| Horsethief Canyon Trail #30 acquired its name from the Horsethief Ranch, where several noted outlaws made this ranch a headquarters for trafficking in stolen horses. The trail is situated in the southern end of the Bradshaw Mountains, which are named after William D. Bradshaw, an early miner.The mountains in this area are walled by dark metamorphic rock 1.8 billion years old, intruded by younger tan granite. These igneous granites have eroded into boulders which can be seen anywhere in the Castle Creek Wilderness.Horsethief Canyon Trail #30 starts at an elevation of about 6,000 feet, descending into the Castle Creek Wilderness to about 5,000 feet where it ends at its junction with Algonquin Trail #225. The northern portion of the Castle Creek Wilderness can be seen from the trail. Although the descent into Horsethief Canyon is steep and difficult, the trip through this rugged Ponderosa pine and pinion-juniper wilderness is an exciting experience.At about mile 0.2, Trail #201 intersects Horsethief Canyon Trail #30 from the west. Horsethief Canyon Trail #30 from there descends a ridgeline for about 1 mile. Water is available during wet seasons at different locations. The first of these is at mile 1.5. The second is at mile 2.5 in a subdrainage of Horsethief Canyon. This is also an area suitable for camping for 5-7 persons and up to 3 horses. This water is seasonal, undependable, and should always be treated; if you are unsure of its availability, bring your own water.The next camping site is at the junction with Algonquin Trail #225. This site, actually the end of Trail #30, may also have water and will accommodate the same number of people and horses as the first site.Continue from this point on Algonquin Trail #225 to the Algonquin mine and beyond to Forest Road 259. This portion of the trail is only moderately difficult. Algonquin Trail #225 to the southwest, however, is extremely difficult and should be traveled with caution. Algonquin Trail #225 is not maintained and has many areas of loose rock, is overgrown with brush in places, and is generally in poor shape.While the trail is only 1.85 miles, the total elevation change of about 1,200 feet with extremely steep areas makes this hike moderately difficult. |
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| | | Facilities: Horsethief Canyon Trail #30 has no facilities. Best Time To Visit: Horsethief Canyon Trail #30 is year round, though summer is hot and winter may bring snow. Fees: This trail is free to use. Accessibility: This trail has no handicap access. Rules: All forms of mechanized equipment or motorized transportation are prohibited. Directions: To reach Horsethief Canyon Trail #30 from Crown King, take FR 52 southeast for 7.5 miles to the Turney Gulch Campground and turnoff (FR 52F). Proceed 0.25 miles north past the campground. Low clearance vehicles should park here; this area will permit parking for 5 vehicles with trailers. From here FR 52F becomes a 4WD or high clearance vehicle road for 0.5 miles to the trailhead. The trailhead is 0.75 miles north of FR 52 at the water treatment plant in the Horsethief Basin Recreation Area. Parking at the trailhead will accommodate no more than 4 vehicles. From the I-17, FR 52 and FR 52F are graded dirt roads suitable for most vehicles in fair weather. Map: Click here for a map to Horsethief Canyon Trail #30 Reservations: Unknown | | |
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| | | | | Address | | Bradshaw Ranger District | | 344 S. Cortez St. | | Prescott, Arizona 86303 |
| | | Phone | | General: (928) 443-8000 | |
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