Plan Your Visit to San Tan Mountain Regional Park
Maricopa County’s regional park system welcomes thousands of visitors each year. With more than 120,000 acres across the park system, there are many opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Visiting a new park can sometimes feel overwhelming if you are unsure what is available. To help make your visit to San Tan Mountain Regional Park enjoyable and easy to plan, the sample itineraries below offer ideas based on how much time you have.
Visit Ideas by Time Available
Not sure where to start? Whether you have an hour or a full day, San Tan Mountain Regional Park offers a variety of ways to explore the Sonoran Desert. Use these sample itineraries to help plan your visit.
One to Two-Hour Visit
Short on time? You can still experience a lot.
- Stop by the Visitor Center
- Get oriented, meet park staff, explore the critter viewing area, and browse books, gifts, and essentials.
- Enjoy a picnic
- Relax under an ironwood tree at one of the park’s picnic areas.
- Join a ranger-led program
- Many interpretive programs are included with park entry. Check the events calendar for times.
- Take a short hike
- Littleleaf–Goldmine Loop (1.3 miles): Easy, mostly flat, and great for beginners or sunset views
- Moonlight–Stargazer–San Tan Loop (2.3 miles): A popular route with gentle elevation gain and scenic overlooks
- Looking for a quick challenge?
- Goldmine Trail (3 miles round-trip): A steep climb with rewarding views of the Valley. Expect loose rock and elevation gain near the summit.
Two to Three-Hour Visit
Explore deeper into the park with these moderate routes:
- Moonlight–San Tan–Hedgehog Loop (4.4 miles)
- A well-rounded hike with rolling terrain and views of Malpais Hills, Goldmine Mountain, and Rock Peak.
- Goldmine–San Tan–Moonlight Loop (3.6 miles)
- Scenic and moderately easy, with great sunset viewpoints and minimal elevation gain.
- Hedgehog–San Tan Loop (5.5 miles)
- A longer option with access to unique features like a crested saguaro and petroglyphs. Expect a mix of compact trail and sandy wash sections.
Three Hours
Ready for more of a challenge?
- Goldmine–Dynamite–San Tan–Moonlight Loop (7 miles)
- A strenuous route with significant elevation gain and sweeping views of the park and surrounding Valley. Best suited for hikers.
- San Tan Loop
- A great way to explore much of the park, including notable features like petroglyphs and crested saguaros. Moderate terrain with a mix of washes and compact trails.
Four to Five Hours
For experienced hikers looking for a longer adventure:
- Moonlight–San Tan–Malpais–Hedgehog Loop (9.2 miles)
- A more remote and scenic route, including a stretch along the Malpais Hills. Great for spotting wildlife such as javelina, coyotes, and birds of prey.
- Outer Loop (14 miles)
- Explore the full park experience across multiple trails. This route includes mountain climbs, sandy washes, and key features like petroglyphs and crested saguaros. Recommended for experienced users only.
Ranger Picks
Want to learn more about the Sonoran Desert? Join a ranger-led program and discover the plants, animals, and stories that make this landscape unique.
- Programs offered indoors and outdoors
- Options available daytime and evening
- Most programs included with park entry
Check the calendar of events for upcoming programs and times.