Table Mesa Rd to Boy Scout Loop - BCT, AZ

This is a description of a Black Canyon Trail (BCT) section that runs from Table Mesa Road south to the northern end of the Boy Scout Loop. Descriptions of other sections of this trail are on site. They are Little Pan Loop from Table Mesa Road, which is directly north of this section, and Boy Scout Loop via Emery Henderson T(railhead), which is directly south of this section. This trail is single-track except for one small section and is easy to follow. There have been several re-routes, but the new trail is obvious. This is a longer hike at 12 miles, but the climbing is gradual and is generally up and down.


Hike
Beginning from the parking lot, the trail sign on the west side indicates the beginning of a link trail to the BCT itself. After about 50 yds, you come to a T intersection with BCT trail signs. Turn left. Shortly you'll cross Table Mesa Road and will be able to see the parking lot back up the road to your left. Cross the road diagonally to the left and continue on the trail at the sign. At about 1.25 miles, you come to a gravel road. Turn left here. You'll see a sign for the BCT on the right after about 50 yds. Turn right at the sign. At about 1.6 mi, a major reroute begins. Turn right here to stay on the trail. You can see where the old trail went (straight ahead) with sticks and stones covering the trail, but stick to the new trail to the right. There is one other confusing place at about 5.5 mi (N33 56.702 W112 09.635). After going through a wash, you come to a jeep trail straight ahead. You want to bear left on the single track with a BCT sign just before the jeep trail. At about 6.0, you will see a sign indicating you are at the northern end of the Boy Scout Loop (N33 56.201 W112 09.844). This was my turn around point.

2009-04-15 MEWhiteman