San Tan Mountains Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Starting from the Goldmine Trailhead, you're going to quickly face a steep climb and the first chance to see the sunrise at Goldmine Mountain Peak. At about 1.5 miles, you come across San Tan Trail which you'll take in a western direction for about 1/2 mile before making a right onto Dynamite Trail. This will loop back in 2.5 miles to the Goldmine Trail and continue back to the starting point.

Entry fees are required for park usage per park rules. Please use the self-pay station if the visitor center is closed. San Tan Mountain Regional Park also has a visitor center located at 6533 W. Phillips Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85242. Call (480) 655-5554 for more information.

The park ranges in elevation from about 1,400 feet to over 2,500 feet. Goldmine Mountain is located in the northern area, with a spectacular San Tan Mountain escarpment in the southern portion of the park. The vegetation varies from creosote flats to dense saguaro forests, and hikers may spot various types of wildlife including reptiles, birds, mammals, and arthropods.

Enjoy a thrilling journey as you explore the Goldmine Mountain range, known for its mining history. The trail connects to the Goldmine Trail near the Goldmine Trailhead and winds you along the mountain side to the San Tan Trail near the central part of the park. The Goldmine Trail will take you to the highest point on any trail in the park at roughly 2,300 feet in elevation. From here you'll have breathtaking views of the area, that are even more memorable if you happen to be here for sunrise.

Cactus, snake, flowers, birds.

San Tan Mountain Regional Park was established in 1986, through an agreement with the BLM and an intergovernmental agreement between Maricopa and Pinal County.