Pipeline Canyon Trail

The Pipeline Canyon Trail offers easy access to fishing, bird watching, and an abundant opportunity to photograph desert wildflowers. Pipeline Canyon Trail does have two trailheads, north and south. If you're looking for something short with quick access to water, the south trailhead from the Pipeline Canyon Day Use parking lot off of Peninsula Boulevard and Park Lane is a great short hike! From the parking lot, make sure to stay high on the trailhead and proceed past the pet waste sign; otherwise you'll head down an old dirt road that dead ends about 500 feet down. From the correct trailhead the route is an easy hike that leads slightly downhill into a gorgeous small valley. During high water seasons the valley will be flooded from Lake Pleasant via Pipeline Cove, making the valley even more scenic. Just a half mile down the trail you'll find the floating bridge over Pipeline Cove. Unfortunately, unless you're prepared to swim, seasonal changes in water level flood the trail and may cut your hike short. No worries though, the flooded trail provides an excellent spot for fishing and swimming in Pipeline Cove! Fun fact: Lake Pleasant has one of the only prominent white bass populations, and bass from Lake Pleasant have not only broken state records, they were thought to break world records at one point. So it's an excellent spot for some lazy afternoon fishing! Don't forget to bring your lunch, and plenty of water. The shaded area in Pipeline Cove, or the incredible view from the picnic area on the south side of the parking, are excellent spots to cool off after your hike. If you would like to extend your hiking for the day, be sure to connect with the Yavapai Point Trail for more excellent views of Lake Pleasant.