Goldmine, San Tan, and Moonlight Loop

This loop trail is situated in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park, near Queen Creek, Arizona. It offers a diverse hiking experience through the Sonoran Desert.

The duration can vary depending on the specific route taken and your pace. The komoot tour for this loop is approximately 3.8 miles (6.1 km) and takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete. However, longer variations, such as a 7.5-mile intermediate option, are also possible within the park.

While much of the loop is fairly easy, the ascent and descent of Goldmine Mountain provide the most rigorous parts. The northern side of Goldmine Mountain is notably steep and can be challenging, involving a climb of approximately 500 feet over half a mile with loose rock. A shorter, 4-mile version of the loop is generally rated as easy.

The terrain is varied. You'll find flat, sandy, gravelly, or earthen ground with saguaro groves. The San Tan and Moonlight Trails feature light-colored sand and gravel. As you ascend Goldmine Mountain, the terrain becomes steeper and more rocky, with some sections having loose stones and exposed rock. The trail also passes through washes, valleys, and across ridges.

The trail offers panoramic views from Goldmine Mountain, including the Superstition Mountains, Phoenix, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley. You'll experience diverse Sonoran Desert flora like saguaros, cholla, and ferocacti, and potentially wildflowers in late spring/early summer. The trail also passes near the graves of two prospectors, Marion Kennedy and Mansel Carter, adding a historical element.

The Sonoran Desert can be very hot. Spring (late spring for wildflowers) and fall are generally the most pleasant times to hike. Summer temperatures can be extreme, making early morning or late evening hikes necessary, with ample water. Sunrise views from Goldmine Mountain Peak are particularly spectacular.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails within San Tan Mountain Regional Park. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times. Always ensure your dog has plenty of water, especially in the desert heat, and be mindful of hot ground surfaces.

Yes, San Tan Mountain Regional Park typically has an entrance fee per vehicle. You can usually pay at the park entrance or through an automated machine. Check the official Maricopa County Parks and Recreation website for current fee schedules and any permit requirements for specific activities.

Yes, the route for the Goldmine, San Tan, and Moonlight Loop utilizes sections of several other trails within the park. It covers a significant portion of the Maricopa Trail, as well as parts of the Moonlight Trail, San Tan Trail, and Goldmine Trail.

For a rewarding experience, consider starting your hike early in the morning to catch the sunrise from Goldmine Mountain Peak; the views are spectacular. Also, be prepared for the challenging, steep, and rocky northern side of Goldmine Mountain by wearing shoes with good tread and carrying enough water.