Arizona Trail: Passage 17 - Alamo Canyon

This passage is generally rated as moderate to hard or 'black diamond' for hiking. It features significant elevation changes, including climbs up to 740 feet and descents exceeding 2,000 feet, requiring good fitness and sure-footedness.

The trail primarily consists of a well-maintained singletrack. It weaves through drainages and traverses lush hillsides, characterized by rugged canyon scenery and rocky canyons. Expect both flowing downhill sections and steep climbs.

You'll experience classic Sonoran Desert landscapes with towering saguaro cacti, rugged mountains, and dramatic rock formations. Notable features include Picketpost Mountain, vistas of the Superstition Mountains, the impressive Apache Leap cliff wall, and the distinctive red rock walls of Alamo Canyon. In spring, the area is vibrant with wildflowers.

The trail is best enjoyed during the fall, winter, and spring seasons to avoid the extreme heat of summer.

Natural water sources are unreliable. There is a 1,500-gallon AZT Rainwater Collector installed in 2019, which provides a crucial resupply point. All water obtained along this passage should be purified before use.

Access to the southern end of Passage 17 often requires hiking in from other trailheads, as it's not directly accessible by vehicles in some sections. For specific trailhead parking, it's recommended to check detailed maps or local resources for the most current access points.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Arizona Trail. However, it's always best to keep them on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure their safety, especially given the challenging terrain and potential for encounters with desert fauna.

This passage of the Arizona Trail is located within the Tonto National Forest. While there isn't typically a specific permit required for hiking the trail itself, some trailheads or recreational areas within the National Forest may require a Tonto Pass or other day-use fees. It's advisable to check the Tonto National Forest website for current regulations before your visit.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Grand Enchantment Trail Segment 3: White Canyon Wilderness, the Picketpost Mountain Summit Trail, and the Legends of Superior Loop Trail.

The area is rich in mining history, with the trail traversing near sites like the Silver King Mine, which saw a silver rush in 1875. Remains of ghost towns like Reymert, active until the 1950s, can be found nearby. Picketpost Mountain also historically hosted a U.S. Army heliograph station.

The full Passage 17 can range from 11 to 16.7 miles, depending on your specific starting and ending points. A typical hike covering a significant portion of this challenging passage could take a full day, or even require an overnight stay for those tackling the entire length.