Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Hedgehog-SanTan Loop Day Hike

when	Trip Report : April 24, 2021
where	San Tan Valley Regional Park
the hike	This will be an excellent introductory hike for those looking to start hiking or improve their hiking skills.     Along the way you will see an assortment of plant life that make up the Sonoran Desert, including Mesquite, Palo Verde, Ocotillo, Assorted Cholla, Fishhook Barrel Cactus, Prickly Pear Cactus and Saguaro Cactus. Animal Life is abundant as wel including: Coyotes, desert tortoises (in the nature area), a variety of lizards and snakes. Rabbits and rodents, and several species of bats (nocturnal). Birds include roadrunners, Gila woodpeckers, quail, and a variety of owls and hawks.     The hike begins with a leisurely stroll south along the broad road like San Tan Trail. After about one mile, we turn SSW onto the Hedgehog trail. After ½ mile of gentle upslope (~100' elevation gain) we reach a saddle through what the locals call “Middle Mountain”. Another ¼ mile and we reach our first stop for a breathtaking view of the Malpais Hills to the south.     After short descent, we meet up with the San Tan Trail and head west. We wind our way through the arroyos between Middle Mountain and the Malpais Hills for about 1½ miles eventually turning north. We head to the top of a rise where we will take another break and enjoy the view northwest towards Chandler.     We drop into a dry streambed and proceed north through a gap on the West side of Middle Mountain. We emerge at the terminus of the Moonlight Trail and continue north along the San Tan trail. After 1 mile, we pass the junction with the Dynamite Trail and continue East for ½ mile to the Goldmine Trail. Along the way, several old roads can clearly be seen on the back of the Goldmine Mountains. We turn south on the Goldmine Trail for 1 mile back to the trailhead.     Throughout the hike I will discuss equipment, including dressing for a hike and emergency equipment, and provide hiking hints on how to improve your technique, and regale you with personal tales, geology, history, and survival tips. Required: •  At least 3 liters of water •  Head covering •  Sunglasses •  Sunblock Recommended: •  Hiking poles •  Snacks •  Camera
distance	6 leisurely miles
time	3-4 hours
EC	<300' elevation change
elevations	1500' Trailhead, 1625' Hedgehog Saddle
type	loop
starting at	San Tan Regional Park 33.1679° N,  111.6359° W
on trail	100% — San Tan, Hedgehog, San Tan, Goldmine Trails
rating	"C"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	Vehicle entry fee $7.00 Day Use Maricopa County Parks Annual Pass $85 (Access to all 14 regional parks) The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Queen Creek
meet	7:30 AM at San Tan Regional Park parking lot.
drive	•  Take US 60 east. • Exit Ellsworth Road south to Hunt Highway. • Travel east on Hunt Highway to Thompson Road south. • Turn west on Phillips Road to the San Tan Mountain Regional Park entrance. The trailhead has nice restrooms available as well as a visitor/nature center/gift store. See the on-line map.

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updated April 26, 2021	© Copyright 2021, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.