MODERATE: Goldmine and Dynamite Loop at San Tan Mountain Regional Park
Details
MODERATE: Goldmine and Dynamite Loop at San Tan Mountain Regional Park
Hike leader: David Coffman 425-330-2183
Trailhead: Wagon Wheel parking lot at San Tan Mountain Regional Park which has multiple trails
Description: Loop
***** After the hike there will be an optional brunch at San Tan Flat 6185 Hunt Hwy Queen Creek**
Great hike with typical Sonoran Desert Flora. This is a loop hike that starts out of the parking lot on level terrain to the Goldmine trail which goes past the miner’s gravesite and starts climbing to the top. There is about a 1-mile climb that is steep! The AEG for this 1-mile segment is over 500 feet. The climb is on the North side of the mountain so some of it is in the shade.
At the top there are nice views of Queen Creek and the valley below.
After we come go down the other side of Goldmine we will go left to the junction of the Littleleaf trail. This section is about .6 miles one-way and has been added to make the hike greater than 5 miles. We will then backtrack the same section and proceed to the Dynamite trail. When we reach the peak of Dynamite, we will have a snack break and then proceed back to the Wagon Wheel trailhead.
Here is an AllTrails hyperlink to the hike - Explore Dynamite & Goldmine Trail Loop with LittleLeaf Spur | AllTrails
Hike Distance: 6.0-mile loop
Accumulated Elevation Gain: 990 feet
Trailhead Elevation: 1581 feet
Driving Distance: 40 miles R/T approximately 20 minutes
Drivers Fee: $3 plus a share of the $10 park entry fee
Temporary restrooms at parking lot
Meetup: 6:45 Cottonwood parking lot
If using a GPS device for driving directions enter Goldmine Trailhead in Google Maps.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE WAGON WHEEL PARKING LOT AT SAN TAN REGIONAL PARK
From the Cottonwood parking lot proceed to Riggs Road and turn right.
Continue on Riggs Road for approximately 11 miles to Sossaman.
Turn right at Sossaman to where road ends at Hunt Highway.
Turn left on Hunt Highway and drive ¾ of a mile to Wagon Wheel Road.
Turn right at Wagon Wheel Road and follow Wagon Wheel Road to where the road ends which is the public parking lot area.
Park the car then deposit the $10 park fee in the envelope which is provided at a post at the trailhead entrance.
Leave a portion of the parking ticket on your dash which should be in clear view should a park ranger check.
Carpool fee $3 + share of $10 park fee
Hike leader – David Coffman 425-330-2183