Black Canyon National Recreation Trail | Arizona
The 80-mile Black Canyon Trail provides visitors with a long-range backcountry trail riding, mountain biking, and hiking opportunity. This historic National Recreation Trail is of national significance, following a route used since the times of prehistoric Native American travelers and traders. This trail provides a challenging mountain biking ride experience characterized by rough, unstable soils and rocks, with various trail grades and numerous elevation changes within a harsh desert climate.
The trail meanders through the Sonoran Desert landscape, including saguaro forests and rugged canyons.
There are several trailheads to access the trail, including the Emery Henderson Trailhead, Table Mesa Trailhead, Black Canyon City Trailhead, Gloriana Trailhead, and Big Bug Trailhead. Please note that Black Canyon City Trailhead is under the management of Yavapai County.
Access and parking vary depending on which trailhead is used. Due to its length, the trail is often broken into segments and can be accessed from multiple trailheads along the route. Depending on your vehicle situation, both out-and-back rides and point-to-point routes are possible.
One of the Bureau of Land Management's "Backyard to Backcountry" treasures, information on the Black Canyon Trail was developed between the International Mountain Bicycling Association and the Bureau of Land Management Hassayampa Field Office to provide world-class riding experiences. International Mountain Bicycling Association's data on the trail includes elevations, ratings, current conditions, photos, and comments.
Hours and Seasons
Trail can be used year-round; however, it is recommended for use from November through April. At other times of the year, the trail is not used as often due to high temperatures.
Features and Services
- Drinking Water: There is no drinking water available. Bring plenty of water.
- Toilets: Restroom access varies depending on which trailhead is used.
- Big Bug Trailhead has one accessible toilet.
- Black Canyon City Trailhead has one accessible toilet.
- Cell Phone and Internet: Cell phone service may be unreliable. There is no public internet or Wi-Fi.
- Pets: Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. Pack out all waste.
Safety and Conditions
You are responsible for your own safety. Call 911 to contact local law enforcement, obtain emergency services, or report a fire. While enjoying your visit, keep in mind that there is no first aid available on-site.
Expect potential hazards such as venomous snakes, extreme heat, and flash floods. Be prepared for changes in weather and stay informed on weather warning alerts. Make sure you have the appropriate gear, food and water.
Respect and Protect
Please remember to practice outdoor ethics and recreate responsibly. Help us protect this unique environment by leaving no trace during your visit.
Check for fire restrictions before your visit. Using exploding targets, fireworks, sky lanterns, tracer ammunition and other incendiary devices is prohibited on BLM-managed public land in Arizona.
Report crimes to resources including vandalism, dumping and suspicious activity at 1-800-637-9152.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
This trail may pose challenges to visitors with mobility impairments.
The Emery Henderson Trailhead parking area is paved with a number of striped spaces.
The Table Mesa Trailhead parking area consists of hard-packed ground with non-striped spaces. Although none of the spaces are designated as accessible, the entire parking area should be suitable for people with mobility devices.
The Black Canyon City Trailhead parking area consists of hard-packed ground with non-striped spaces. Although none of the spaces are designated as accessible, the entire parking area should be suitable for people with mobility devices.
The Gloriana Trailhead parking area consists of hard-packed ground with non-striped spaces. Although none of the spaces are designated as accessible, the entire parking area should be suitable for people with mobility devices.
The Big Bug Trailhead parking area consists of hard-packed ground with non-striped spaces and one accessible vault toilet. Although none of the spaces are designated as accessible, the entire parking area should be suitable for people with mobility devices.
Descriptions and photos uploaded February 2026. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
Contact Us
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
Emery Henderson Trailhead: From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north and exit at New River Road, Exit 233. Head west (left) and continue approximately three miles. The Trailhead is on the north (right) side of the road. From Prescott, take State Route 69 to Interstate 17, and head south. Take New River Exit 233. Head west (right). Travel about three miles on the New River Road and turn right at the developed area.
Table Mesa Trailhead: From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 to the Table Mesa Road Exit 236, turn west (left), then right on the frontage road. Drive approximately 1.65 miles to the "Y" and bear left, drive approximately 1.4 miles and look for the side road on the right. Turn onto this road and the trailhead is immediately to the left. From Prescott, take State Route 69 to Interstate 17, and head south. Take the Table Mesa Road Exit 236, turn west (right), then right on the frontage road. Drive approximately 1.65 miles to the "Y" and bear left, drive approximately 1.4 miles and look for the side road on the right. Turn onto this road and the trailhead is immediately to the left.
Black Canyon City Trailhead: From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north and exit at Rock Springs/Black Canyon City Exit 242. Head west (left). At the stop sign turn right then quickly left onto Warner Road. Follow the road to the white tank which marks the Black Canyon City Trailhead. From Prescott, take State Route 69 to Interstate 17, head south. Take the Black Canyon City/Cold Water Road Exit 244. Drive through town and turn west (right) onto Werner Road. Follow road to the white tank.
Please note that Black Canyon City Trailhead is under the management of Yavapai County.
Gloriana Trailhead: From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north. Take the Bumble Bee/Crown King Exit 247 and turn right on the frontage road then proceed approximately ½ mile to the trailhead on the left. From Prescott, take Interstate 17 south. Take the Bumble Bee Exit 247 and proceed approximately ½ mile to the trailhead on the left.
Big Bug Trailhead: From north or south on Interstate 17, take Prescott (State Route 69)/Cordes Lakes Road exit 262. Proceed approximately 4.2 miles to the entrance on the west (left) side of the highway. There is no signage identifying the trailhead, so be sure to watch your odometer.
Fees
There are no permits, passes, or fees required to visit this wilderness area. It is free.
Commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the local managing field office for more information about special recreation permits.
Recreational activities on any nearby state trust land require a permit from the State of Arizona.