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| Hiking | 7.20 Miles |
1,050 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.20 Miles | 2 Hrs 45 Mns | | 2.62 mph |
| 1,050 ft AEG | | 8 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | | Decided to go to Sedona for the weekend,well I needed to go somewhere as my wife was having an art studio tour this weekend and preferred I was out of the way.Instead of waiting to get to Sedona to hike thought I would stop in Black Canyon City and try out the Black Canyon Trail. My nephew and his wife that live in Michigan were thinking of doing an Aravapai running event in February on this trail so it had my curiosity aroused. About 4 cars at the large trailhead ,one pit toilet, signed the register and went through the first of 3 gates before the river crossing, saw 2 other hikers returning on the northbound section of the BCT. Not long after ascending the first ridge was a bench placed for a nice view to the south of the Agua Fria River I presume the horseshoe bar. Less than a mile from the first gate took the northbound fork of the north south trail junction. The trail is well maintained and free of vegetation,lots of quartz rocks scattered about. The trail descends off the ridge down toward the river ,footing is secure and not too steep,array of old cow pies but no cows, mine claim sign noted,needed a pen to fill in the blanks.The river crossing was accomplished with dry socks thanks to convienantly positioned rocks.The riverbed is quite wide but flowing water only in a small portion,there was a wide pool ,above where I crossed ,with very nice reflections, the flow over the rocks made an audible relaxing call to take a break here and listen.After finding the continuation of the trail on the other side began ascending along a wash and continued along another mile past the river crossing decided it was time to turn back. As there is no shade on this trail it would not be advisable in hot weather, saw a desert tortoise speeding across the trail on the way back. As a bonus the trailhead is very close to the Rock Springs cafe, snagged a slice of coconut cream to go. For the second treat of the day stopped in Cornville to check out the confluence of Oak Creek and Verde River ,will include photos with this triplog, thanks to Joe Bartels excellent driving directions, the roads are not well maintained though and I would suggest a high clearance vehicle. |
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