Russian Well Segment - BCT, AZ

Overview
The Black Canyon Trail is a National Recreation Trail which begins at Carefree Highway in Phoenix and will eventually reach Williams, AZ. It is composed of many segments and trailheads which have been described on this website. The Russian Well Segment northeast of Mayer, AZ is currently (as of Feb 2022) the northernmost section finished in 2021. It is a very pleasant hike going over rolling hills and open country on a single easy-to-follow dirt track trail with easy grades and many switchbacks.


Hike
The trailhead is a large open area with evidence of camping. This hike is described from north to south beginning at the Black Canyon Trail stake on the south side of the parking area shortly after entering. Shortly after beginning the hike cross a dirt road which is the old trail. At 0.42 miles (N34.47594° W112.12798°) bear left to stay on the BCT. At 0.62 miles cross a faint dirt road. At 1.05 miles (N34.47197° W112.13188°) cross a dirt road followed by several switchbacks down the hill toward the wash. At 1.59 miles (N34.471695° W112.134139°) cross Yarber Wash. At 1.64 miles cross FR9063B and pass a windmill.Then begin a series of switchbacks up the hill. At 2.22 miles (N34.47043° W112.13796°) cross another dirt road (the old BCT), then at 2.81 miles across a small wash. At 3.18 miles (N34.46578° W112.14482°) go through a beautiful gate. At about 3.65 miles the view opens up with a 180-degree vista looking south. Enjoy this view for the next 0.5 miles or so as you descend through a series of switchbacks. At 4.28 miles (N34.45936° W112.14337°) turn right to join the road. This ends the new section of trail and the hike follows the old trail (road) the rest of the way to Russian Well. At 4.55 miles (N34.45668° W112.14536°) bear right at the fork. Left goes to the Tri-Metal Mine, right descends on the eroded road to Russian Well. At 4.83 miles (N34.45569° W112.14668°) arrive at Russian Well. The BCT continues to the south to the Copper Mountain Segment.

At Russian Well, there are ruins of an old building, a water tank which must have been transported in pieces and welded on-site, a working windmill with a stock tank and corral. There is no camping within a 1/4 mile radius to allow the cattle to drink water from the tank. While domesticated the cattle are shy. There is evidence of human habitation but leave the evidence where you find it.

I have included the track of the new trail to Russian Well as #1 in the Official Route and a track of the road hike (old trail) back to the trailhead as #2.

Postlogue
This hike following the old road has been described in Phoenix Magazine The Hike Book Volume 2 by Mare Czinar and provides details on the history of the area.

2022-02-18 MEWhiteman