Arizona is loaded with natural wonders like Antelope Canyon, Devil's Bridge, and the Grand Canyon. But not all of Arizona's natural wonders are visible to the eye... like the following underground river. Check it out.
Technically, the Hassayampa River is an "intermittent river," with entire sections that have water flowing well below the Earth's surface for much of the year.
However, some parts of the river have an aboveground presence for most, if not all, of the year. This section, seen in the Hassayampa River Preserve in Wickenburg, shows a meager flow in this photo taken in the month of October.
Many wetlands are located along the course of this intermittent waterway — even in parts where the water drops completely beneath the surface for part of the year, giving the appearance that the river has gone dry. But in fact, it has simply followed a hole into a large, long aquifer where it remains hidden until water levels rise and it resurfaces.
Some people like to explore the dry riverbed of the Hassayampa River and even take vehicles off-road into the low-flowing sections. See that in action in the following video as youtube user TheGreatWhiteJeep explores part of the Hassayampa River in his Jeep. If you are new to exploring the dry riverbeds of the Hassayampa, then you should avoid them during the summer months when flash flooding could occur and the waters of the underground portions of the river are subject to spontaneously reappearing during a flash flood.
Did you know about this underground river in Arizona? Want more unexpectedly cool finds around the state? Most People Don't Know These 10 Hidden Gems Exist In Arizona.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
