On August 6, 1904, water flowed onto the Hurricane Bench after the historic canal was completed. In Hurricane, such dated references to local history sit alongside specific hiking destinations like the Canal Trail and the Babylon Section of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. Those looking for a destination with cultural history and natural highlights can weigh different priorities when planning their visit.
Canal Trail: hiking and canal history
The Canal Trail is 3.15 miles long and is recommended for hikers. Its notable features include two historic canal tunnels that hikers can walk through. A third tunnel is closed for safety reasons. This clear distinction is useful when planning: two tunnels are part of the described hike, while the third remains closed.
The canal’s history is also closely tied to Hurricane: after its completion, water flowed onto the Hurricane Bench on August 6, 1904. The Canal Trail thus brings together a specific hiking destination and a precisely dated event. Those interested in the development of the water supply and local history can gain a different perspective on the trail than simply considering its length.
Buildings and early local history
The Hurricane Pioneer Museum is located at 35 West State Street in the former Hurricane Library and City Hall building. The building was constructed from pink, hand-hewn sandstone as part of the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.). Its material and craftsmanship give a concrete picture of the building’s design, while its former use as a library and city hall also grounds it in the town’s history.
Another historical landmark is the Bradshaw House: in 1906, it was the first permanent home in Hurricane. Its large front room served as both the town’s first school and its first Sunday school meeting place. The room’s use for lessons and community gatherings illustrates the house’s early functions without equating them with its later or current use.
Hiking destinations and protected landscapes
Quail Creek State Park lies within Hurricane’s city limits. Hurricane is also home to the easternmost section of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, the Babylon Section. This section can be hiked from the Hurricane Cinder Knolls Trailhead. The reserve protects the Mojave desert tortoise as well as other rare and sensitive plants and animals. Conservation and the named hiking route thus complement the town’s historical themes with a specific perspective on the landscape.
Another option is the Gooseberry Mesa National Recreation Trail. From Hurricane, the stated route follows State Route 59 and the Smithsonian Butte National Backcountry Byway. The information thus differs in practical terms: a trailhead is named as the starting point for the Babylon Section, while a driving route from Hurricane is given for Gooseberry Mesa. When choosing, you can first consider whether the named trailhead or the described route better suits your plans.
Peach Days and local festivities
Peach Days is an annual hometown festival in Hurricane. The 2026 program included a parade and a peach-dish competition. The festival offers a different cultural connection than the historic buildings: it focuses on a recurring event and specific program highlights. If you want to plan your trip around Peach Days, check the event date in advance.
Hurricane’s attractions range from canal tunnels and pioneer history to protected desert habitats and an annual hometown festival. For planning, it’s worth deciding on your main interest first: hiking, local history, or visiting during Peach Days each raises different questions to consider before choosing your accommodation.
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