Black Canyon Trail (BCT - Hidden Treasure)

Black Canyon Trail (BCT - Hidden Treasure) is a rugged singletrack segment of the 80-mile Black Canyon National Recreation Trail system north of Phoenix, Arizona. On this route, you follow trail grades with multiple elevation changes through Sonoran Desert terrain, including saguaro-dominated country and canyon terrain features.

Expect intermediate to challenging hiking: some steep climbs plus rocky, uneven footwork over rough desert ground. The route’s character is described as gradual in many places with short punchy ups and downs as you move through natural drainages and washes.

Typical distances for this named “Hidden Treasure” section are about 6 to 8 miles, depending on the exact start and finish points at the connecting trailheads in the BCT system.

The route runs between the Spring Valley and Bumble Bee trailheads near Cordes, Arizona, so most point-to-point hikers plan a shuttle or second vehicle rather than out-and-back.

Seasonally, the BCT is recommended for November through April; at other times of year it sees less use because summer heat in the desert can be dangerous and the trail has limited shade.

No permits or fees are required for recreational use of the trail. It’s managed as a National Recreation Trail and is used by non-motorized travel modes, including foot and horse access.

For logistics and planning as a long-distance hike, carry enough water for the whole segment and plan for desert exposure on open stretches; the trail is generally used in cooler months to avoid the hottest part of the year.

More information: Mountain Biking – Explore the Arizona Trail, Black Canyon Trail, AZ - Bureau of Land Management, Black Canyon Trail - Bumble Bee & Hidden Treasure Sectioins