Algonquin Trail #225, AZ

Algonquin Trail #225 lies within the Castle Creek Wilderness and offers panoramic views of this area. The name was acquired from the Algonquin mine established in the early 1900s near Hell's Hole. The trail passes the mine location. It is located in the southern end of the Bradshaw Mountains, so-named for an early area miner.


The Bradshaw Mountain Range is walled by a dark metamorphic rock over 1.8 billion years old, intruded by younger igneous granites (tan in color). The igneous granites have eroded into the huge boulders typical of the area.

From the south trailhead at 6,800 feet, the trail begins a gradual descent. At mile 0.75, there is a campsite ideal for about 8 people and 4 horses. The trail from there continues downhill through Ponderosa pine, soon changing to chaparral. You can see two abandoned cabins from the trail; just beyond them is a campsite suitable for 4-5 people and 2 horses. The trail from here to Algonquin mine is not maintained, and hikers need to be particularly cautious. Algonquin Trail #225 intersects Horsethief Canyon Trail #30 in Horsethief Canyon, where there is a seasonal stream. The Algonquin mine at 4,600 feet is just 0.5 miles away. The trail continues within the canyon for 0.5 miles, past the headwaters of Poland Creek. It then begins the final ascent for 2.5 miles to the north trailhead on FR 259 up a steep switchback grade. This portion of the trail was initially used to haul ore on pack animals. As you approach the north trailhead, the broad vistas of the Verde Valley to the northeast and Pine Mountain to the east come into view. At 5 miles long, with a total elevation change of about 2,500 feet, this trail may be considered of moderate difficulty.

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2003-04-01 HAZ_Hikebot