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From Bugs to Russia by topohiker Overview The Black Canyon Trail (BCT) is recognized as a National Recreational Trail and when complete, will meander from Carefree Highway (AZ74) north to the city of Williams (about 130 miles) . There are a number of hike descriptions on this website covering various segments of this trail. This description covers the trail from the Big Bug trail-head to the Russian well. As of this writing, the completed BCT ends about a half mile north of the Russian well at the Prescott national Forest boundary. This hike has a couple of options. Big Bug TH to Russian Well Loop on the side of Copper Mountain Big Bug TH to a rancher road just north of the Aqua Fria river Or a combination of the above. You can dial in your mileage Hike From the Big Bug Trailhead you go under SR69. Once on the north side of SR69 you’ll see a ranch to the West with Oreo cows. They are very friendly. About 1.6 mile(from the TH) you’ll hit an intersection. Decision time. Going to the left is the Copper Mountain loop. It’s about 8.40 miles on a newly (and nice) constructed trail that meanders along drainage's. It provides some views and you travel through the U Cross Ranch. Going to the right (or straight) is the quicker way to get to the Aqua Fria river. Along the way you’ll pass through the “X lazy B” ranch. The Copper loop terminates at the river gate. You’ll have nice views of the Aqua Fria and the “X lazy B” ranch. The times I cross the Agua Fria river, the river was almost not there. I think the river is underground and the ranch pumps the water out. The BCT gets very thin and sketchy north of the Aqua Fria. The nice wide trail gets replaced with cat claw and a touch of route finding. Once you get north of a un-named ranching road the trail gets a bit nicer while the views get bland. About a mile north of the ranching road you’ll cross through a gate. About 1.4 miles from the gate you’ll cross a dirt road and the scenery starts to get more interesting. After a couple of creek / wash crossings you’ll hit FR9603B and be within a third of mile of the Russian well. The BCT trail continues about a half mile down the FR but this hike ends here. At this point your very close to the Prescott National Forest and the Tri-Metals Mine. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
