Photo by Mare Czinar

This relatively new path was officially opened in 1992 and runs north and south for more than nine miles to connect trailheads at New River Road and Table Mesa Road west of Interstate 17. Still a work in progress, plans are in the works to extend this trail for a total of 62 miles, ending in the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains.

Although it’s located just a few miles north of the busy outlet malls at Anthem, Black Canyon Trail retains much of its Old West appeal. Used for decades as both a livestock trail and stagecoach route, the path follows an abandoned road that ran between Phoenix and Prescott.

The trail traverses rolling desert terrain with big sky vistas peppered with remnants of the area’s colorful history, including a rusty bathtub stowed absurdly beneath a Palo Verde tree.  Plentiful trail posts mark the way along the first few miles. After that, the markers wane and a maze of primitive roads muddle the route. That’s why it’s smart to carry a GPS devise or trail-marker tape to help manage your trip.

Length: 9.46 miles one way
Rating: moderate
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Getting there: From Phoenix, go north on Interstate 17 to exit 232 (New River Road). Turn left and follow New River Road for about 3 miles to the Emery Henderson Trailhead turnoff on the right. The roads are paved all the way to the trailhead, where there are restrooms, hitching posts and covered picnic areas.
Information: Bureau of Land Management and Maricopa County, 623-580-5500 or bctaz.com/index.html