1: Old Black Canyon Highway Trailhead (0.0mi)

Old Black Canyon Highway trail goes right alongside Interstate 17 as it heads north to south between Black Canyon City and Table Mesa Recreation Area. This spot is right next to the southbound entrance to I-17 on the south end of Black Canyon City (technically in the minuscule town of Rock Springs) and provides plenty of room for staging. There are also some parking areas to the west of the trail intended for use by hikers.

2: Black Canyon to 9982 (0.4mi)

Turn right (west) at this pole to continue down BLM trail 9982. The original Black Canyon Highway likely continued straight ahead, but It's likely best to stay on the marked BLM trail.

3: Rocky Curve (0.5mi)

Just west of the well-marked turn from Old Black Canyon Highway, onto BLM trail 9982, is a relatively small obstacle. This slight curve has some rocks on it, that any vehicle with decent clearance can easily drive over to give their suspension a little warm up.

4: Hill Washes (0.7mi)

Less than a mile from the Old Black Canyon Highway trailhead, you'll find a section full of small hills and washes. If you have poor approach and departure angles on your rig you may find your bumpers a bit scratched up. Good ground clearance is also helpful.

5: Big Wash North End (1.2mi)

Making up about a third of a mile along the trail, this dry river bed is not difficult to drive through as long as your tires can handle the sand. Avoid this area if there is any heavy rain close by or uphill (north) of this area, as it has the potential to turn into a very lively river.

To the left is likely the original Black Canyon Highway, but the trail may only be suitable for ATV's and leads you into private land.

6: Big Wash South End (1.6mi)

Continuing south on the trail requires taking a sharp left (east) turn into an area of very skinny, winding, steep hills and switchbacks. Passing someone coming from the other direction, turning around, or reversing beyond this point will not be an easy task.

Some maps also show the possibility of heading right (west) - further down the wash - leading you into the Little Squaw Creek to the Agua Fria River along a trail named Twister; which also connects to the western trailhead for Rock Bottom (these are all part of the Table Mesa Recreation Area). This direction is likely also the original Black Canyon Highway route as it would take you to the town of Gillette; a town that now only exists as private property but once serviced the Tip Top silver mine.

7: Narrow Hill Climbs (1.7mi)

There are two hills in this area that are not only narrow but also very steep and slanted, giving some exhilarating off-camber excitement. The peaks are also sharp, making it difficult to see what's ahead as you crest, until dropping sharply down the other side.

8: Tight Switchbacks North End (2.1mi)

This is the northern end of a set of very tight and sharp switchbacks. A wide and/or long wheelbase vehicle could likely find this area very dangerous with the likelihood of falling off the cliffs on the side of the trail, thus the higher trail rating as avoiding this area is not optional. As you can see from the pictures, it's easy to sustain damage through this section as there are tight areas next to rocks and cliffs where a wider vehicle or protruding side-step will get caught up and damaged. Running into the Saguaro cacti is also not advised as they are protected with its blooms being the Arizona State Flower.

9: Private Land to South (2.3mi)

From here south is private land, and the warning signs make it clear they expect you to stay on the trail.

10: Narrow Switchbacks South End (2.4mi)

This is the southern end of the very tight and sharp switchbacks. A wide and/or long wheelbase vehicle could likely find this area very dangerous with the likelihood of falling off the cliffs on the side of the trail.

11: Rock Hill (2.5mi)

This steep hill is covered in rocks, but nothing big or difficult. The most challenging part of this hill is squeezing between the large Saguaro cacti that are prevalent throughout the Black Canyon area. This is also the southern end of the narrow trail section.

12: Rock Bottom Trailhead (2.7mi)

This is the eastern end of the Rock Bottom Trail which follows the Little Squaw Creek to the west.

13: Private Road and Camping to North (3.0mi)

At this intersection, it's easy to keep heading straight ahead (south), but if you are looking for a camping area, make an almost u-turn to the left and head northwest.

From here north is private land, and the warning signs make it clear they expect you to stay on the trail.

14: 9982 & Private Land / Moores Gulch

9982 turns to the left (west) at this intersection. Continuing straight is un-marked, but will take you onto private land and indirectly towards Moores Gulch Rd.

15: Camping Area (3.3mi)

This is one of the many dispersed camping areas within the Table Mesa Recreation Area. It can also be used as a staging area.

16: 9999 & 9982 Trailhead (3.4mi)

The 9999 trail heads northwest and southeast as one of the main roads through the Table Mesa Recreation Area while the 9982 trail heads northeast towards the Old Black Canyon Highway.