Black Canyon Road

Black Canyon Road is a very easy trail and a delightful way to spend an afternoon exploring the Mogollon Rim and learning about the area's long and diverse history. The trail begins at Black Canyon Lake, a picturesque mountain lake much less crowded than the nearby popular Woods Canyon Lake. A 1-mile hike takes you to the gravesite of three cowboys lynched and hung from a ponderosa tree nearby, unfortunate victims of the Pleasant Valley War between feuding ranchers. Further down the road are pullouts for old homesteads, native american ruins, and ancient petroglyphs. The trail offers numerous historical markers with informational signage. Black Canyon Road is a great day trip for a family with young children or anyone interested in the region's colorful history.