East Canyon Trail #93

East Canyon Trail #93 is a 4-mile one-way wilderness trail in Gila National Forest that links to Black Range Crest Trail #79 at the Aldo Leopold Wilderness boundary. A single drainage drives much of the route early, with the later climb pushing up and out toward the crest.

From East Canyon Trailhead, the trail first follows the drainage bottom of East Canyon for about the first 2.5 miles before the route breaks off the main drainage as East Canyon turns south. After that, it climbs toward Black Range Crest Trail #79 via an unnamed tributary.

Expect a moderate-to-challenging hike profile: the route moves through the canyon bottom before gaining elevation as it works its way toward the crest. The mapped trail length is about 7.21 km (~4.5 miles) total for the segment on the ground, consistent with a short backcountry day or approach hike.

Canyon-bottom travel can be rough. The lower canyon section is prone to flooding effects, including washed-out tread and obstacles like log jams; after storms or periods of high runoff, travel may require careful footing and route-finding around damaged areas.

Use the trail as a connector rather than an all-by-itself destination: it begins near the Quaking Aspen Trail #86 trailhead and ends at Black Range Crest Trail #79 along the wilderness edge. That makes it useful for building longer day hikes or backpacking days across the Black Range trail system.

No fee is required for trail use, and the trail is designated for non-motorized use. Stock use is generally not recommended, and Bring-Your-Own supplies planning matters because this is a true wilderness connection with limited cell service.

Water is available seasonally in streamflow; plan to filter water from the East Canyon drainage when running through the canyon bottoms. Leave No Trace wilderness ethics apply throughout the Aldo Leopold Wilderness boundary area.

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