Outdoor Arizona

Let' s plan on starting off the first week of Fall with a sunset and full moon hike for September in San Tan Mountain Regional Park. We'll begin before sunset and return under the full moon and stars.

The planned route is the scenic 4.3-mile San Tan, Hedgehog and Moonlight Trail Loop. The hike is rated as moderate. We will stop for water, snacks, photos and breaks as desired by the group.

The Moonlight Trail begins at the San Tan Trailhead near the Visitor Center and guides you along the base of a mountain into the central valley of the park and connects to the San Tan Trail at the west end. The Hedgehog Trail connects to the San Tan Trail in two places and offers you remarkable arrays of the endangered Hedgehog cacti and other Sonoran Desert flora along the trail, as you take in beautiful views of the mountains. The trails we are hiking are wide and well groomed, well-suited for an evening hike.

Although the hottest weather and monsoon season should be behind us, hikes may be cancelled on short notice due to severe weather, The safety of everyone is the foremost priority on all hikes that I host.

Distance: 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 336 feet
Route Type: Loop
Rating: Intermediate
What to bring: Sturdy shoes, appropriate attire for weather, at least 2 liters water, cell phone, flashlight.
Sunset: 6:17 pm.
Moonrise: 6:12 pm.
Moon Phase: Full
Moon Illumination: 100%
Fees: Have $10 exact cash PER VEHICLE for the self-pay station or an annual pass.
Facilities: Modern Restrooms (will be open), Water Fountain, Nature Center (will be closed).
Carpooling: Can be set up.
Trail Map

ASSUMPTION OF RISK & RELEASE OF LIABILITY
This is a show up your own risk event. All activities entail risks. By signing up for this event you acknowledge the risks and assume all responsibility for your personal safety and property. You agree to hold organizers, hosts and members harmless.

Directions to San Tan Mountain Regional Park
From central Phoenix, take I-10 east to US 60 east. Exit Ellsworth Road south to Hunt Highway. Travel east on Hunt Highway to Thompson Road south. Turn west on Phillips Road to the San Tan Mountain Regional Park entrance.

About San Tan Mountain Regional Park
Located just south of the Maricopa/Pinal County line near the Town of Queen Creek, San Tan Mountain Regional Park has been used for decades for various recreation activities, such as hiking, equestrian riding and mountain biking. San Tan Mountain Regional Park is unique amongst Maricopa County Parks, as the entire park is actually in Pinal County.

Consisting of 10,198 acres, San Tan Mountain Regional Park is a fine example of the lower Sonoran Desert. The park ranges in elevation from about 1,400 feet to over 2,500 feet. Goldmine Mountain is located in the northeast 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. Various types of wildlife may be observed, including reptiles, birds, mammals and arthropods. The park is rich with unique historical, cultural and biological resources. The Nature Center at San Tan Mountain Regional Park has restroom facilities, souvenir items, snacks, wildlife exhibits and local artifacts.

Photo courtesy San Tan Mountain Regional Park.