I wasn't looking to travel too far on Columbus Day so I did this as an easy hike close to home. I chose to access the trail from the Goldmine Trailhead. It's $2 to park, although I noticed the other vehicles didn't have a pass on their dashboard.

In the early morning the first part of this trail is shaded. I got to the saddle and had breakfast at a high point overlooking Queen Creek to the northeast and the Central Valley to the northwest.

The visitors center is small with some reptile tanks and a nice memorial to Arizonans who have lost their lives serving their country. Return trip was pleasantly quiet.

Easy hike with nice views of the Valley!