About this campground
Emery Henderson Trailhead accesses the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail. The 80-mile Black Canyon Trail provides hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers with a long-range backcountry trail opportunity. This historic National Recreation Trail is of national significance, following a route used since the times of prehistoric Native American travelers and traders. This trail provides a challenging 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 Interstate 17, take exit 233 at New River Road. Head west and continue approximately three miles. The trailhead is on the north (right) side of the road. From State Route 74 (Carefree Highway), take New River Road for about seven miles. The trailhead is on the north (left) side of the road.
Activities
- HIKING
- HORSEBACK RIDING
- Accessible Facility or Activity
- Trail Running
- MOUNTAIN BIKING
- PICNICKING
Nearby federal campgrounds
Explore more Arizona camping
Emery Henderson 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.