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Visit Arizona Falls

This waterfall represents an intersection between technology, artistry and natural wonder. Enter the Falls from the south and venture across a pedestrian footbridge toward the viewing platform. There, between the curtains of flowing water, you’ll find large boulder seating where you can sit and spy historic gears and hydroelectric equipment.

Thanks to shade structures, you can enjoy the Falls all year long.

This project represents one of a growing number of projects along the Valley’s canals. Over 80 miles of paved paths have been developed by cities working closely with SRP. These paths are ADA-compliant and oftentimes include lights, landscaping and commissioned public art.

Arizona Falls: A historical place that powers the community

/ By / History, Power, Water

Arizona Falls is not only one of the Valley’s hidden gems , it’s also an important part of the Valley and SRP’s history. Located on the Arizona Canal, this hydroelectric generating facility can produce renewable power for the SRP grid.

Aside from producing power, Arizona Falls has served as a community gathering place for over a century.

History and Hydropower at Arizona Falls:

During construction of the Arizona Canal in the 1880s, a natural 20-foot drop was discovered along the canal’s route. Located near 56th Street and Indian School Road in Phoenix, the falling water created a scenic place to gather.

The falls were used for picnics, dances and other social events held along the canal bank before the turn of the 20th century. The flow of water through the area also created the perfect conditions for producing hydropower.

The first hydroelectric plant was built at the falls in 1902 by the Phoenix Light and Fuel Company. Shortly after its completion, a period of drought followed by heavy flooding in 1905 left the plant sitting unused for years.

The plant was later rebuilt by SRP and the United States Reclamation Service (now called the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation ) and was fully operational again by 1913. It was among the earliest sources of power produced by SRP, along with hydropower generated at:

• Theodore Roosevelt Dam
• Crosscut Hydroelectric Plant
• South Consolidated Hydroelectric Plant

Learn more about about historical hydropower resources on SRP’s Heritage Map.

Arizona Falls produced power for SRP until the 1950s when the plant was shut down. It wasn’t until 2003 that the site was functional again, this time reviving its role as a community gathering place.