Black Canyon Trail: Big Bug Trailhead to Bumble Bee

BCT: Big Bug TH to Gloriana TH is a 24-mile point-to-point segment of the 80-mile Black Canyon Trail (BCT). This segment runs from the Big Bug Trailhead south to the Gloriana Trailhead. This is a non-motorized trail that is open to hikers, trail runners, backpackers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. This section of the Black Canyon Trail features a mixture of singletrack trail and dirt roads. Rolling hills and a Sonoran Desert landscape characterize this section which features distant views of the Bradshaw Mountains. A variety of cacti and desert chaparral vegetation line the trail, including the saguaro cactus - a sentinel native species to the Sonoran Desert. The trail through this section also crosses many dirt roads, making it possible shortnern the length or exit the trail if necessary. This section is a popular training area for local trail runners. It has been popularized by the trail race that takes place annually along the Black Canyon Trail.BLACK CANYON ULTRA MARATHONFor more information about the Black Canyon Ultra Marathon please visit: https://aravaiparunning.com/network/blackcanyon/.PERMITSThere are no permits or fees required to hike or bike this trail.WEATHER AND SEASONThis desert trail features hot summers and little shade. In the winter the temperatures can drop below freezing at night, but during the day the averages are around 60-70 degrees making it the perfect winter getaway for anyone craving the sun while most of the country remains dark and cold. HISTORYThe BCT follows a route that was once used for Native American travelers and traders. In 2008 the trail received its National Recreation Trail designation. This designation came as the result of it's rugged nature, natural beauty, and historical significance. To learn more about the history of the trail and surrounding area please visit: History of the Black Canyon Trail. DIRECTIONS AND PARKINGGloriana Parking Area from Interstate 17: Exit 248 to Bumble Bee and Crown King. Trailhead is a 1/2 mile off the exit on the left.Big Bug Trailhead: Exit 262 toward Prescott on Highway 69. Continue for about 4.2 miles until you reach the parking lot entrance and turn left. MORE INFORMATIONBlack Canyon Trail Coalition: https://bctaz.org/. Bureau of Land Management: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/mountainbike/blackcanyon.