North Canyon Trail

North Canyon Trail is a 1.8-mile one-way connector through the Maze Zone, from its junction with Maze Loop Trail to the North Side Trail. The area's sandy washes and rocky ridges open onto broad desert views. The published park figure is 1.6 miles one way; the mapped line measures 1.82 miles, so plan around 1.8 miles for the segment shown here. A longer 4.1-4.2-mile North Canyon Loop is described using additional paths; that full circuit is not mapped in this record.

Both ends are trail junctions inside the backcountry, not road-side trailheads. The nearest backcountry entry and exit trailheads named for the Maze Zone are Boy Scout and Indian Cove, so add an approach through the surrounding network and plan your exit. Retracing the mapped segment makes about 3.6 miles before that approach. Allow about an hour for the segment one way. Parking or a direct connector from Park Boulevard to the Maze Loop junction was not confirmed.

Expect uneven sandy washes and rocky ridges rather than a constructed loop. The sampled elevation profile runs from about 3,640 to 3,965 feet, with several rises and drops. No route-specific water, toilets or other facilities were identified. Dogs are prohibited on park trails and in the backcountry. Day hikes do not need a permit; overnight backcountry stays do.