Black Canyon Trail Races Toward the Verde River

CROOK TRAIL No. 64 to BLACK CANYON TRAIL

Red flags mark a fresh cut segment of the BCT south of SR 169

Steeped in scenic beauty, geological diversity and human history, the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail continues to evolve and grow. 

BCT climbs a rocky hill near Ash Creek

The core of the historic 80-mile route which runs from the Carefree Highway north of Phoenix to State Route 69 outside of Prescott, has been expanding northward into the Prescott National Forest. 

BCT is extending into Prescott National Forest

The latest effort involves adding 37 miles of non-motorized trail between the Russian Well segment located near the town of Mayer along Orme School Road 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 State Route 260 by way of existing culverts near the Hayfield Draw OHV trailhead.

Cacti cling to rock outcrops on BCT

A rocky ledge overlooking Ash Creek

One fresh-cut section to explore uses the General Crook Trail No. 64 to connect with part of the new trail segment south of State Route 169.

New extension of the BCT will end at the Verde River near Camp Verde

From a roomy trailhead along S. Cherry Creek Road, the hike begins across from the parking area where Trail No. 64 heads east through scrubby rangeland backed by distant mountain vistas.

Switchbacks ease the climbs on BCT

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 shade less territory replete with cat claw, yucca and cacti.

A pastoral scene on the BCT

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 these days are more likely to encounter domestic cattle, coyotes and javelina. 

Cairns mark the way on Trail No. 64

At the 1.2-mile point, the route meets the Black Canyon Trail. 

BCT passes through historic livestock driveways

Trailhead on S. Cherry Creek Road

As of this writing, trail signs are not yet installed, and construction is still active in the area.  Trail users should not disturb trail flags, build cairns, or get in the way of workers who may be present. From the junction, head south (go right) and follow the newly forged single track as it bends westward through grasslands and juniper forests. 

Cottonwoods in Ash Creek seen from BCT

Hike begins on Trail No.64 across from the parking lot

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. 

The scrubby course of Crook Trail No. 64

Just ahead, the trail cut is visible ascending a rocky mound.  While it look steep, series of long switchbacks mitigate the effort of climbing the hill’s grassy flanks.  As the close-cropped trail ascends among amazing rock formations and cliff-hanging cacti, bigger and better views unfold in huge panoramic style. At just over 3.5 miles, the trail encounters a scenic overlook above the creek.

Close all gates behind you when hiking the BCT

  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 pristine landscape just a few miles west of Interstate 17 and a perfect spot to take a break before heading back to the trailhead.  

The point where Trail No.64 meets the BCT

Open range land dominates the hike

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 the Dewey-Humboldt exit 278 for State Route 169. Turn left onto SR169 and continue 5.5 miles to the Cherry Creek Road intersection past milepost 10. Turn LEFT onto the dirt S. Old Cherry Creek Road/County Road 168 (not signed and shown on some maps as Hackberry Wash Road) and 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.

INFO:

Prescott National Forest

www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/prescott/recreation/recarea/?recid=67417&actid=24