Turk's Head via Lost Goldmine Trail

The terrain is quite varied. The Lost Goldmine Trail itself is generally flat with some rocky sections and gentle elevation changes. However, the ascent to Turk's Head involves a more challenging, rocky slope with sections that require boulder hopping and scrambling. Be prepared for loose gravel and steep rock formations as you climb towards the summit.

The hike to Turk's Head via Lost Goldmine Trail typically takes around 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete, covering approximately 4.3 kilometers. This duration can vary based on your pace, how much time you spend scrambling, and enjoying the panoramic views from the summit.

You can access the trail from the Gold Canyon trailhead. Other access points mentioned for the general area include from the south via Peralta Road or from the west at the Hieroglyphic Trailhead, which connects to the Lost Goldmine Trail.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, given the desert environment and the rocky, scrambling sections on the ascent to Turk's Head, ensure your dog is accustomed to such terrain. Always keep your dog on a leash, carry plenty of water for both of you, and be mindful of hot ground temperatures, especially during warmer months.

The best time of year to hike this trail is typically during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring (October to April). Summers in Arizona's desert can be extremely hot, making hiking challenging and potentially dangerous. Winter offers pleasant temperatures, and spring often brings wildflowers.

The Turk's Head via Lost Goldmine Trail is located within the Superstition Wilderness area. Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for day hiking on this trail. However, always check local regulations before your visit, especially if planning an overnight trip or accessing through a specific park entrance.

You'll experience classic Sonoran Desert landscapes, rich with grasses, bushes, and various cacti, including cholla gardens. A constant highlight is the majestic 3,000-foot Superstition massif dominating the northern skyline. From the summit of Turk's Head, you'll get amazing panoramic views of distant mountains like Mineral Mountain, Mount Lemon, Newman Peak, Picket Post Mountain, and the White Tank Mountains. Turk's Head itself has a distinctive small opening at its top, formed by a large rock teetering on two others.

Yes, the route utilizes sections of the Lost Goldmine Trail for about 87% of its length. It also passes through parts of the Hieroglyphics Trail #101 (21%) and the Hieroglyphic Trail/Lost Goldmine Trail (15%).

The Lost Goldmine Trail portion is generally considered easy and suitable for families or beginners. However, the ascent to Turk's Head is more challenging, involving rocky slopes and scrambling, which might be difficult for very young children or those new to hiking. Consider the overall 'Medium' difficulty for the full route to Turk's Head.

Given the desert environment, essential items include plenty of water (more than you think you'll need), sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support for the rocky sections, and snacks. A map or GPS device is also recommended, especially for navigating the ascent to Turk's Head. Layers of clothing are useful for temperature changes.

While this specific route to Turk's Head via Lost Goldmine Trail is often done as an out-and-back, the Lost Goldmine Trail itself runs east-west and connects to other trails in the Superstition Wilderness. You might find longer loop variations by combining it with other paths, though the direct ascent to Turk's Head is typically a return trip on the same path.