Trails

Pinal County Trail System
Superstition Wilderness Trails
Picacho Peak State Park Trails
Lost Dutchman State Park Trails
Other Pinal County Trails

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

 

 

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.