Hackberry Creek Loop

Hackberry Creek trail and the Devil's Canyon area is by far one of my favorites in the Phoenix area because of the backcountry adventure it offers in one small area. It offers incredible scenery, challenging four wheeling, free camping, miles of hiking and world class canyoneering. The area has been considered sacred land for centuries by the Apache Nation and was once a protected area but in 2015, a late night deal with congress, gave the entire area away to a foreign mining conglomerate. So what does that mean for us wheelers, campers and general out door types? Well we have to rush to enjoy the area before it has a big ole fence put up around it. The region is littered with spectacular chimney type rock formations, towering precariously on the edge of cliffs. There are several very large balancing rocks and other natural wonders to see in the area. The 4x4 trail keeps you along the top of what is called Devil's Canyon way down below. There are no official hiking trails down into the canyon but at a couple of the drill platforms along the eastern most trails, you can find a small path leading down several hundred feet to the canyon floor. There are a couple large canyon cliff pools that can be accessed by experienced and properly equipped adventurers. The area once held world championship rock climbing competitions which has resulted in thousands of established climbing lines in the area. Please enjoy this incredible area before it is taken from us.