Location: Gold Canyon, Arizona

Difficulty Rating: Moderate/Difficult

Route Type: Out & Back

Length: 3.5 miles round trip

Usage: Moderate

Trailhead Elevation: 2,200 ft.

Elevation Gain: 990 ft.

Park Fee: Arizona State Land Department Recreational Permit and Parking Pass is required

Trailhead Amenities: parking only

 

Gold Canyon, AZ WEATHER
 

Directions: From Phoenix take US 60 east all the way to Gold Canyon. Turn left on E Peralta Road. Follow E Peralta Road north east. After about a mile it turns into a dirt road. Follow the road for about 6 miles, the small parking lot is on the west side of the road. 

 

The hike begins at the Carney Springs Trailhead which really is a small pullout on the west side of Peralta Road.
The parking area is very small and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. There are clear signs informing you that both the parking area and the first section of the trail are on State Land and permit is required. Many people choose to ignore that fact, however if you prefer to obey the laws and not risk a fine, you should obtain your yearly permit before heading out.

You can purchase the Arizona State Land Department Recreational Permit online.

Here is the Arizona State Land Department parcel viewer showing that the trailhead is in fact on State Trust land.

From the trailhead you will follow the old and wide dirt road for about a mile until you reach the wilderness fence line. Follow the trail through the fence and you’ll notice the trail becomes much more narrow and rocky and it starts to ascend gradually. The ascend gets steeper the closer you get to the end.

Wave Cave Trail doesn’t really have any official signs indicating the trail, however if you pay attention to natural signs in a form of cairns and lines of rocks on the ground you should not have any trouble finding your way through the lower portion of the trail. Second half of the trail is much more obvious.

Depending on your skill level, this trail can be rated differently. I would generally describe it this way: first 1/3 of the trail is flat and easy, next 1/3 is moderate as you begin to climb and the trail is narrow with loose gravel and rocks in spots, the last 1/3 becomes challenging and might be too much for occasional hikers since you have to scramble through a rock garden and right before the cave there is a very steep climb. Take your time and you’ll be able to make it to the top, since the destination is definitely worth it!

Some may like to have gloves to assist with a few areas on both the ascend and descend.

View from inside of the cave is worth the hike. Cave is cool and enjoyable once inside. Very fine dust on the floor of the cave can be bothersome if it’s a windy day. Take a snack break and few pictures, but be mindful of others trying to do the same.

If you’re ready for a next adventure and want to plan it right, check out some of these hiking guides – Arizona has so many awesome destinations to explore!