Sawmill Springs, Water Canyon, Hildale, Utah

## Overview Sawmill Springs is one of many natural water sources found in the water-rich landscape surrounding Canaan Mountain, near the small town of Hildale, Utah. Situated at the mouth of Water Canyon, the spring feeds into a system that the local community has historically tapped for drinking water. At Hildale's City Park, located at the base of the canyon, visitors can collect water from taps equipped with levers to control the flow. The spring itself lies a few miles up the Water Canyon Trail and flows continuously year-round. Canaan Mountain and the surrounding area — bordering Zion National Park lands — are remarkably water-rich, and hikers along the trails will encounter numerous springs feeding the region's abundant wildlife. Sawmill Springs is just one of many, but it is among the most accessible thanks to the community infrastructure at the park and the well-traveled Water Canyon Trail. Hildale and its sister community, Colorado City, Arizona, sit right on the Utah–Arizona state line and are home to just over 2,000 residents. Though small and relatively remote, the area serves as a gateway to some of the most spectacular canyon and plateau country in the American Southwest. The water from Sawmill Springs has historically been used as a community drinking water source, and visitors have reported it to be clean and refreshing — though, as with any natural water source, conditions can vary. ## Directions **Getting to Hildale:** 1. Hildale is located along Arizona Highway 389, between Hurricane, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. 2. Turn onto **Utah Avenue** to enter Hildale from the highway. 3. Follow the paved road for approximately **three miles** into Hildale. **Getting to the Water Canyon Trailhead:** 4. Watch for a **dirt road on the right** leading toward Water Canyon. If you pass Hildale's municipal park without seeing it, you've gone too far — double back. 5. Follow the dirt road for about **one mile** to an intersection. **Keep left** at this fork. 6. Continue for approximately **two more miles**, passing a small reservoir along the way. 7. The road ends at an **unsigned parking area** for the Water Canyon Trail. **At the Trailhead:** - The Water Canyon Trail leads up-canyon to Sawmill Springs, a hike of a few miles. The trail is open at all hours. - To collect water without hiking, visit **Hildale City Park** at the base of the canyon, where community taps with lever handles provide access to the spring water. Note that the park gates may occasionally be closed on weekends. **GPS Coordinates:** 37.0201, -113.005371 ## What to Expect The Water Canyon Trail offers a scenic hike through a lush, spring-fed canyon at the southern base of Canaan Mountain. The trail is not signed at the parking area, so having GPS coordinates is helpful. The dirt road leading to the trailhead is generally passable for standard vehicles but may become muddy or rough after rain. At the spring itself, water flows continuously and year-round, emerging from the mountain's geology. The surrounding area is rich with other springs and seeps, creating a surprisingly green and wildlife-friendly environment in an otherwise arid landscape. Hikers should be prepared for a multi-mile walk to reach the spring source. For those who prefer not to hike, the taps at Hildale City Park provide convenient access to the spring water. Simply use the lever handles to turn on the flow. Keep in mind that the park gates can sometimes be closed, particularly on weekends, so plan accordingly. The area is adjacent to lands managed in connection with Zion National Park and the Canaan Mountain Wilderness, making it an excellent base for further exploration of one of Utah's most stunning regions.