Arizona Falls: A cool roadside attraction with cooling effects

Visitors and locals alike are often surprised when they discover Arizona Falls, a remarkable roadside attraction located on the border of Phoenix and Scottsdale. Arizona Falls is stationed over the Central Arizona Canal system and is masked by the high embankment of the canal. A bend in Indian School road around 58th street further impedes the view of passerby, thus perpetuating its relative obscurity.

Arizona Falls is a small hydroelectric community park located in the Arcadia district. The artistic architectural structure diverts canal water into a series of waterfalls. The beautiful design of Arizona Falls celebrates water and power and its role in creating an oasis in the desert, while also playing homage to the Valley’s history with poetic sounds of falling water. This public space is where walkers, joggers and bicyclists can sit and enjoy the cooling effects of the waterfalls as the meandering canal snakes through the valley delivering the precious resource.

At the lower part of Arizona Falls, visitors can sit on large boulders in the “water room” where they are ensconced by water from three walls while they enjoy the cooling and soothing effects of flowing water. Sheets of water obscure the visitors view from two sides and antique gears used in the original hydroelectric plant are also highlights of the park.

The adjacent Herberger Park is just before Arizona Falls on the north side of Indian School and 58th Street where visitors can park. AZ Falls is a great place to take in the views of of the Valley’s iconic Camelback Mountain, while also reading a number of informational signs talking about the history of the site, which dates back to the late 1800s.

If you’ve ever been to these falls, please leave a comment below and share your experience. For more information and history on AZ Falls, click here.

Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure.

4 Comments

Cindy Ann Carlsson says:

August 11, 2019 at 4:59 am

Ok, you got me. I’ve been to Phoenix a lot of times over the years, but Arizona Falls is a new one for me. I’m going to have to quiz my local friends about this next time I’m down there!
1. Mike Shubic says:
  
  August 11, 2019 at 2:45 pm
  
  Ha, I’m glad I could stump you Cindy. Yes, you will have to check it out next time you’re in the Phoenix area. I bet many of your local friends are also unaware. Thanks so much for stopping by. Cheers, Mike
william heatherington says:

May 26, 2020 at 3:34 am

Lived in Phoenix from ’97 -2000. Didn’t know this existed. Thanks ! Next visit. Bill
1. Mike Shubic says:
  
  May 27, 2020 at 4:53 pm
  
  It’s funny, many locals don’t know about it, let alone visitors. Thanks so much for stopping by. Cheers, Mike