Arizona Trail Passage 14: Black Hills

AZT Passage 14: Black Hills is a 27.8-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This moderately rated passage runs from Tiger Mine Trailhead to Freeman Road Trailhead and is located northeast of Tucson, AZ. This section is accessible for runners, hikers, long-distance backpackers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Passage 14 meanders through the desert washes and arroyos of the Black Hills. This passage is characterized by ubiquitous cactus, sandy soil, and hot, dry weather, with springtime temperatures routinely topping 100 degrees! Extreme heat, lack of shade and unreliable water sources are the main challenges for visitors. Because of these challenges, the Black Hills are one of the least visited passages along the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT).Within this often overlooked, remote nature you will find outstanding opportunities for solitude, trail adventures, and relaxation under unobstructed desert skies. The trail follows both singletrack and doubletrack through a vast desert landscape, featuring the iconic saguaro cactus, prickly pear, and luminescent chollas, along with the quintessential desert sounds of the cactus wren. It crosses dirt roads, and passes by old cattle tanks, broken windmills, and abandoned wells. The trail traverses many drainages and unique rock formations, and provides panoramic views as it climbs up and over the ridgeline of the Black Hills. Antelope Peak is a prominent landmark, as are the Superstition and Pinal Mountains. To the east lie the entire Galiuro Mountains and the San Pedro River. To the south are the Rincon and Santa Catalina Mountains. This vista illustrates just how expansive the Sonoran Desert is as it transitions from low to high desert.Note: This passage crosses State Land Trust and a permit is required if you leave the Arizona National Scenic Trail. WATERCheck the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATIONArizona National Scenic Trail Association: www.aztrail.orgArizona State Land Department, http://www.land.state.az.us/, 1-(602) 542-4631.BLM Information Center (602) 417-9300.