After a season of hiking, sometimes you just want to get away from all the packed trails. And one of our favorite remedies for peak hiking season fatigue is Cottonwood’s Black Canyon Trail. You have to drive a little over two miles on a dirt road to get there, but once you arrive, you’ll be in relative (and refreshing) solitude. Expect to see only a few people, if any. Be mindful of horses and rattlesnakes. When we tackled this hike last April, the area was blanketed with wildflowers. We saw lavender, red, yellow, white and purple flowers in bloom or about to blossom on our trek – making for one incredible, eye-pleasing jaunt.
A butterfly rests on a purple flower.
This is one tough trek at a total of 8.3 miles, with an elevation gain of roughly 2,000 feet. But the best part about this trail is that you can choose your own adventure. Turn back at mile two or three if you feel you’ve had enough. The trail splits at about 3.2 miles. Turn left to head into Black Canyon.
White wildflowers on the trail.
Overall, the trail is well kept and features a slow, steady upward climb. When you stop to catch your breath, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Sedona’s red rocks and Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks. Lastly, be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat. There’s no shade on this trail, making it ideal for spring’s cooler temps.
