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Goldmine Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 379 Google reviews · Running trail in Queen Creek, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Goldmine Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Rugged hiking and mountain-biking area featuring multiple trails and a scenic overlook.
What runners say about Goldmine Trailhead
“The trail offers great views and an easy to moderate hike that is best enjoyed early in the morning, with plenty of dog owners out enjoying it too.”
This is a great place for a quick “hike”. There’s not a ton of hiking involved, really just a lot of walking and some uphill sections. If you come in from the Wagon Wheel side you will get a better workout with the steeper incline. The side from the ranger station is more gradual and easier.
Parking is Easy Peasy! $7 to park. I paid with cash. Unsure if they take credit cards. Better arrive before noon to avoid the crowds and get the trail to yourself Goldmine Trail is the most challenging and can be completed in an 1.5 hours. Hiked with my 11 year old and jogged some parts of the trail then walked.
Easy to access trailhead. Parking was nearly full when we arrived around 8:30am. Costs $7 to park, paid via cash in an envelope and tear off receipt to put on your dash. Took my two little kids, so we didn't make it too far down the trail today but did enjoy some of the remaining spring blooms.
Great trail, slightly challenging. Good views at the top. You have to pay if you park in there lot, its 7 dollars but it's worth it for the hike. Would recommend for a moderate not to lengthy hike.
Trail conditions & character
“A good trail, less busy than the main section of the park, you can start with the hardest part by hiking up Goldmine first then looping back around on Dynamite to the parking area.”
“I hiked up Goldmine with trekking poles which were a huge help with the loose gravel on bedrock on the steep section.”
“The trail offers great views and an easy to moderate hike that is best enjoyed early in the morning, with plenty of dog owners out enjoying it too.”
“The trail offers great views and an easy to moderate hike that is best enjoyed early in the morning, with plenty of dog owners out enjoying it too.”
“This brings you back to the trailhead and the end of your loop; five miles and about 800 feet of elevation gained over all trails - assume 2:45.”
“The trailhead has parking and some bathroom facilities and there's an admission fee for a car load or walk in (or you can buy an annual pass at the central parking lot).”
“Very easy hike for me, but older people were sliding/slipping because of the sandy and rocky incline.”
Plan your run at Goldmine Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemaricopacountyparks.net
- Phone+1 480-655-5554
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–8 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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