SLATE �QUARTZ-GO JOHN LOOP
SLATE �QUARTZ-GO JOHN LOOP
Cave Creek Regional Park
The site of Cave Creek Regional Park has a storied history.
Before there were hiking trails, campgrounds
and picnic ramadas, the park and its surroundings were used by the ancient Hohokam
people, mine operations, farms and ranches. The park�s relics of human endeavors are transient
compared to its geological features. Although
the 2,922-acre site has been picked over by prospectors in search of gold
deposits that never quite materialized, the peaks, gullies and bizarre curiosities
borne of earth�s disruptive forces remain basically unchanged since before
humans arrived.
Taking a moderate-rated
loop stroll on the Slate, Quartz and Go John trails reveals a wonderland of
rock while staying (mostly) away from the park�s busiest routes.
Slate Trail departs from a paved parking area with
restrooms, heading east on an easy-to-follow, wash-addled tread. During the first
stretch, minor outcroppings of vertical-tilted metamorphic rocks �the �slate��begin
to pop up along the trail. Then, just beyond the half-mile point, the scaly gray
slabs take center stage. The outcroppings balloon in size running amok
on and around the route. Patches of
Palo verde and ironwood trees provide a little shade, but mostly, this hike is
open to the sky.
The fin-like rocks form a scrub board surface littered
with chunks of milky quartz and blood-red jasper. Some formations jut skyward
in shark fin style while others lean in stony waves with tiny cacti sprouting
from cracks where splits in the decomposing rock harbor just enough moisture to
nurse plants to viability. At the 0.6-mile point, head north on the Quartz
Trail for a walk past a gigantic mound of white stone that stands near a bend
where a crack in the hilly terrain reveals views of mountains on the western
horizon.
This 1.4-mile section follows the
contours of several small peaks before it connects with Go John Trail for the return
trip. Go John is the longest and most heavily-used trail in the system. Park trails
are also used by a nearby horse outfitter that offers guided rides and the
swooping, undulating nature of Go John makes it a popular choice for mountain
bikers. So, keep an eye out for speeding
bikes and plodding equine parades. Hikers should always yield to horse traffic
by stepping off the trail and following the directions of the riders. From the Quartz-Go John junction, head left,
continue 0.9-mile to the Jasper Trail, turn left and hike 0.4 mile back to the trailhead, enjoying the scattered gems and crunchy slate underfoot.
LENGTH: 3.2-mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 2060 - 2300 feet
GETTING THERE:
From Carefree Highway in Cave Creek, go 1.5 miles north on
32nd Street to the park entrance. Follow the main road past the visitor
center and park at the Slate Trailhead.
INFO & MAP:
Cave Creek Regional Park
 |
| Slate Trail |
The site of Cave Creek Regional Park has a storied history.
 |
| Cactus sprouts |
Before there were hiking trails, campgrounds
and picnic ramadas, the park and its surroundings were used by the ancient Hohokam
people, mine operations, farms and ranches. The park�s relics of human endeavors are transient
compared to its geological features. Although
the 2,922-acre site has been picked over by prospectors in search of gold
deposits that never quite materialized, the peaks, gullies and bizarre curiosities
borne of earth�s disruptive forces remain basically unchanged since before
humans arrived.
 |
| Jasper and Quartz |
Taking a moderate-rated
loop stroll on the Slate, Quartz and Go John trails reveals a wonderland of
rock while staying (mostly) away from the park�s busiest routes.
Slate Trail departs from a paved parking area with
restrooms, heading east on an easy-to-follow, wash-addled tread. During the first
stretch, minor outcroppings of vertical-tilted metamorphic rocks �the �slate��begin
to pop up along the trail. Then, just beyond the half-mile point, the scaly gray
slabs take center stage. The outcroppings balloon in size running amok
on and around the route. Patches of
Palo verde and ironwood trees provide a little shade, but mostly, this hike is
open to the sky.
The fin-like rocks form a scrub board surface littered
with chunks of milky quartz and blood-red jasper. Some formations jut skyward
in shark fin style while others lean in stony waves with tiny cacti sprouting
from cracks where splits in the decomposing rock harbor just enough moisture to
nurse plants to viability. At the 0.6-mile point, head north on the Quartz
Trail for a walk past a gigantic mound of white stone that stands near a bend
where a crack in the hilly terrain reveals views of mountains on the western
horizon.
This 1.4-mile section follows the
contours of several small peaks before it connects with Go John Trail for the return
trip. Go John is the longest and most heavily-used trail in the system. Park trails
are also used by a nearby horse outfitter that offers guided rides and the
swooping, undulating nature of Go John makes it a popular choice for mountain
bikers. So, keep an eye out for speeding
bikes and plodding equine parades. Hikers should always yield to horse traffic
by stepping off the trail and following the directions of the riders. From the Quartz-Go John junction, head left,
continue 0.9-mile to the Jasper Trail, turn left and hike 0.4 mile back to the trailhead, enjoying the scattered gems and crunchy slate underfoot.
 |
| Go John Trail |
 |
| Quartz Trail |
LENGTH: 3.2-mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 2060 - 2300 feet
GETTING THERE:
From Carefree Highway in Cave Creek, go 1.5 miles north on
32nd Street to the park entrance. Follow the main road past the visitor
center and park at the Slate Trailhead.
INFO & MAP:
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