Hike Black Cross Butte Tonto National Forest, AZ

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Jan 4, 2026 — Black Cross Butte has a couple of approach options, but we chose to use the fun, slightly scrambly direct route on the ascent. From the trailhead at a locked gate with lots of negative signage (also the trailhead for the popular Punchbowl Canyon route), we headed north, where a trail led up toward the eastern ridge of Black Cross Butte. There was enough of a social trail and cairns to get us up to the summit without much thinking. The route led through a few breaks in the cliffs, wrapped around outcroppings, and had excellent views to the east.

We located the much more obvious trail that led west from the summit of Black Cross Butte, taking it along the wide and sweeping ridgeline to an underwhelming destination that had been advertised as Chalcedony Cave, but was really just a grotto. Past here we continued to Peak 3051. We were surprised to find a really well-beaten trail that we only lost a couple of times. We took a more direct trail that led through the cliffs on the south side of Peak 3051, noting a more obvious one that seemed to wrap around farther west. Later research revealed that this trail is more for hikers looking to check out the excellent views down toward the Salt River from an impressive cliff to the west, rather than use for accessing the peak, which is why it made sense that the trail did not lead all the way to the summit.

We backtracked most of the way to the west side of Black Cross Butte, but rather than take the standard trail route back to the cars, we wanted to explore Crucifix Canyon below, to the south. Our descent was not a great choice, full of brush and quite steep, so I included the more standard route back on my map and track. Crucifix Canyon was pretty, but we missed some of the arches and caves that are located farther down-canyon, oh well. Nice day out on pleasant trails and minimal suffering, a rare occurrence for our group.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Black Cross Butte

3354 ft

754 rise

Peak 3051

3051 ft

537 rise

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Starting up toward Black Cross Butte via the more direct route.

Navigating ledges.

Squeeze through a break in the cliff face.

View back toward the trailhead.

On the east ridge of Black Cross Butte. The trail wraps down on the right of the outcropping before ascending farther along.

View back. Four Peaks seen in the distance.

The trail was easy to follow most of the way.

We emerged at this slope leading to the summit.

View back as we near the summit of Black Cross Butte.

Continuing west.

Along the Black Cross Butte Trail.

View toward the Four Peaks.

Grotto called "Chalcedony Cave".

Onward using a slightly less obvious trail toward Peak 3051.

Approaching the base of Peak 3051, seen ahead on the left.

We took a trail that led more directly through the cliff band, Class 2.

Above the cliff band, just a steep slope leading up to the summit from here.

Almost at Peak 3051 summit.

Peak 3051, view east.

Another shot east, Black Cross Butte seen center.

Peak 3051, closeup east.

Peak 3051, view west.

We backtracked and dropped down into Crucifix Canyon. It was a brushy descent choice and not particularly fun.

Within Crucifix Canyon, headed back to the trailhead. I would probably recommend just taking the standard trail back instead.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!