Route Editor
Route Scout
Author Full Detail Guide Allow your senses to be tickled with the beauty of the surrounding landscape and potential for viewing wildflowers. The Moonlight Trail begins at the San Tan Trailhead near the Visitor Center and guides you along the base of a mountain located in the central valley of the park and connects to the San Tan Trail at the west end. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Moonlight Trail - San Tan MRP
Started a loop hike from Goldmine TH ,tried to beat the spring breakers and heat but still only a 0900 start. Lucky day ! Free parking at the trailhead as the container for the self pay envelopes was removed? Easy loop to keep a good pace, one rattlesnake off the San Tan trail, a few bikes, 1 horse and a number of hikers. Some lupine and poppies but not as plentiful as Usery Mountain Park.
2017-03-13 Daytripper
Moonlight Trail - San Tan MRP
Had time for a morning hike so kept it real close to reduce the drive time and allow more time outside. Actually saw more hikers and runners than bikers which was a pleasant surprise. With this hike I believe we have traveled all the trails in the park with the exception of .2 miles on the San Tan trail between the Hedgehog and Malpais Trails, which was an oversight on my part.
2016-04-30 hikerdw
Moonlight Trail - San Tan MRP
SanTan Moon Star Malpais Loop
I've never hiked in the park before and opted for the Rock Peak TH to avoid any crowds on this perfect day. Success! 3 cars! 
The Rock Peak and Malpais trails seem to be afterthoughts and generally follow sandy washes that are not pleasant. The other trails are the exact opposite. Perfect for trail running, mountain biking, or putting! I think they rake them daily!
Tons of saguaro down here and great views all around. Malpais is a scenic trail. This park would be 10x better if they built some trails that ascend some of the peaks. As it is they seem to try to avoid elevation gain whenever possible.
For some reason I put effort into getting back to watch some sportsing thing on TV. Reconsidering that decision now.](./dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
The Rock Peak and Malpais trails seem to be afterthoughts and generally follow sandy washes that are not pleasant. The other trails are the exact opposite. Perfect for trail running, mountain biking, or putting! I think they rake them daily!
Tons of saguaro down here and great views all around. Malpais is a scenic trail. This park would be 10x better if they built some trails that ascend some of the peaks. As it is they seem to try to avoid elevation gain whenever possible.
For some reason I put effort into getting back to watch some sportsing thing on TV. Reconsidering that decision now.
2016-01-24 chumley
