About this campground
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.
Getting 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.
Activities
- HIKING
- HORSEBACK RIDING
- MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Trail Running
Nearby federal campgrounds
Explore more Arizona camping
Big Bug Trailhead doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Arizona campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse Arizona camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.