Moderate: Goldfield Arches

About this event

Moderate hike: Goldfield Arches Hike Distance: 6 miles (balloon) AEG: 800 ft. Trailhead: Bulldog Canyon OHV - Hackamore Gate, N Hackamore Rd, Apache Junction Trailhead Elevation: 2,085 ft Driving Distance: 36 miles one-way Driver's fee: $6 Trailhead facilities: None. Stop at QT on Idaho Rd for restrooms MEETUP: 7:30 AM at Cottonwood Flagpole parking lot for 7:45 departure Description: This is a very scenic hike, new to the club, in the Goldfield Mountains of Tonto National Forest. From the trailhead at the Bulldog Canyon OHV parking area, we start this hike on a rough dirt roadway for about 1.3 miles with nice views of the mountains. The next 1.5 miles is on a trail not well-defined, but marked with cairns through typical, rocky, desert terrain, including down and up a few washes. Our effort is rewarded as we approach the ridge of yellowish rhyolite where the arch is located. In addition, on the same ridge, there is a smaller, second arch, perpendicular to the large arch, which we can also view. Returning, we re-trace our steps back to the junction with Trail 309 which we use instead of the dirt roadway to return to the parking lot, enjoying great views of the Flatiron and Weaver’s Needle.

NOTES : From Apache Trail (Rt. 88), Hackamore Rd. runs about 1.6 miles to the trailhead parking lot. The first 1/2 mile is paved. The remainder of Hackamore Rd. is dirt with many potholes. Please drive slowly and carefully! On the prehike, the trails were not too overgrown and brushy, but they may be by our hike date, so you may want to wear pants instead of shorts.

Hike Leaders: Henry Silberblatt & Diane Alessi

Directions to TH: Google Maps "Bulldog Canyon - Hackamore Gate" Take desired route to 202E. Continue on 202E to 60E. Take Exit 196, turning left onto S Idaho Rd/88E. Continue on Idaho Rd and turn right onto N Apache Trail (Hwy 88). After about 2.8 miles, turn left onto N Hackamore Rd and follow to end to park.

From Sun Lakes Hiking Club