Black Canyon

For centuries, people have been drawn to Black Canyon for its water and abundant wildlife. This self-guided auto tour will take you through this beautiful canyon with stops at several historic and prehistoric sites. The road that winds through the canyon was an original route from the deserts below the Mogollon Rim country to settlements on top of the plateau.

The black rocks of the canyon, the canyon’s namesake, have witnessed the history of five cultures. Today, travelers can trace the history of the people that have inhabited Black Canyon. Pictographs mark the time of the Mogollon Indians, the first settlers of the canyon, and grave sites give testimony to the ruthless vengeance that lashed across the Mogollon Rim country during the Pleasant Valley Feud.

The best time of year to take this historic journey is May through October as winter road conditions can make portions of this route inaccessible. Prior to starting your tour stop by the Black Mesa Ranger Station or Mogollon Rim Visitor Information Station (open seasonally) to pick up a copy of the latest brochure. This brochure provides interpretive information about the various stops along the route and lists distances between stops to help facility your visit.