BLACK CANYON HERITAGE PARK
Black Canyon City
A sign at the park entry urges visitors to close the gate to
“keep the cows out”. Here, in a valley between I17 and the Bradshaw Mountains, there may well be marauding bovines, however, Black Canyon Heritage Park is all
about sheep, fish and preservation of a rare stream side ecosystem.
Spawned by a generous donation of land, community activism
and the help of numerous grants including one from the National Park Service
Rivers Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, this 25-acre park opened in
November 2012. Thus far, 23.5
acres of riparian desert along the Agua Fria River have been restored with
constructed streams, lush vegetation and ponds stocked with native fish. Two barrier free loop trails wander among cattail coves,
willow-cottonwood forests and a pine-shaded picnic area with interpretive signs
detailing the area’s sheep herding heritage. Located just over a mile north of
a major trailhead for the Black Canyon National Recreational Trail, this pretty
little place makes for an interesting side trip or post hike lunch spot.
LENGTH: 0.8 mile
RATING: easy, barrier free
ELEVATION: 1915’ – 1945’
FEES: none, however donations can be made online
DOGS: not allowed
DOGS: not allowed
Red-winged blackbird |
GETTING THERE: 33955 S. Old Black Canyon Highway, Black Canyon
City.
From Phoenix, go north on I17 to exit 242 for Rock
Springs/Black Canyon City. Go west (left) to Old Black Canyon Hwy. (Frontage
road), turn right (toward BCC) and continue 1.2 miles to the park on the right
just north of Schoolhouse Road.
INFO:
1 comment:
Don't bother trying to go here. It's been locked tighter than a drum for over a month and they've banned dogs.
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