MODERATE: San Tan/Moonlight & Stargazer Trails

REMINDER: If this is your first hike with the Sun Lakes Hiking Club, it is required to contact the hike leader before your first club hike.

MODERATE: SAN TAN / MOONLIGHT & STARGAZER TRAILS AT SAN TAN MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK
Hike leader: David Coffman 425-330-2183
Date: November 16, 2026
Trailhead: San Tan Mountain Regional Park which has multiple trails

OFFERING AN OPTIONAL LUNCH at SanTan Flats for those interested
Located at 6185 W Hunt Highway Queen Creek AZ

Description: Loop Hike
Great hike with typical Sonoran Desert Flora with different views of the San Tan Regional Park than prior hikes because we are hiking most of the San Tan Trail which follows the perimeter of the park with great views of the surrounding mountains and a special view of a Crested Saguaro. This is a loop hike with over 5 miles on San Tan Trail before we connect with Moonlight Trail and Stargazer Trail which returns us to the parking lot.
Like all San Tan Regional Trails there are some loose rocks and hiking shoes and poles are recommended.
The pictures posted on Meetup will show you some of the sites along the trail.
Hike Distance: 7 mile loop
Accumulated Elevation Gain: approximately 530 feet
Trailhead Elevation: 1581 feet
Driving Distance: 40 miles R/T approximately 20 minutes one way
Drivers Fee: $3 plus a share of the $10 park entry fee
Nice restrooms at parking lot
Meetup: 7:30 Cottonwood parking lot for 7:45 departure
If using a GPS device for driving directions enter San Tan Mountain Regional Park
Driving Directions:
Exit the parking lot turning left and proceed to Riggs Road.
Turn right on Riggs Road and drive 13.2 miles to Ellsworth Road.
Turn right onto Ellsworth Road and drive 2.4 miles to Thompson Road.
Turn right onto Thompson Road and drive 2 miles to Phillips Road.
Turn right onto Phillips Road and drive 1 mile to park entrance.