Trail Overview
Maggie Mine is an ideal scenic route for beginner to intermediate offroaders looking for a rugged, isolated-feeling desert drive just minutes from Interstate 17 near Black Canyon City. Stretching approximately 6.6 miles through the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains, this trail serves as a scenic, dirt bypass of the highway for those traveling toward Crown King. The route begins with a short paved stretch before transitioning to a dirt-and-rock surface that climbs from 1,993 feet to a peak elevation of 2,666 feet. Along the way, drivers are treated to sweeping views of the Castle Creek Wilderness in the Prescott National Forest, along with opportunities to spot local desert wildlife and diverse desert plant life.
While the route is rated a moderate 3 out of 10, drivers should remain alert for erosion-related obstacles, off-camber sections, and areas where the trail has washed out to create ledges of varying depths. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and OHVs are well-suited for these challenges, particularly during the dry seasons when traction is most predictable. Historically, the route is named after the nearby Maggie Mine, an underground and surface operation discovered in 1896 by J.R. Brown within the Black Canyon-Kay Mining District. Navigating this trail offers a hands-on connection to Arizona's mining history combined with a fun, scenic ascent of 863 feet of cumulative elevation gain.
Difficulty
Starting from the South, the first mile is paved. Once on dirt, erosion appears to be the biggest obstacle for this trail. Mostly dirt with rocks and a few off camber sections. Washed out on either side of the trail in numerous places with ledges of varying depths.
History
The trail is named after the Maggie Mine, a historic surface and underground mining operation located near Black Canyon City. First discovered in 1896 by J.R. Brown, the site was historically associated with the Black Canyon-Kay Mining District, which now sits within the Tonto National Forest.
