Hiking to an Oasis on Black Canyon Trail

During social distancing we were looking for a less traveled hiking trail to get outdoors, be active and see something new. On a whim, we decided to check out Black Canyon Trail and we were so glad that we did! Black Canyon Trail is located near Cottonwood, AZ and off most peoples radars with the extremely popular (and beautiful) Sedona area being so near. Hiking Black Canyon Trail was enjoyable from the get go but got better and better! Starting out on this hike, it would be hard to guess that it leads to such a stunning and gorgeous oasis lined canyon!

Quick Info: Black Canyon Trail

Distance: 8.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderately strenuous

Directions: From Camp Verde, follow AZ-260 W for about 13.5 miles going straight through the numerous roundabouts. After the 13.5 miles, turn left onto Ogden Ranch Road. Continue for 3.5 miles to the Black Canyon Trail parking area.

Our Experience Hiking Black Canyon Trail

From the reviews of Black Canyon Trail we didn’t expect to run into many people, especially with social distancing going on. After driving down the dirt road to the trailhead we were surprised to find the decent sized parking area completely full! We found a place to park down the road a bit and then hit the trail.

As we were hiking Black Canyon the trail is a nice dirt single track along the mountain side that climbs gradually for the majority of the first 3 miles. The trail passes along several different mountain sides through cacti and junipers.

We hiked Black Canyon Trail in April and we were lucky enough experience the trail mostly lined with varying beautiful wildflowers! This was such a colorful treat and the types and colors seem to continuously change as we hiked. As the trail gains elevation, the views of the valley sprawled out below was beautiful as well!

After about 3 miles there is a noticeable path branching off to the left, leading down to the canyon. This is where we turned off. Black Canyon Trail does continue further, leading higher and encountering a nice creek.

Hiking Down Into the Canyon

At the turn off the trail begins to descend into the canyon and eventually becomes a very steep and loose descent! We took it slow and followed it down, down, down until we reached the water.

Near the bottom, the canyon walls were stunning – dramatic and rocky! And as we looked further into the canyon we realized that there was even more flowing water, pools and waterfalls to explore up ahead.

From the bottom of the canyon we crossed the water and followed the trail up. It almost felt unreal how much beauty there was to look at! Towering rugged rock formations, small waterfalls and gorgeous oasis pools!

We wanted to stop immediately and play but decided to follow the trail and see what the trail had to offer before stopping at the first sign of excitement.

The trail climbed steeply, revealing more pools and waterfalls. We stopped down by a waterfall to have lunch, excited to explore more! Once we were down in Black Canyon, we did encounter more people but not many. A couple here a couple there. After we ate, we left the pack and adventured further.

Hike it Later – Pin it Now!

From here there is a faint trail among the rocks, passing more pools and leading further into the beautiful rocky canyon.

We followed the faint trail and climbed around until we rounded a bend and found a stunning dead end! This waterfall was absolutely amazing! And we were thrilled to be among such beauty, feeling overwhelming joy and appreciation. We were completely happy just hiking the main trail lined with wildflowers – but this?! We took a moment to take it all in, appreciating this natural beauty and being here in solitude – just the two of us and some lizards.

Shane wasn’t sure which of the pools he was going to jump into until we saw this one of course! He braved the cold waters and jumped in. Nothing like a good shock to the system to keep you young and feeling alive!

Racing the Rain

From here we headed back through the canyon back to our pack. Unfortunately, even though there was more exploring of the canyon we would have liked to have done we headed back. There was a thunderstorm moving in and threatening to dump on us, soon!

The way back up was much easier than the loose rock sliding we encountered on the way down. Definitely got the legs burning but the footing was much more manageable. We quickly followed the colorful wildflower lined trail back to the parking area. We made it back just in time, lucky enough to only get sprinkled on. Five minutes later and we would have been drenched!

Thanks for reading about our adventures!

Hiking Black Canyon was a perfect adventure! Beautiful, scenic, adventurous, and just challenging enough. And even though the trailhead was pretty full, we were alone the majority of the time. To me, a good hike creates a feeling of warmth and happiness that I can feel almost bursting from within. Black Canyon did that for us. This is truly a gem of a hike that’s not overly used and still feels wild and exhilarating.

To see more adventurous hikes that we love check out these articles:

• Bumpass Hell + Cold Boiling Lake and Crumbaugh Lake
• Ashdown Gorge Adventure
• Backpacking to Ediza Lake and Iceburg Lake
• Hiking to Owens Peak

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