Big Bug Trailhead

About Big Bug Trailhead

The Big Bug Trailhead accesses the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail. The 80-mile Black Canyon Trail provides mountain bikers with a long-range back country trail riding opportunity. This historic National Recreation Trail is of national significance, following a route used since the times of pre-historic Native American travelers and traders. This trail provides a challenging ride experience characterized by rough, unstable soils and rocks, with various trail grades and numerous elevation changes within a harsh desert climate. The trail meanders through the Sonoran Desert landscape, including saguaro forests and rugged canyons. The trail is recommended for use from November through April. At other times of the year, the trail is seldom used. The difficulty level is intermediate.

How to Get There

From Phoenix, on Interstate 17, take exit 262 for State Route 69 North towards Prescott. Stay on SR-69 for approximately 4.5 miles. Turn left (east) for the trailhead, 0.5 miles north of Rocking Lake Lane.From Prescott, head south on SR-69 for 30 miles. The turn-off is on the right (east), 0.4 miles after mile marker 267.

Plan Your Visit to Big Bug Trailhead

Heading to Big Bug Trailhead? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• Park map (PDF)
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)