Hike: Goldmine Trailhead to Goldmine & Dynamite Trails Loop – 4.3 miles moderate to difficult (in very short segments).
Hike leaders: Will & Melissa Carpenter
There are toilets at the trailhead. There are concrete picnic tables (no ramada) so bring a folding chair for the gathering afterward. It’s November so we expect the weather will be nice.
The Goldmine/Dynamite Trails are slightly challenging (steep and rocky) early on, but only for a half mile. That climb takes you to a beautiful saddle with great views. It’s gradual downhill or mostly level from there.
The trails within the San Tan Mountain Regional Park offer a unique perspective of the lower Sonoran Desert with wonderful wildlife, plant-life, and scenic mountain views. While much of this trail is relatively flat, the area offers many connected trails of different elevations making it a great training spot for nearby pilgrims and worth the drive for those wanting to see other parts of the Valley.
The hike leaders will provide Tortilla Española and juice. Participants should feel free to bring breakfast food to share if they feel so inclined.