Hike or Ride Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, Arizona

Add to My List Check Off

The Black Canyon National Recreation Trail in Arizona is a 80 mile trail features hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. This historic trail is of national significance, following a route used since the times of pre-historic Native American travelers and traders. Trails with the National Recreation Trail Designation are recognized as having exemplary local and national significance. The Black Canyon National Recreation Trail received the designation in 2008 because of its scenic beauty, rugged features, and historic importance. As you hike or ride this trail, you are following a route used continually since the times of prehistoric Native American travelers and traders. Some stretches are part of the Black Canyon stagecoach and historic livestock driveway. Hikers, horse riders, and mountain bikers are welcome on this 80-mile trail, which is for non-motorized use. The trail is 40 miles north of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The northern end is 40 miles from Prescott, Arizona. The Black Canyon National Recreation Trail was originally designed as a livestock driveway. Many segments of the trail roughly parallel the old Black Canyon stagecoach road between Phoenix and Prescott. The trail travels the desert floor along the southern end of the Bradshaw Mountains for several miles, linking segments of the trail with four-wheel-drive roads. At about mile 7, the trail enters the foothills and winds around ridges and drainages. At mile 13.3, the trail becomes a challenge to follow. Segments not yet reconstructed are hard to locate because tracks have faded over time. There are several trailheads available to access the Black Canyon Trail. Emery Henderson Trailhead: From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north and exit at New River Road. Head west (left). The Trailhead is on the north side of the road. From Prescott, take Highway 69 to Interstate 17, and head south. Take the New River Exit and head west. Travel about two miles on the New River Road and turn right at the developed area. Black Canyon City Trailhead: From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north and exit at Black Canyon City. Head west (left). At the stop sign turn right then a quick left onto Warner Road. Follow the road to the white tank which marks the Black Canyon City Trailhead. From Prescott, take highway 69 to Interstate 17, head south. Take the Black Canyon City Exit and turn west. Drive through town and turn west onto Werner Road. Follow road to white tank.

Write a Review

No Ratings Yet

Flag as inappropriate ›