I was excited to hike from the Black Canyon City Trailhead in Arizona.
Black Canyon City Trailhead sits right off I-17 but yet once you start hiking, you forget that. You are not driving out to the middle of nowhere.
This trailhead drops you onto the Black Canyon Trail. People hike it, ride it, and bring horses out there, so you are sharing the trails with those who want to get out. That matters most when the trail gets narrow and you are daydreaming with your face pointed at the ground trying not to roll an ankle. When we were there in December, it was pretty quiet and we saw a few trail runners.
Before heading to Black Canyon City Trailhead, I had a few questions:
Where is the Black Canyon City Trailhead and how do you get there?
It’s right off I-17 in Black Canyon City. The simplest route is Exit 242 (Black Canyon City / Rock Springs). From there you head west, hit the stop sign, turn north onto the frontage road, then turn onto Warner Rd and follow it to the parking area.
Is there parking at Black Canyon City Trailhead and does it cost anything?
Yes, there’s a designated parking area at the trailhead. As for cost, the BLM’s official Black Canyon Trail fact sheet says there are no use fees for the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail.
Is there a restroom and drinking water at the Black Canyon City Trailhead?
There is a restroom at the Black Canyon City Trailhead but no drinking water so bring your own.
Are dogs allowed on the Black Canyon Trail from this trailhead?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on leash. Keep in mind this is a multiuse trail so you may encounter runners, bikers, and even horses.
How hard is the hike from Black Canyon City Trailhead? Is it beginner-friendly?
It depends on what “beginner” means in your head. This isn’t going to be a flat trail you can hike in flip flops. The Black Canyon Trail is a shared-use trail (hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding) and it’s known for having sections that are challenging depending on terrain and user type. If you want beginner-friendly, do an out-and-back.
Black Canyon City Trailhead Address:
What to expect on the trail
When we arrived in late December, it was pretty quiet. In fact, there were only about 5 cars at the trailhead. We only saw a few trail runners out but other than that, we had the entire hike to ourselves. There are rocky sections, uneven footing, and constant small climbs and dips. Nothing about it is technically complicated, but you do have to pay attention and you need good shoes. It felt like you were always climbing or descending so it’s not a flat path.
Scenery is classic Sonoran: Saguaros, scrub, washes, open views…it’s beautiful and vast and you leave the highway area pretty quickly. The older I get, the more I like open desert views so I quite enjoyed this. About 5 minutes into our hike, I didn’t hear the highway so I do appreciate that.
What to Bring:
There is a restroom at the trailhead but don’t count on there being water.
What I would bring for a normal hike here:
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More water/electrolytes than you think you need
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Sunscreen and a hat
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Good hiking shoes
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Snacks
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Phone map downloaded
Black Canyon City Trailhead Conclusion:
In all, I rather enjoyed hiking the Black Canyon City Trailhead. I would love to come visit and explore more of the 80 mile trail. If you are looking for an easy to get too trail with miles of desert, scenery this is a good option. It makes for a good road trip stop too since it’s right off the highway.
You can see more hikes and trail runs here.
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Questions for you:
What is your favorite hike?
Have you been to the Black Canyon City Trailhead in Arizona?