Difficulty: 1

Distance: 36 Miles

Time: 4 Hours

Description:

This interesting and challenging trail can be combined with many other trails in the region to make a full day’s travel. The trail’s main challenges come, first, from the rocky sections at the start of the trail as it proceeds toward Telegraph Canyon and, second, from a narrow pathway between the edge of the shelf road and some deep washouts. In between these sections, the trail is interesting driving, but of a more moderate standard.

The trail leaves from Superior and travels along a well-used forest road (FR 4) as it skirts the edge of a quarry and rises over a ridge. From here, there are panoramic views back over Superior, far down in the valley and toward the immense bulk of Picketpost Mountain. The superstition Mountains behind Superior can be seen, and on a clear day, Weavers Needle can be seen to the northwest.  The narrow canyon of Arnett Creek can also be seen from the trail.  All at once, the trail becomes rough and winding with an uneven surface, small rock ledges, and a loose, moguled surface.

The trail drops down, enters Telegraph Canyon, and proceeds north, traveling above the wash as it slowly rises to exit from the head of the canyon. The canyon is fairly wide, surrounded by jagged peaks, and has excellent views in all directions – better than you would normally expect for a trail contained within a canyon.

Once you emerge from Telegraph Canyon, the trail is smoother although there are still a few steep sections and moguls. It intersects with the Arizona Trail, a cross-Arizona foot and pack trail, although vehicles are permitted on this section.  As the trail winds around the head of the canyon, climbing its way up to the ridge, the views get better and better.  The section of trail before the Ajax Mine has some fairly deep washouts that have left a narrow pathway, which is just wide enough to get a full-sized vehicle though; but, both sets of wheels will be very close to the edge.

The trail becomes easy on the final section down to join Central #41; Box Canyon Trail to Florence.