The Black Canyon Trail is a 76-mile National Recreation Trail located between Phoenix and Flagstaff, Arizona. The trail is popular with mountain bikers and there are plans to extend the trail even farther. It is a great trail to hike in the shoulder seasons.
Region: Southwest (Prescott National Forest, Arizona)
Length: 76 Miles* (4-6 days)
*Opportunity to extend trail a bit north and south. They are working to extend the trail.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate
- Long distances between water sources
- Very exposed with little shade
- Rocky trail
Logistical Difficulty: Easy
- No permit required
- Point-to-point trail
- Possible to resupply midway
Season: Late Fall, Winter, Early Spring
Elevation (Average): ~ 3,000 feet
Total Elevation Gain: ~ 5,500 feet
Hiking the Black Canyon Trail
The Black Canyon Trail is most well known as a mountain biking trail, but the route is perfect for hiking as well. It is almost perfectly constructed for an off-season point-to-point backpacking trip. There are just enough water sources along the way to never have to stretch the limits of a hiker’s carrying capacity, and there is the opportunity to resupply almost exactly halfway through the trail. As if meant to be, the town of Black Canyon City is located midway and provides easy access to a grocery store, Family Dollar, restaurant, and cafe.
The beauty of the Black Canyon Trail is the stark transition in the landscape as elevation is lost. Starting near the high point the trail is anything but all downhill. But with the general trend being down, the terrain changes from windswept desert to saguaro cacti-filled hills. It is a rocky and dusty trail, but nothing more than anything else comparable in the desert.
From the beginning to the end the trail parallels Interstate 17 but offers quite a different view than a simple drive from Flagstaff to Phoenix. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, tarantulas, deer, and a number of other desert creatures live in the hills of the Black Canyon Trail and easily prove that the dry desert is anything but barren. Rabbits dart in and out of cacti and cholla periodically jump up and stick in shoes and legs.
The Black Canyon Trail was originally designed for mountain bikers, and with their sport well represented, it remains a popular single track bike-packing route. But the same things that make it appealing to bikes also appear to backpackers. As with any multi-use trail, be sure to pay attention and share the trail with others. There are a number of 4×4 roads that intersect the route and these places are well used by ATVs and dirt bikes. While these represent only a small portion of the trail, it is worth noting before setting up camp at a busy intersection.
In April I set out a small water cache in one of the more dry sections of the trail to make sure that I would not be without water. It turns out there was still a small puddle in a nearby section of the Agua Fria River, but if you are hiking the trail early in the fall or late in the spring, a water cache may be beneficial. The other note is that on top of Table Mesa there are always a number of people shooting. This is a popular spot for target shooting, so don’t be shocked when it feels as though you are entering a war zone.
How to Get to the Black Canyon Trail
Northern Terminus: Near Orme Road
Closest City: Phoenix (86 miles)
Southern Terminus: Carefree Highway (Highway 74)
Closest City: Phoenix (35 miles)
When to Hike the Black Canyon Trail
The Black Canyon Trail is best hiked in the late fall, winter, or early spring. The BCT is on the edge of the Sonoran Desert and water is scarce. Hiking it in the winter ensures that the temperatures are more manageable and the water sources are more likely to be flowing. In mid-April, we found puddles as water sources, but much later in the year and these puddles would have been dried up.
Black Canyon Trail Terrain
The Black Canyon Trail is dry and on the edge of the Sonoran Desert. There are a number of desert wildlife including tarantulas, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and rabbits. While sometimes thought of as scary, all these animals have a fear of humans and are unlikely to be aggressive. Give them their space and carry on. On the trail note the changing cacti, from prickly pear to saguaro; as the elevation decreases on the trail the entire landscape experiences subtle changes. Around the banks of the often dry Agua Fria ample brush and vegetation can be seen. The desert landscape is entirely dependent on its surroundings, water, and elevation. It is a fragile landscape. Choose to camp carefully and allow the precious vegetation to continue to thrive.
Logistics: Camping and Permits, Water
Camping and Permits: There are no permits required for the Black Canyon Trail and dispersed camping is legal within the national forest. Be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Water: Water is one of the most difficult things to plan on this trail. In the general hiking season for this trail (late Fall to early Spring) the Agua Fria River is likely to have pools. Also, about midway is Black Canyon City, where a resupply and a refill on water can be found. Plan water carefully, and it may be best to put out a couple of water caches.
Food: A resupply can be done in Black Canyon City to break up the trail. There is a restaurant, a gas station, Family Dollar, and a small market.
Know Before You Go
Resupply: The resupply location of Black Canyon City is right next to the route. In fact, the trail passes through city limits. Simply by walking a few blocks you can easily resupply, refill bottles, and eat at Beni’s Pizza. At under 80 miles the route can easily be done with a resupply, but the opportunity does exist.
Transportation: The route is a point-to-point hike, which means transportation can be tricky. The current northern terminus is a little hard to get to, especially with a hitch, so it may be worthwhile to find an easier access road starting from Highway 169.
Water Capacity: I carried a 3.5-liter capacity when I hiked the trail in mid-April, but depending on your comfort, hydration needs, and whether you are dry camping, the capacity to carry water should be carefully considered.
Sun Protection: There is very little shade on the majority of the trail, so wearing full sleeves and a sun hat is our recommendation. Sunscreen is also a necessity with the direct exposure under the desert sun.
