Parashant Canyon and the Copper Mountain Mine - Andrus Canyon

Looking into the colorful Parashant Canyon from Mule Point. The red layer is the Hermit Formation. After descending the steep Trail Canyon dugway, the road follows the canyon floor toward the Grand Canyon.

NPS - J. Axel

 

Ruins of a mine house.

NPS - J. Axel

Travel in this area requires a 4x4 short-wheelbase high clearance vehicle. Vehicle types appropriate for this area include Jeep Rubicons, the new Ford Bronco, or UTVs (side-by-sides). UTVs must be Arizona highway legal.

How do you feel about steep dropoffs right next to the road? You know, those dropoffs that go down hundreds of feet? Or how about bouncing over bedrock and maybe scraping the skidplates a little bit?

If you are looking for adventure, rarely seen Grand Canyon scenery, and you are after an adrenaline rush, this area is great to visit in the fall, winter, or spring. It is not recommended in summer due to extreme temperatures and remoteness.

The BLM1230 road travels down the Trail Canyon Dugway into Parashant Canyon to a middle bench of the Grand Canyon. This route is one of the great adventures to be had in the monument. Stock 4x4 pickups and SUVs must NOT attempt this route due to extremely rough conditions, hairpin turns, and deep dips in the road. No crew cab pickup can navigate the road hazards.

Directions:
From the Mt. Trumbull Schoolhouse take BLM1063 southwest toward Andrus Point. BLM1063 passes through several gates. Leave them as you find them. They are used by local ranchers for cattle operations. After 9.9 miles you will reach BLM1230. Take a right. At the 4x4 warning sign, the road drops into Trail Canyon. This dugway is very steep with grades exceeding 20%. You may need to rest your vehicle's brakes at one of the flat areas so they can cool down. The dugway drops 2,000 feet in elevation in only a few miles. For those afraid of heights, be aware there are several sections of this road that have sheer dropoffs at the edge of the road that go down several hundred feet. The road in Trail Canyon can be washed out and impassible after monsoon storms.

2 minute video showing the rough 4x4 road conditions in Trail Canyon and the spur road to Copper Mountain Mine.

 

Narrow with sharp turns, only short wheelbase 4x4s and UTVs can make it to the mine.

NPS - J. Axel

 

This old piece of machinery is one of the historic objects at the mine.

NPS - F. Salas

Once in Parashant Canyon continue south. The road enters and exits the wash several times. If there has been a flood expect to encounter cut banks that may need to be dug down. At mile 16.2 you will reach a Y and a sign in register if you would like to leave your name. BLM1232 is the three mile spur road to Copper Mountain Mine. Take a left to the mine over the rough Esplanade Sandstone.

 

Looking into the Copper Mountain Mine. This steel gate allows bats to enter and exit the mine shaft.

NPS - F. Salas

 

Why is there a copper mine here? Read more about the unusual geology of breccia pipe mines in the Grand Canyon.

If you want to continue toward Andrus Canyon and Mollies Nipple on BLM1230 west of the turnoff to the mine, just be aware that the road becomes extremely rough, steep, and winding. UTVs are the only recommended vehicles with the clearance to do this road. Even stock Jeep Rubicons likely won't make it but lifted Jeeps with modified suspensions can. The road runs over boulders in the Andrus Canyon wash for over 1/4 mile to Dripping Spring and ends near Mollie's Nipple. This road is not maintained.