Copper Falls Trail #504, AZ

Overview
When you think of the trails in the Camp Verde vicinity, you probably think of those hard-to-get-to trails like Cedar Bench or Bull Pen or the easier-to-get-to but less appealing OHV trails of Hayfield or Ryal TH’s. The Copper Canyon Trailhead offers a nice alternative. Yes, it has some of those annoying dual-track trails for all-terrain vehicles, but it also has a very nice single track for hikers. And, it is incredibly easy to get to. Over the years, this TH has undergone a transformation and now offers parking for over 20 cars, bathrooms, ramadas, picnic tables, and a somewhat nebulous trail map of the area. Three trails take off from this trailhead. The Camp Verde Trail #545 and the General Crook Trail (FS 162) are both OHV trails. And then, the newly created Copper Falls Trail #504, a trail designed for hikers, bikers, and horse riders.


Hike
The signage for this trail is not ideal. All you ever see are carsonite markers with the #504: one at the start of the trail, and again at the end. Luckily, there are not too many use trails to lead you astray. The Copper Falls Trail starts from the northwest end of the parking area. Passing through a gate, you’ll see the #504 marker, indicating that you are on the Copper Falls Trail. Hike in 0.12 miles to reach a three-way split in the trail. There is no signage, but stay on the middle path for the Copper Falls Trail. (The other two trails are the Camp Verde Trail #545). The trail will do several very gradual switchbacks as it climbs to the top of the hill. You reach the top of the hill and the high point of the trail at 1 mile. The views are nice, offering some decent views to the south and the canyon below. There is also a surprising view of a plateau with a sharp drop off to the west.The trail quickly descends down the north side of the hill and then proceeds to follow the shelf that was visible from the high point. The trail will go through a unique crucifixion thorn vegetated area before reaching a cow path crossing at 1.82. There will be a couple of use trails in the area; all created by cows. Continue straight, and around 1.96, the trail will begin a gradual descent following the contours of the canyon walls. There will be a couple of times where you will feel that you have reached the valley floor, but as the trail makes its next turn, you’ll find yourself still descending. At 2.72, the trail reaches a seasonal stream and a “T” in the trail. This juncture is unsigned, and the Copper Falls Trail turns to the left, heading down the canyon back towards the TH.

(As an aside, if the water is flowing, I highly recommend turning right and heading up the canyon. This use trail is easy to follow, and in about 0.25 miles, there is a 10-foot rock wall, which is very enjoyable to partake in when water is flowing. Turning left and hiking the Copper Falls Trail east, you’ll start to see evidence of an old stone wall and signs of early habitation. At 3.05, you pass the other carsonite marker for trail 504. This marker indicates the end of Copper Falls Trail and the beginning of the Camp Verde Trail. Everything east of this sign is open to OHV, and technically, everything west of the sign is for hikers, bikers, and horses only.

Even though you are done with the trail, you still have some hiking to do. The most obvious choice is to continue to head east on the Camp Verde Trail #545 for an additional mile to reach the trailhead, though, I suppose, if you really enjoyed the trail, you can also return along the Copper Falls Trail for a 6-mile hike.

Water Sources
There is no water available at the trailhead, and during the summer months, the stream can run dry.

Synopsis
This is a fantastic addition to the Camp Verde Trail system. It is easy to get to, designed for hikers, and short enough that it can be enjoyed in a couple of hours. Though not perennial, the stream at the west end of the trail is an extra delight and makes this an ideal trail to do in early spring or after a nice monsoon storm.

2026-04-22 mt98dew