Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
1,035.00 ft (315.47 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
12.00 mi (19.31 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

BCT: Table Mesa TH to Emery Henderson is a 12-mile point-to-point segment of the 80-mile Black Canyon Trail (BCT). This segment runs from the Table Mesa Road Trailhead to the Emery Henderson Trailhead located north of Phoenix, AZ, off of Interstate 17. 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 is characterized by rugged terrain, sandy trails, and a variety of Sonoran Desert vegetation, such as cacti lining the trail. The grade is fairly gentle and easy following a mostly downhill trend. 

PARKING
Table Mesa Trailhead: A small parking area with a kiosk. Extra parking may be available a short distance up a side road.
Emery Henderson: Paved parking area with spaces big enough for trailers. The trailhead also features picnic tables, restrooms, and a kiosk. 

PERMITS

There are no permits or fees required to hike or bike this trail.

WEATHER AND SEASON

This 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. 

HISTORY

The 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

MORE INFORMATION

Black Canyon Trail Coalition: https://bctaz.org/

Bureau of Land Management: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/mountainbike/blackcanyon.

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Winter
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Singletrack Trail. Desert Landscape.

Cons

Sandy at times.

Trailhead Elevation

1,884.00 ft (574.24 m)

Highest point

2,453.00 ft (747.67 m)

Features

Wildlife
Historically significant
Backcountry camping
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking
Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.