What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Black Canyon National Recreation Trail
Visitors to the historic Black Canyon National Recreation Trail, which is twenty-three minutes north of the Emery Henderson Trailhead, can choose to start and stop along any portion. Some areas are gentle while others are characterized by steep climbs or rocky terrain.
Length: 80 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Dixie Summit Trail
Located in the Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve, which is twenty minutes southeast of the Emery Henderson Trailhead, this trail offers a gradual climb that leads to gorgeous views of the area.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Apache Wash Loop Extended Trail
This beautiful trail, also located in the Sonoran Preserve, offers scenic views and is a terrific way to spot local wildlife.
Length: 6.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Sidewinder and Ocotillo Trail Loop
This looping Sonoran Preserve trail is well-maintained and is popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
Length: 5.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Clay Mine Trail
Located in Cave Creek Regional Park 24 minutes southeast of the Emery Henderson Trailhead, this trail offers beautiful views, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and a glimpse of the history of the area.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
Anglers can head to Anthem Community Park and the Anthem Community Lakes, located in Anthem, just eight minutes southeast of the Emery Henderson Trailhead. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed at both locations, and there are also green areas, playgrounds, and paths for walking or running.
Climbing
One of the best places for rock climbing in the area is at McDowell Mountain Preserve, thirty-five minutes southeast of the Emery Henderson Trailhead. There are several options for climbing routes in the preserve, including Gardener’s Wall, which is about 250 feet tall. There are also many opportunities for bouldering.
Wildlife Viewing
The trailhead, as well as the nearby Cave Creek Regional Park and Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve, are all excellent places to spot wildlife. Visitors can often see cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, ground squirrels, hawks, crows, ravens, javelina, coyotes, quails, and, occasionally, bobcats and mountain lions. The area is also home to a range of reptiles, including king snakes, bull snakes, rattlesnakes, skinks, whiptail lizards, desert spiny lizards, and desert tortoises.
Picnicking
Anthem Community Park is an excellent nearby option for picnicking. The park features shaded picnic tables and barbecues. Moon Valley Park, twenty-eight minutes southeast of the Emery Henderson Trailhead, also offers covered picnic tables and barbecue spots, and Lookout Mountain Preserve, which is about a half-hour to the southeast, features picnic tables and a playground.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is one of the most popular recreation activities in the area around the Emery Henderson Trailhead. Equestrians can choose from almost any of the area’s nearby hiking or mountain biking trails, including the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail.