You can be one of the first to hike this history-filled trail in Arizona. Here's how
Steeped in scenic beauty, geological diversity and human history, the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail continues to evolve and grow.
The core of the historic 80-mile route, which runs from Carefree Highway north of Phoenix to State Route 69 outside of Prescott, has been expanding northward into Prescott National Forest.
The latest effort involves adding 37 miles of nonmotorized trail between the Russian Well segment along Orme School Road near Mayer to the Verde River at Camp Verde.
The new stretch of trail incorporates parts of the General Crook National Recreation Trail, old stock driveways and sustainable social trails with segments of new construction. It will pass under SR 260 by way of existing culverts near the Hayfield Draw OHV trailhead.
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One fresh-cut section to explore uses the General Crook Trail to connect with part of the new trail segment south of SR 169. As of this writing, trail signs are not yet installed and construction is still active. Trail users should not disturb trail flags, build cairns or get in the way of workers who may be present.
From a roomy trailhead on Cherry Creek Road, the hike begins across from the parking area where the General Crook Trail heads east through scrubby rangeland backed by distant mountain vistas.
The first few yards of the trail pass through a wash and drainages. The sketchy path soon becomes clear where cairns mark the way. The undulating historic wagon road glides through largely shadeless territory replete with catclaw, yucca and cactus.
Disrupted by washes and isolated rock outcroppings, the stark expanse was once the realm of sheep flocking from winter grazing lands around Bloody Basin to their summer pastures near Flagstaff and on the Mogollon Rim. While sheep still pass through this backcountry, hikers are more likely to encounter domestic cattle, coyotes and javelinas.
At the 1.2-mile point, the route meets the Black Canyon Trail. From the junction, head south (go right) and follow the newly forged single track as it bends westward through grasslands and juniper forests.
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The trail swings through and around scoured drainages and sandy washes before it meets a gate at Cherry Creek Road at the 3.3-mile point. A loopy combination of rough-hewn wood, barbed wire and green-painted metal, the gate has a bike rollover and easy-open access for foot traffic. Be sure to close the gate behind you. The trail then begins a smooth descent to the cottonwood-lined course of Ash Creek.
Just ahead, the trail cut is visible ascending a rocky mound. While it looks steep, series of long switchbacks mitigates the effort of climbing the hill’s grassy flanks. As the close-cropped trail ascends among amazing rock formations and cliff-hanging cactus, bigger and better views unfold in panoramic style. At just over 3.5 miles, the trail encounters a scenic overlook above the creek.
Surrounded by lichen-encrusted outcroppings with scrub oaks clinging to cracks in the eroding stone, the breezy high point offers a fresh look at a wild landscape just a few miles west of Interstate 17 and a perfect spot to take a break before heading back to the trailhead.
For enthusiasts: This hike in Prescott will have you gaping for breath and at the views
Black Canyon National Recreation Trail via Gen. Crook Trail
Length: 7.3 miles round trip as described here.
Rating: Moderate.
Elevation: 4,219-4,435 feet.
Getting there: From Interstate 17 about 8 miles south of Camp Verde, take Exit 278 (Dewey-Humboldt) for State Route 169. Turn left onto SR 169 and go 5.5 miles to the Cherry Creek Road intersection past mile marker 10. Turn left onto the dirt Old Cherry Creek Road/County Road 168 (not signed and shown on some maps as Hackberry Wash Road). Continue 0.4 mile to the trailhead on the right. Hike begins across the road at the “64” trail post. Roads are paved up to Old Cherry Creek Road, which is good dirt suitable for all vehicles.
Details: Prescott National Forest, https://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott. Black Canyon Trail Coalition, https://bctaz.org.
Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: New hike near Prescott: General Crook Trail to Black Canyon Trail
