TRAVEL

Hike of the week: Black Canyon Heritage Park

Mare Czinar
Special for The Republic

Hiking blogger Mare Czinar likes nothing better than to hit the trail. Find more of her news and recommendations at arizonahiking.blogspot.com.

A sign at the entrance to Black Canyon Heritage Park urges visitors to close the gate to "keep the cows out." Here, in a valley between Interstate 17 and the Bradshaw Mountains, there may well be marauding bovines. However, Black Canyon Heritage Park is all about sheep, fish and preservation of a rare streamside ecosystem.

Spawned by a generous donation of land, community activism and the help of numerous grants, this 25-acre park opened in November 2012. Thus far, 23.5 acres of riparian desert along the Agua Fria River have been restored with constructed streams, lush vegetation and ponds stocked with native fish.

Two barrier-free loop trails wander among cattail coves, willow-cottonwood forests and a pine-shaded picnic area with interpretive signs detailing the area's sheep-herding heritage. Just over a mile north of a major trailhead for the Black Canyon National Recreational Trail, this pretty little place makes for an interesting side trip or post-hike lunch spot.

Length: 0.8 mile.

Rating: Easy, barrier-free.

Elevation: 1,915-1,945 feet.

Where: From central Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north to Rock Springs/Black Canyon City (Exit 242). Go west (left) to the frontage road, turn north (right) and go 1.2 miles to the park on the right just north of Schoolhouse Road.

Admission: Free.

Details: blackcanyonheritagepark.org.