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Black Canyon Trail

ExpertArizona · United States

GPX
Distance
153 km (94.9 mi)
Elevation gain
3,360 m (11,024 ft)
Typical time
40 hr
Difficulty
Expert
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
Not recorded

About Black Canyon Trail

Black Canyon Trail is a 153 km hiking route in Arizona, United States. It climbs roughly 3,360 m (11,024 ft) along the way. Most people take around 7 days at a comfortable pace, plus stops. This is a committing route for experienced hikers only, with serious ascent and long stretches far from help.

The gorge section is the highlight, with rock walls close on both sides and the light changing by the hour. Most people walk it in stages, using the waymarking and accommodation built up along the corridor.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The route is maintained by Bureau of Land Management.

In short, Black Canyon Trail suits experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with exposure, navigation and long descents. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Expert153 km3,360 m

Numbered marks every 25 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Canyon and gorge
  • Long-distance path
  • Part of a long-distance path
  • Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Not consistently
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
72/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
100/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
100/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
13/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
7/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
47/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
  • Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
  • Narrow gorges flood quickly. Check the forecast upstream, not just where you are standing.
  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Trekking poles for the descent
  • Offline map and compass
  • Head torch and spare battery
  • Extra warm layer
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Real food, not just snacks

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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Trails near Black Canyon Trail

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

Expert

Prescott Circle Trail

Arizona · United States

Distance
88.8 km
/ 55.2 mi
Elevation gain
1,953 m
Typical duration
23 hr
  • Mountain
  • Forest
  • Long-distance path
Easy

DFLT Seitts

Arizona · United States

Distance
2.4 km
/ 1.5 mi
Elevation gain
52 m
Typical duration
34 min
  • Mountain
  • Canyon and gorge

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