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Pinal
County Trail System
The tables below list trails located
within Pinal County, including the Superstition Wilderness Area,
Lost Dutchman State Park, Picacho Peak State Park and
other popular areas. Included are brief
trail descriptions such as
location, length and level of difficulty. For the most
accurate and up-to-date information, please contact the Tonto
National Forest Service directly as conditions may
change due to weather, etc.
Please refer to the detailed topographic maps on the Maps
page to learn about additional trails or routes that
exist within the Superstition Wilderness Area.
There are many routes that aren't considered official
trails and it is easy to take a wrong turn. Many
of these "trails" require good route-finding
ability and are cross-country routes that are unmarked. Make sure to always carry a detailed map
as well as a navigational device such as a compass or GPS
unit and let someone know where you're going to be
hiking.
In addition to these brief descriptions, there are
numerous area hiking guides that describe in much
greater detail various routes and hiking trips possible
within the Superstition Wilderness Area and elsewhere. A great
place to purchase guide books as well as area maps is Wide
World of Maps in Mesa and Scottsdale, Arizona.
|
 |
| Superstition
Wilderness Area Trails |
| Trail
Name |
Description |
| 53:
Siphon Draw Trail |
1.6
miles one way. A very scenic hike, this trail
winds up into Siphon Draw Canyon. It is possible
to continue hiking to the Flatiron (2.5 miles
one way), although it is not a designated,
maintained trail all the way. It's advised that
only experienced hikers in good shape attempt to
hike to the top, as the climb is steep and
difficult to follow. Allow at least five hours
to the Flatiron and back.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Goldfield |
| 101:
Hieroglyphic Trail |
1.1
miles in length. An easy hike up to an area with Indian petroglyphs. Trail begins at the
Forest boundary. Access to this point is across
State Trust land and Private land. Respect
private property rights.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Goldfield |
| 102:
Peralta Trail |
6.2
miles in length. One of the more heavily used
trails in the State of Arizona. From Peralta
Trailhead to Fremont Saddle, the trail is often
worn down to bed-rock and provides difficult footing.
Not recommended for horses. Elevation: between
2,400 feet and 3,760 feet. Termini: Peralta
Trailhead (Road 77) and Trail 104.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Goldfield,
Weavers
Needle |
| 103:
Boulder Trail |
7.3
miles in length. A rough but interesting trail
providing several scenic vistas. Parts are
located adjacent to Boulder Creek, and the
stream crossings are subject to flooding. Not
recommended for horses due to loose rocks.
Elevation: between 1,680 feet and 2,300 feet.
Termini: Canyon Lake Trailhead (Hwy 88) and Trail
104.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Goldfield |
| 104: Dutchman's Trail |
18.2
miles in length. A long trail that meanders
through the Wilderness, intersecting many other
trails. Generally in good condition, but parts
are heavily used. Lowest elevation 2,280 feet;
highest elevation 3,250 feet. Termini: Peralta
Trailhead (FS Road 77), and First Water Trailhead
(FS Road 78).
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Goldfield,
Weavers
Needle |
| 105:
Peter's Trail |
7.0
miles in length, with some excellent vistas.
Parts are vague and a little difficult to
follow. Elevation: between 3,120 feet and 3,800
feet. Termini: Tortilla Trailhead (FS Road 213), and Trail
104.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Weavers
Needle |
| 106: JF Trail |
10.2
miles in length. A main north-south trail named
after Jack Fraser - a pioneer cattleman in this
area. Elevation: between 3,250 feet and 4,560
feet. Termini: Woodbury Trailhead (FS Road 172), and
Tortilla Trailhead (FS Road 213).
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Weavers
Needle, Iron
Mountain |
| 107:
Red Tanks Trail |
8.9
miles in length. Portions are rough and
difficult to follow. The section through the
upper LaBarge Box is steep and narrow, and is
definitely not recommended for horses.
Elevation: between 2,600 feet and 3,680 feet.
Termini: Trail 108, and Trail 104.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Weavers
Needle |
| 108:
Coffee Flat Trail |
7.6
miles in length. An interesting trail linking
the western and central parts of the Wilderness.
Section in Randolph and Fraser Canyon is subject
to heavy flood damage. Elevation: 2,350 feet and
3,120 feet. Termini: Trail 104, and Trail 114
(near JF Headquarters).
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Weavers
Needle, Iron
Mountain |
| 109:
Reavis Ranch (Valley) Trail |
15.3
miles in length. The northern two-thirds of this trail
is the old roadway to a former homestead.
Southern section crosses the Iron Burn of 1966
(partially re-burned in 1984). Elevation: between
3,620 feet and 5,360 feet. Termini: Reavis
Trailhead (FS Road 212), and Rogers Trough
Trailhead (FS Road 172A).
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Iron
Mountain, Pinyon
Mountain |
| 110:
Rogers Canyon Trail |
4.5
miles in length. A scenic trail with a lot of
creek crossings. Portions are steep and not
recommended for horses. The segment in Rogers
Canyons is subject to heavy flood damage.
Elevation: between 3,680 feet and 4,600 feet.
Termini: Trail 109, and Trail 106 at Tortilla
Pass.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Iron
Mountain |
| 111:
Hoolie Bacon Trail |
4.0
miles in length. A little-used trail named after
an old-time local rancher. Some sections may be
overgrown and difficult to follow. Elevation:
between 3,200 feet and 3,920 feet. Termini:
Trail 106 south of Tortilla Trailhead, and Trail 107.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Weavers
Needle |
| 112:
Frog Tanks Trail |
6.8
miles in length. A very scenic but little-used
trail. Eastern section is old roadway; southern
section is difficult (with one very steep part),
and is not recommended for horses. Section in
Rogers Canyon is subject to heavy flood damage.
Elevation: between 3,300 feet and 4,820 feet.
Termini: Trail 109, and Trail 110.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Iron
Mountain, Pinyon
Mountain |
| 114:
Woodbury Trail |
2.0
miles in length. The east portion is an
old mining road. The west portion provides
access to Fraser Canyon and Coffee Flat Trail
(#108). Elevation: between 3,120 feet and
3,850 feet. Termini: Trail 108 and FS Road 172A.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Iron
Mountain |
| 117:
Reavis Gap Trail |
4.7
miles in length. An interesting trail with good
views. Sections east of Reavis Gap is steep and
very rocky; not recommended for horses.
Elevation: between 3,280 feet and 5,250 feet.
Termini: Trail 256 (near Campaign Trailhead), and Trail
109.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Iron
Mountain, Pinyon
Mountain, Two
Bar Mountain |
| 118:
Fire Line Trail |
3.6
miles in length. This trail was impacted by
bulldozers fighting the Iron Burn of 1966.
Sections of this trail have serious erosion
damage and the eastern section is very steep. It
is not recommended for horses. Elevation:
between 4,400 feet and 5,480 feet. Termini:
Trail 109, and Trail 213.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Iron
Mountain, Haunted
Canyon |
| 119:
Two Bar Ridge Trail |
8.3
miles in length. A scenic trail in one of the
least-visited parts of the Wilderness. Parts are
rocky, overgrown and/ or difficult to follow.
Elevation: between 4,200 feet and 4,900 feet.
Termini: FS Road 83 near Pinyon Mountain, and Trail
117.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Pinyon
Mountain |
| 122:
Tule Canyon Trail |
4.5
miles in length. This trail provides access into
the northeastern portion of Wilderness. Much of
the trail is steep and rocky, but views are
excellent. Elevation: between 2,800 feet and
4,800 feet. Termini: Tule Trailhead (FS Road 449), and
Trail 119.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Pinyon
Mountain, Two
Bar Mountain |
| 129:
Bull Pass Trail |
1.6
miles in length. A steep, eroded trail that
provides a route between Boulder Basin and
LaBarge Canyon. Elevation: between 2,280 feet
and 2,750 feet. Termini: Trail 104, and Trail
104 (again).
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Goldfield,
Weavers
Needle |
| 195:
Rock Creek Trail |
Approximately
3.5 miles in length. Unofficial route that
follows Rock Creek. Termini: Trail 270
(Bull Basin Trail) and FS Road 650.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Haunted
Canyon |
| 203:
Haunted Canyon Trail |
7.8
miles in length. Passes through wild
little-visited country. Northern portion is in
fair shape, but eastern end is difficult to
follow. East of the Tony Ranch is a short
stretch not recommended for horses. Elevation:
between 3,200 feet and 4,900 feet. Termini: FS Road
287A one mile southeast of Miles Trailhead, and
FS Road
287.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Haunted
Canyon |
| 212:
West Pinto Trail |
9.0
miles in length. A scenic trail mostly located
in the west fork of Pinto Creek. Steep grades on
portions near Iron Mountain. The east section is
in the canyon bottom that is subject to flooding
and may be difficult to follow. Elevation:
between 3,440 feet and 5,500 feet. Termini:
Miles Trailhead (FS Road 287A), and Trail 109 near Rogers
Through Trailhead.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Iron
Mountain, Haunted
Canyon |
| 233:
Cave Trail |
Approximately
1.75 miles in length. Termini: Trail 235 (Bluff
Spring Trail) to southeast, and Trail 102
(Peralta Trail) to northwest.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Weavers
Needle |
| 234:
Terrapin Trail |
2.9
miles in length. An interesting trail on the
east side of Weaver’s Needle. Portions are
steep, eroded and difficult to follow.
Elevation: between 2,610 feet and 3.410 feet.
Termini: Trail 235, and Trail 104.
USGS 7.5
Minute Quad: Weavers
Needle |
| 235:
Bluff Spring Trail |
3.4
miles in length. A heavily-used trail that is
steep and rocky in spots; not recommended for
horses. Elevation: between 2,410 feet and 3,210
feet. Termini: Trail 104 a few yards from
Peralta Trailhead, and Trail 104 (again) in Bluff
Spring Basin.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Weavers
Needle |
| 236:
Second Water Trail |
3.3
miles in length. A heavily-used trail that
passes through Garden Valley. Elevation: between
1,940 feet and 2,420 feet. Termini: Trail 104
near First Water Trailhead, and Trail 103.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Goldfield |
| 238:
Whiskey Springs Trail |
2.1
miles in length. An easy and popular trail that
drops into LaBarge Canyon. Elevation: between
1.940 feet and 2,420 feet. Termini: Trail 104,
and Trail 107.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Weavers
Needle |
| 239:
Cavalry Trail |
3.2
miles in length. Crosses from LaBarge Canyon to
Boulder Canyon. May be difficult to locate at
creek crossings. Elevation: between 2,080 feet
and 2,450 feet. Termini: Trail 104, and Trail
103.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Goldfield,
Weavers
Needle |
| 241:
Black Mesa Trail |
3.0
miles in length. Significant groves of cholla
cactus. Interesting views of Superstition
Mountain. This is an easy trail except for the
last section that is rocky and steep in spots.
Elevation: between 2,270 feet and 2,750 feet.
Termini: Trail 236, and Trail 104.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Goldfield |
| 256:
Campaign Trail |
8.1
miles in length. A scenic but little-used trail.
Parallels Campaign Creek and is subject to
flooding. Elevation: between 3,250 feet and
5,250 feet. Termini: Campaign Trailhead, and Trail 212
at Oak Flat.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Iron
Mountain, Haunted
Canyon |
| 270:
Bull Basin Trail |
4.0
miles in length. Climbs to a little-visited but
interesting basin. Elevation: between 3,550 feet
and 5,100 feet. Termini: Trail 212 one-half mile
east of Miles Trailhead, and Trail 203 at Tony Ranch.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Haunted
Canyon |
| 271:
Paradise Trail |
2.5
miles in length. Passes through wild, little-visited country in the southeast corner
of the Wilderness. Elevation: between 3,410 feet
and 4,880 feet. Termini: FS Road 287A just east of
Miles Trailhead, and Trial 203.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Haunted
Canyon |
| 275:
Spencer Spring Trail |
4.6
mile in length. Parallels Spencer Spring Canyon
and is subject to flooding. Parts are difficult
to locate and steep. Rarely maintained.
Elevation: between 3,660 feet and 5,00 feet.
Termini: Trail 212, and FS Road 650.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Iron
Mountain, Haunted
Canyon |
| 276:
Cuff Button Trail |
6.0
miles in length. A easy-to-follow trail that is
rarely visited. The South section is steep and
may be overgrown. Elevation: between 3,680 feet
and 4,600 feet. Termini: FS Road 305 east of
Horrell Creek, and Trail 212 at Oak Flat.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Haunted
Canyon |
| 287:
Plow Saddle Trail |
0.4
miles in length. A short connecting trail in the
north fork of Paradise Canyon. Poorly
maintained. Elevation: 4,400 feet and
4,780 feet. Termini: Trail 109 and Trail 112.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Pinyon
Mountain |
*** Lost Goldmine Trail |
While
not an official trail (it is not even located
within the Superstition Wilderness Area), the
Lost Goldmine Trail skirts the front face of the
Superstitions and connects Hieroglyphic Trail in
the west, with the Peralta Trailhead to the
east. Currently there is no official trail
map or trail length - perhaps someone will
volunteer to track the entire trail with a
GPS unit and share their findings with the
group!
USGS 7.5 Minute Quads: Goldfield,
Weavers
Needle |
|
Lost Dutchman State Park Trails - for more
information, please visit the Lost Dutchman State Park official
web site.
|
| Trail
Name |
Description |
| Treasure
Loop Trail |
Length
2.4 miles round trip, rated moderate, elevation
change of 500 feet. It terminates at either
picnic area.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Goldfield |
| Prospector's
View Trail |
Length
0.7 miles, rated moderate. It connects Siphon
Draw Trail with Treasure Loop Trail also
connects with Jacob's Crosscut Trail. |
| Jacob's
Crosscut Trail |
Trail
runs 0.8 miles along the base of the mountain,
rated easy. It connects Treasure Loop Trail with
Prospector's View Trail, and continues 4.5 miles
past the park area along the base of the
Superstitions.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Goldfield |
| Siphon
Draw Trail |
While
most of the Siphon Draw Trail lies within the
Superstition Wilderness Area, the trailhead is
accessed via Lost Dutchman State Park. 3.2
miles round trip, a very scenic hike, this trail
winds up into the canyon known as Siphon Draw.
It is possible to hike up the Flatiron, although
it is not a designated, maintained trail all the
way. It's advised that only experienced hikers
in good shape attempt to hike to the top, as the
climb is steep and difficult to follow. Allow at
least five hours to the Flatiron and back.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Goldfield |
| Discovery Trail |
Connects
the campground and day use areas. Features
information signs, a wildlife pond, bird feeder
and viewing bench.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Goldfield |
|
Oracle State Park Trails -
for more information, please visit the Oracle State Park
official
web site.
|
| Trail
Name |
Description |
| Nature
Trail Loop |
1.2
miles |
| Windy
Ridge Trail Loop |
0.9
miles |
| Bellota
Trail Loop |
0.75
miles |
| Arizona
Trail |
The
Arizona Trail cuts through Oracle State Park and
uses segments of the above named trails,
totaling 7 miles. |
|
Picacho Peak State Park Trails -
for more information, please visit the Picacho Peak
State Park official
web site.
|
| Trail
Name |
Description |
| Hunter
Trail |
2.0
miles; difficult; begins on the north side from
Barrett Loop and goes to the top of the peak.
The trail climbs a resistant path typical of the
Sonoran desert. The route is steep and twisting,
with steel cables (gloves are recommended)
anchored into the rock in places where the
surface is bare. |
| Sunset
Vista Trail |
3.1
miles; moderate first 2 miles, becoming
difficult; travels on the south side from the
westernmost parking area and goes to top of
peak. |
| Calloway
Trail |
0.7
miles; moderate; leads to an overlook. |
| Nature
Trail |
0.5
miles; easy; includes interpretive signs. |
| Children's
Cave Trail |
0.2
miles; easy; includes interpretive signs. |
|
Other Pinal County Trails
|
| Trail
Name |
Description |
White Canyon
Wilderness |
The
remote 5,800-acre White Canyon Wilderness is
approximately 45 miles southeast of Mesa and
about seven miles south of Superior, Arizona in
Pinal County and includes the southeast portion
of the Mineral Mountains. The two major
topographical features are White Canyon with its
numerous side canyons and the Rincon, a large
escarpment which towers above the valley
floor. |
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
(View
Map) |
The
19,410-acre Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is 120
miles southeast of Phoenix in Graham and Pinal
counties. The wilderness includes the
11-mile long Aravaipa Canyon, as well as, the
surrounding tablelands and nine side canyons.
The canyon contains the perennial waters of
Aravaipa Creek which is subject to periodic and
seasonal flooding. A permit, issued by the BLM,
is required to enter the canyon. |
Arizona Trail |
The
Arizona Trail extends from Arizona's US-Mexican
border north to the Arizona-Utah border and
connects numerous existing trails traversing
various ecosystems. A portion of the
Arizona Trail crosses Pinal County and consists
of the following segments:
| Segment
Name |
Description |
Miles |
| Mt.
Lemmon/Oracle Ridge |
Mt
Lemmon -to- American Flag TH |
24.0 |
| Oracle |
American
Flag TH -to- Tiger Mine Trailhead |
8.0 |
| Black
Hills |
Tiger
Mine Trailhead -to- Freeman Road |
25.0 |
| Tortilla
Mountains |
Freeman
Road -to- Gila River |
33.0 |
| White
Canyon |
Gila
River -to- WhiteCanyon Wilderness |
15.0 |
| Alamo
Canyon |
Wood
Canyon -to- Picketpost Trailhead |
11.0 |
| Picketpost/Reavis
Canyon |
Picketpost
Trailhead -to- Rogers Trough Trailhead |
14.0 |
| Superstition
Wilderness |
Rogers
Trough Trailhead -to- Roosevelt Lake |
25.0 |
For more
information including a generalized map, please
visit the Arizona Trail Association's official
web site.
|
San Tan Mountains |
The
10,198 acre San
Tan Mountains Regional Park is located south of
Hunt Highway and Ellsworth Road near the Town of
Queen Creek. The park is managed
by Maricopa County under a cooperative agreement
with Pinal County and the U.S Department of
Interior - Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Currently, a master plan is being drafted which
will determine future trails and access
points. For more information, please visit
the San Tan Mountains Regional Park official web site. |
Picketpost Mountain |
Trailhead
is located at the end of FS Road #231. Follow
the Arizona Trail marker south about a quarter
mile; turn left onto an old mining road, marked
with a cairn. Watch for the mine shaft where the
trail becomes single track. This unofficial
trail requires some scrambling. Hikers may find
more than one way to the top. Time:
Approximately 2 hours to the top.
USGS 7.5 Minute Quad: Picketpost
Mountain |
|
Tortilla Mountains |
No
description available at this time. |
|
Tortolita Mountains |
No
description available at this time. |
|
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