San Tan Mountain Park- A great Loop Trail

San Tan Mountain Park is the lesser known gem of the Maricopa County Park system, located in the San Tan Mountains south of Queen Creek. The park is relatively new with amenities and trails still under development and planning. The reason I love this park, its a great place to take your kids hiking. The trail system is linked together in such a way where you can make large loops or relatively short loop hikes. The elevation gain on most hikes are minimal and the trails for the main part are wide- great in avoiding cactus with the little ones. The park staff is friendly and put together many activities great for the whole family to participate in. I will highlight one trail that I especially enjoy. This is a loop hike and consists of 3 different trails linked together: the San Tan, Hedgehog and Moonlight Trails. This loop is 4.1 miles with minimal elevation gain. The trail is fun to mountain bike ride as well.
At the visitor center begin your hike by following the signs to the San Tan Trail. Follow this trail south for .9 miles. Keep your eye out for the Saguaro off the right side of the trail at about .6 miles. A large birds nest, possibly hawk, is built at the top of one of the Saguaros. Also, turn around during this section and take in the view of the San Tan Valley below and Superstition Mountains in the far distance. Watch for the sign "Hedgehog Trail". Take this trail to your right. The trail narrows here to single track and at times crosses sandy washes. Enjoy the small ups and downs of this as you wind your way through the lower Sonoran desert. Great views are afforded during this section of the San Tan Mountains. Hike .9 miles and you will come to another fork linking back up with the San Tan Trail. Take the trail to the right and head Northwest. The trail begins to descend a bit at this point and you will soon have a far distant view of downtown Phoenix on a clear day. Hike this section for 2 miles and watch for the Moonlight Trail fork. This last section is 1.3 miles and takes you back to the visitor center. The kids love this last section of trail. The trail is wide and dips up and down into small arroyos like a mini roller coaster ride. The kids love running down these steep hills. San Tan Mountain park is a great park filled with sharp desert peaks dotted with Saguaros. You won't be disappointed in taking part of a day to spend in this park.
Highlighted Loop Trail:
Length: 4.1 miles, loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Kids: Highly recommended for any age
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours depending on age of kids
Fee:$6.00 entrance fee
Guides: Maricopa County Parks Website
Directions: From central Phoenix, take I-10 east to US 60 east. Exit Ellsworth Road south to Hunt Highway. Travel east on Hunt Highway to Thompson Road south. Turn west on Phillips Road to the San Tan Mountain Regional Park entrance.