Oasis in the Desert: Black Canyon Trail

Off of the I-17, in the center of the Arizona desert, lies Black Canyon City. This is home to one of the greatest trails in Arizona. It is the ultimate getaway with spectacular views and a completely different experience from what many are used to.

The Black Canyon Trail is one of many trails in the Black Canyon City area. It has quickly become an epic ride for valley mountain bikers and a great exploration location for hikers. If you have ever rode any of the other local trails, BCT is a completely new experience. The trail was designed with the mountain biker in mind. Although you’ll get in some good climbing time, long climbs are soon interrupted by short straight-aways and descents: This is all while weaving through mountain sides on the 8-inch wide single-track. The beautiful thing about it is you can never get bored. Flat and straight is something that simply does not exist. It is an epic single-track journey, 13 miles out and back. At the end of the ride your shifting thumbs and arms will be feeling the burn much more than legs.

But epic singletrack is just one of the claims to greatness BCT has. Among mighty Saguaros and the usual scrub brush an oasis lies waiting for you. You’ll find a lush riparian habitat with creatures ranging from the usual creepy crawlies to herons, tortoises, fish and much more. Small mines from a generation long gone lay hidden behind lush tree lines, and a river flows through a winding canyon down to meet Lake Pleasant. It is a sight that will lead you to ask yourself, am I still in Arizona?

The great views and heart-pounding single-track also mean extreme exposure. There are many sections where protruding cacti and brush turn the 8-inch single track into barely passable, all while you carve on the edge of a mountain with a several hundred foot fall on the other side. Make sure your skills are up to the journey. You can easily get yourself severely injured and even killed out here. Be careful, be prepared and be amazed!

For more information on this and other trails around Black Canyon City, including directions, visit http://www.bctaz.com. BCT is the last on the trails list.

• November 7, 2008 -- Separation of Bike and State?
• November 1, 2008 -- Nobel Canyon, Mount Laguna, San Diego County, California
• October 30, 2008 -- Poachers Need Not Apply
• October 28, 2008 -- Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Mountain Bike Trail - San Diego County, California
• September 17, 2008 -- Sherman Branch, Section Two
• August 28, 2008 -- Riding Green - 10 Tips for Riding Responsibly
• August 17, 2008 -- Sherman Branch - Section One

Related Posts

• November 7, 2008 -- Separation of Bike and State?
• November 1, 2008 -- Nobel Canyon, Mount Laguna, San Diego County, California
• October 30, 2008 -- Poachers Need Not Apply
• October 28, 2008 -- Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Mountain Bike Trail - San Diego County, California
• September 17, 2008 -- Sherman Branch, Section Two
• August 28, 2008 -- Riding Green - 10 Tips for Riding Responsibly
• August 17, 2008 -- Sherman Branch - Section One