Eloy Canal Trail

Total Miles 12
Technical Rating
2 Easy
Best Time Spring, Fall, Winter
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

The Eloy Canal Trail travels along the edge of the Arizona state water system on dirt roads parallel to the water. There are trails on either side of the water, with many bridges across. Additionally, there are artificial ridges along the edges of the canal which are fun to ride atop, providing wide views of the surrounding agricultural countryside. The trail condition is good but beware of sinkholes, especially atop the artificial ridges. Don't outdrive what you can see. From the southwest to northeast, the trail crosses a few roads and a railroad and eventually arrives at a dam and a large water tower where others often park trucks with trailers to stage SxS and ATV riding. The canal trail provides access to a bounty of trails to the northeast of the water tower, among the mountains on the northern edge of the Picacho Mountain Range. Excellent views of Newman Peak are present throughout the ride. Please be especially respectful along this trail, as it parallels Arizona's sensitive water resources. Some other sections of this canal network are fully fenced off, but this segment is not and is commonly frequented by locals and fishermen. The trail is on Bureau of Reclamation land, and there are not any No Trespassing signs present, but you may encounter public works trucks. There are not any appropriate bathroom options along this trail;please do not leave human waste anywhere near water resources. There is a fair bit of garbage along the trail;please help remove some if you are able. There are some cattle gates to the east;please make sure you close them behind you.

Photos of Eloy Canal Trail

Difficulty

There are no major hazards except occasional sinkholes, which are more common atop the artificial ridges.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

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Jeffery Fuller
Feb 27, 2025
Open
Canal trail is open to mountain loop. A unlocked, but closed gate at mountain loop at edge of state trust land. Easy yo enter and close behind you.
Skip Clark
Feb 10, 2025
Open
Canal service roads are closed to all traffic.
Nick paddock
Aug 21, 2024
Open
Great trail! Only went down about a mile to check it out, very fun spot. Looked fully open from what I could see
matt lynar
Jun 29, 2024
Open
Area along the canal was open but there was a barbed wire fence (no gate) at the end before it got to the loop.
J M Taylor
Jun 08, 2024
Open
We drove up on the bank to get a better view of the surrounding areas. I’d say most any vehicle can do this one. The scenery gets much better east of 87.

Eloy Canal Trail Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Eloy Canal Trail Map

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