Canals

Photo of Granite Reef Diversion Dam and the Arizona and South Canals
Aerial view of Granite Reef Diversion Dam showing the Salt River being diverted into the Arizona Canal (left) and the South Canal (right). This is the beginning of the canal network that stretches across the Salt River Valley.
Photo of South Canal near Park of the Canals
The South Canal near the Park of the Canals, home to the remnants of several ancient Hohokam canals. The South Canal roughly follows the contours of the largest of the Hohokam canals in Park of the Canals. Just downstream of the park, the South Canal splits into the Tempe and Consolidated Canals.
Photo of largest canal in Park of the Canals
An example of a Hohokam canal at the Park of the Canals in Mesa, Arizona. This is the largest of the canals in the park. It is well preserved, in part because it was rehabilitated by Mormon pioneers in the late 1800s.
Photo of water flowing over Arizona Falls on the Arizona Canal
Arizona Falls is a naturally occurring 20-foot drop along the Arizona Canal. The drop powers a small hydroelectric plant, and the area is showcased with an artistic viewing platform.
Photo of Paolo Soleri Bridge over the Arizona Canal
The Paolo Soleri Bridge spans the Arizona Canal in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Photo of S'edav Va'aki pueblo ruins, formerly known as Pueblo Grande
Pueblo Grande, now known as S’edav Va’aki, located within the city of Phoenix, Arizona, was constructed and occupied by the people of the Hohokam culture between 1150 and 1450 CE. It lies at the intersection of the Grand Canal and the Old Crosscut Canal next to Sky Harbor International Airport. The people of the Hohokam culture built a vast network of irrigation canals in the Salt River Valley, a feat that was not equaled until the early 20th century when Roosevelt Dam was constructed.
Photo of the intersection of the Grand and Old Crosscut Canals
Pueblo Grande sits at the intersection of the Grand Canal and the Old Crosscut Canal.
Image of airplane passing over Grand Canal near Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
The canals spread throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Shown here is a plane on final approach to Sky Harbor Airport as it crosses the Grand Canal and the Hohokam Expressway.
Photo of murals on Grand Canal
In 2021, the Salt River Project, the water and electric utility which operates the canals, sponsored the Phoenix Mural Project. Artists painted murals along the Grand Canal from 15th Avenue to 7th Street. The mural shown here is near the 7th Avenue bridge over the Grand Canal.
Photo of angler fishing on Consolidated Canal
An angler waits for a bite while fishing on the Consolidated Canal in Mesa, Arizona.
Photo of artwork at Canal Convergence on Scottsdale Waterfront
Lighted artwork resembling water molecules adorns the Arizona Canal as part of Canal Convergence, an annual event that occurs every November along the Scottsdale Waterfront.
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