Home › Arizona › Queen Creek › San Tan Mountain Regional Park
San Tan Mountain Regional Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,553 Google reviews · Running trail in Queen Creek, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from San Tan Mountain Regional Park'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.
Over 10,000 acres of desert with hiking/biking trails & a visitor's center with wildlife exhibits.
What runners say about San Tan Mountain Regional Park
“Many miles of well maintained trails, and a nice nature center/gift shop for a regional park, with a few desert animals, local floral and fauna guides, and drinks and snacks.”
“The San Tan Mountains are not the most dramatic landscape in the area, but it is very representative of the Sonoran Desert, and there are many beautiful views.”
“All the trails are well marked and maintained.”
“The park offers a wonderful combination of natural beauty and accessible trails for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.”
This place is gorgeous! They did a great job of setting up a mix of flat and elevated trails. You can walk a short loop or go for a while. Parking is $7, but they offer season passes. Many dogs with respectful owners. Dogs are always on leashes and sensitive pups are pulled to the side to let you pass.
Many miles of well maintained trails, and a nice nature center/gift shop for a regional park, with a few desert animals, local floral and fauna guides, and drinks and snacks. The restrooms are well maintained and the staff is very friendly.
Great park, lots of easy short trails. Bring water and share the trail. The view from the top is worth the hike up, take your time. If you bring your dog please clean up after it. Pack it in, pack it out. If you listen to something while you hike or bike remember, the rest of it don't want to hear it.
Love this place to hike. Not overly crowded. Lots of different trails. Easy to add distance or difficulty because of the many junctions where trails intersect. Workers are always pleasant and helpful. Trails are maintained and marked. Every week I go and will continue to
Trail conditions & character
“The San Tan Mountains are not the most dramatic landscape in the area, but it is very representative of the Sonoran Desert, and there are many beautiful views.”
“New parking lot at Goldmine trailhead is finally open with bathrooms.”
“You can hike 2 miles or 15 miles, hills or flat, there is a hike for every level at this park.”
“The dynamite trail is easier and less steep, for the first few miles at least and offers some good mountain views.”
“New parking lot at Goldmine trailhead is finally open with bathrooms.”
“The park offers a wonderful combination of natural beauty and accessible trails for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.”
Plan your run at San Tan Mountain Regional Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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+1 602-506-2930
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Queen Creek
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Goldmine Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 379 reviews
Rugged hiking and mountain-biking area featuring multiple trails and a scenic overlook.
Rock Peak Wash Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
Sandy but easy trail boasting clear skies from which to observe the night sky, plus equine access.
Desert Mountain Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 649 reviews
This 29-acre park features 2 playgrounds, sports fields, sand volleyball courts & an amphitheater.
