MODERATE: Lost Goldmine and Hieroglyphic Trails

MODERATE: LOST GOLDMINE TRAIL IN GOLD CANYON SUPERSTITION WILDERNESS
Hike Co-leaders: Ron Deraas 701-263-5605 Joan Carlisle 254-931-2601
Date: Feb 2, 2026
Trailhead: Gold Canyon Hieroglyphics & Lost Goldmine Trails
Description: In and out
We will leave on the Lost Goldmine Trail from the Hieroglyphic-Lost Goldmine trailhead in Gold Canyon. The trail passes through a rolling area in the Barkley Basin on the Southwest edge of the Superstition Wilderness. It splits from the Hieroglyphic trail part way up the trail and runs East where it undulates steeply across two major washes before moderating. Mild to moderate undulations continue East with expansive views across the area and surrounding mountains.
The trailhead edges higher and wraps around the base of a protruding butte, Turk’s Head. Around 2 miles out on a previous hike we saw a strategically placed golden slipper that keen eyes could spot. Also, on a previous hike, we were thrilled to see 4 Desert Bighorn Sheep, hopefully we can see them again on the hike. Viewing options are bountiful.
The surrounding area provides a bountiful vista of the mountains, cholla, ocotillo, barrel cactus, saguaro, palo verde, mesquite and more.
The trail is smooth in areas but in other areas there are protruding rocks and loose rubble with uneven surfaces which warrant good hiking shoes and poles.
Hike Distance: 7.2-miles out and back
Accumulated Elevation Gain: approximately 700 feet
Trailhead Elevation: 2085 feet
Driving Distance: 80 miles R/T 50 minutes
Drivers Fee: $7
Trailhead Facilities: portable bathrooms
Meetup: 7:45 Cottonwood parking lot

Driving Directions:
The Hieroglyphics - Lost Goldmine Trailhead is located on Cloudview Avenue in Gold Canyon on the SW edge of the Superstition Wilderness.
Exit from Cottonwood onto Riggs heading East toward McQueen for 1.5 miles, turn left on McQueen towards the 202 traveling 4.5 miles. Use the exit to enter the 202 traveling East, travel approximately 16 miles to exit 30A and enter the 60 towards Globe.
Travel approximately 12 miles on the highway 60, exit on Kings Ranch Road and travel North 2.8 miles. Turn right on Baseline Ave for .3 miles, then left on Mohican Road for .3 miles to Valley View Drive. Turn left and continue .5 miles to Cloudview road (after the right-hand curve, Valley View becomes Whitetail road). Turn right on Cloudview and proceed .5 miles to the trailhead.
There are some signs along the way to assist on some of the turns.