Hike | Goldmine to Dynamite Trail – Arizona Hikers Guide

  • Length:  5 miles round trip
  • Trail Type: Loop
  • Trailhead Elevation:  2,027 ft.
  • Gain/Loss:  +693 ft.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Rating: 4/10
  • Solitude: Low
  • Season: Winter/Spring/Fall
  • Kid Friendly: Yes
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

This hike is an excellent workout. It’s a quick way to get out of the hustle and bustle of city life and take some time to enjoy nature in an urban environment.

Hike You can start at either direction. 1. Goldmine trail head, then connect to Dynamite trail.

2. Dynamite trail head, then connect to Goldmine trail.

We decided to start on the Goldmine trailhead first. I did this as a run with my cross country team, but it’d be perfectly lovely as a hike. At the start of the trail you will see several signs directing you to the desired trail. Take the one labeled “Goldmine Trail”. The hike then takes you through some sandy paths until you get to the base of the first hill. The path is very well marked up to this point. Start your ascent up to the top, make sure you move slowly because rocks beneath your feet are not stable and it’s very easy to strain an ankle, especially if you run the trail. One you reach the first saddle you have a beautiful view of the city on the right side and the park on your left. Continue until you reach the second saddle, you will see a bench here.

There’s a small mountain to the right where that you can hike to the top of to see even better views. If you wish to continue on the trail at this point you will need to go about 10 feet the right of the bench and start making your descent. You will continue until you reach the small grave site, this where Goldmine Trail ends. You can turn around and go back, or go up the hill onto Dynamite trail.

Once you are on dynamite trail you will wind around the mountain with slight increases in elevation. Once you have finished winding around the mountain and reach a second bench, you will begin descending again for the last time. The rest of the trail is relatively flat; keep track of the signs so you don’t get onto another trail. You will take Dynamite trail until you see the sign for Goldmine, once you’re on Goldmine it will take you right back to where you started.

Directions:
From the Phoenix area, take US-60 East to the Ellsworth Road Exit. Go South on Ellsworth Road, which eventually turns into the Hunt Highway going East. Take the Hunt Highway, turning right onto Thompson Road. From Thompson Road, turn right on Phillips Road and park in the designated parking area. The turn-offs to Thompson Road and Phillips Road are both signed for the San Tan Mountain Regional Park.

I’m not really one for paying to be outdoors so I was a little turned off from the start (I get why we pay, I just don’t like it). The hike itself was pretty nice. It was challenging but still doable. The views were pretty and few people complete this as a loop so there was some solitude. The hike is best suitable for someone who wants a good workout or someone looking for a quick getaway.

I still recommend this hike for families but only to the second saddle and not as a loop. Also, remember that this trail is exposed to the sun. We went during the end of September in the a.m. and it was still brutal. The hike is best taken during winter or spring.

  • Bring water (at least 2 liters)
  • Make sure to have sun protection as this trail is exposed to the sun the entire length of the hike
  • Wear quality shoes. The trail is rocky and uphill
  • Fee of $6 per vehicle (as of 09/2015)

Let me know in the comments below and I will do my best to do a personal write up about it! Your comments and feedback are appreciated and taken seriously.