superior, tucked behind Boyce Thompson Arboretum, lies one of the region’s most quietly spectacular adventures: the Arnett Canyon Trail, part of the Legends of Superior Trails (LOST) network. Beginning from the Picketpost Trailhead, this out-and-back hike showcases a stunning mosaic of Sonoran Desert landscapes—rugged mountain backdrops, open skies filled with saguaros, shady woodland corridors, and even a flowing creek brought to life by fall rains.
This year, generous October and November storms have transformed the canyon. What is normally a soft, earthy desert palette is now incredibly green, with fresh grasses, glowing cottonwoods, and a creek that is actively running. It’s a rare moment in time, making this season an especially magical opportunity to explore Arnett Canyon.
Starting at Picketpost
Setting out from the Picketpost Trailhead, you’ll often notice another hallmark of this trail: it’s horse-friendly. The wide, gentle path makes it popular with equestrians, and it’s common to see horse trailers parked at the trailhead or to meet riders out on the canyon floor. On this visit, we were lucky enough to encounter a few horses and their riders—always a fun and friendly surprise along the route.
From there, the views open up quickly into sweeping mountain vistas and classic Sonoran Desert scenery—towering saguaros, weather-carved rock formations, and a spacious sky that seems to stretch forever.
An Ever-Changing Landscape
One of the joys of Arnett Canyon is how subtly and beautifully the terrain evolves. The hike begins in bright, open desert with cacti, grasses, and long views. As you move deeper into the canyon, the character shifts: trees begin to gather overhead, the light softens, and the soundscape changes from quiet desert breeze to the gentle trickle of water.
Right now, thanks to recent rains, the creek is running—adding to the sense of discovery and making the canyon feel like a hidden oasis tucked among the stone walls.
Where We Turned Around
On this visit, we continued just past the junction that branches toward the LOST segment connecting directly into downtown Superior. Even turning around here, the journey offers an incredible blend of desert drama and peaceful canyon calm.
For those who want to explore further, the full Arnett Canyon segment stretches roughly 6.5 miles one way, making it a rewarding full-day adventure.
Check out AllTrails listing for the Arnett Canyon Trail segment to get a map you can use offline while hiking plus more photos and reviews from other hikers!
Take Your Time — And Bring Water
Arnett Canyon is the kind of place that invites you to slow down. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, not just because the desert demands it, but because you’ll want to stop often. There are countless small moments to enjoy: rock formations with interesting patterns, smooth stones shaped by the creek, twisted branches and desert “sticks,” clusters of wildflowers, and quiet pockets where you can simply listen to the wind or flowing water.
Giving yourself time to pause lets you experience the trail with all your senses—the sights, the sounds, and the peaceful stillness that makes time in nature so grounding.
Recreate Responsibly
As you explore this beautiful desert landscape, we also invite you to explore with care. At the heart of responsible recreation is a simple idea: treat the trail as a guest in someone else’s home — the home of the saguaros, the creek, and the canyon walls. Stay on the designated path, pack out your trash, respect other trail users (including the horse riders you might meet), and leave what you find — that means rocks, plants, and branches stay where they belong. When you plan ahead stay mindful of your surroundings, and stay courteous to wildlife and fellow hikers, you’re helping keep the canyon vibrant and welcoming for everyone. Let’s all do our part so the next visitor finds the same wonder we did. Visit the AZ State Park's Recreate Responsibly page for more tips on being a good steward of our public lands.
Why Visit Now
Arnett Canyon is always a beautiful hike, but right now it feels extraordinary. The rains have painted the desert in an unexpected sweep of green, and the flowing creek adds a refreshing energy you don’t often find in the Sonoran landscape. Cooler temperatures, clear skies, and lush canyon vegetation make this an ideal season for exploring Superior’s growing network of trails.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful nature walk, a photography adventure, or a memorable introduction to the Legends of Superior Trails, Arnett Canyon is a must-experience autumn escape.
If you’re looking for a shorter outing, you can also enjoy heading out on the Legends of Superior #221 and looping back on the LOST LOOP #219, which begins from the same Picketpost trailhead and offers a more compact version of the scenery. This loop is a great option for those who want big views without committing to the full Arnett Canyon distance. It winds through classic Sonoran Desert terrain, meanders around the base of Picketpost Mountain, and gives hikers a taste of the area’s rugged beauty while keeping the total mileage manageable. It’s perfect for families, casual hikers, or anyone who wants to soak up the atmosphere without spending several hours on the trail.
🌵 Ready to Plan Your Superior Adventure?
Lace up your boots, pack your snacks, and come see Arnett Canyon while it’s showing off. The creek is flowing, the desert is glowing, and the trails are calling your name.
Plan your visit today — your future self will thank you for the fresh air and good vibes.
