Black Canyon Trail

Distance: 18.9 miles
Ride Time: 1:37
Average Speed: 11.7
Notes: I've been wanting to try the Black Canyon Trail for quite some time now and Labor Day gave me an excuse. I parked at the E.L. Henderson Trailhead off the New River Exit (#232) of I-17. The trail is definitely a cross-country style trail. There were no major climbs or hairy descents on the portion I rode. Still I had fun exploring a new trail and despite the relatively moderate terrain, the trail did manage to dump me on my head once (although I'm going to chalk that up to rusty skills due to my lack of riding lately).
From the trailhead I rode North to where the trail splits on what is called the Boy Scout Loop. I took the East loop, which was predominantly single track with some exposure and loose rock on the trail. When I got to the point where the trail reunites with the West loop I stopped to drink some water and chow on a Powerbar. While I was resting a hiker came down the trail from the North. I visited with him for a few minutes and inquired about what was further ahead. He explained that the trail climbed a short distance to a summit and then descended toward the Mesa Table Trailhead. I had planned to take the West loop back South but decided to first keep going North to the summit. It ended up only being 0.6 miles to the summit. The climb was relatively easy, but did provide for a bit of downhill on the way back.
I then took the West loop South to the point where the trail initially split. The West loop consists of a much wider trail, mostly double track, but smoother than the East loop. When I got the point where the trails reunited I turned around and went back the way I came. This way I was able to ride the East and West loops in both directions.
While this is certainly not a favorite trail and one that I will be anxious to ride every month, it was fun to explore. It also makes me want to do an epic ride of the entire Arizona Trail from the Utah border to Mexico.