Parking Lot Connector Trail - Skyline RP, AZ

Overview
Connects all three parking areas at Skyline Regional Park. Include a portion of Quartz Mine Trail for a 1.15 mi loop. Off-trail hiking is not allowed in the park which is designated as a preserve. Elevation change is trivial.


Hike
This guide reads from the entrance parking. The official trail takes off to the left/west of parking, designated by a 4x4 steel post with pertinent trail details. Ironically it's a 210 ft connector to get to the trail.On the main trail, a right turn takes you 0.13 mi ( 686 ft ) to Quartz Mine Trail. A left is 0.2 mi to Discovery Point parking lot then 0.35 mi to the end which junctions the main parking lot and the beginning of Quartz Mine Trail.

The tread is a really nice mini bulldozed trail. If you are lucky a family might be grilling at a ramada passed near the end... smelled damn good!

Vegetation along trail includes brittlebush, creosote bush, occasional ironwood trees and ragweed. Nothing to justify a special trip, enough to ponder.

Views are nice. The pronounced mountain on the SE horizon is the northwest terminus of the Sierra Estrella Mountain Range.

Water Sources
No drinking water is available in the park.

Camping
Park trails are closed from sunrise to sunset. The park offers 7 rental options. 5 fifty ft parking stalls for RV's and car camping. 2 graded 12x12 ft tent pads. Each offers a picnic table, cooking grill, and fire ring.

Park Programs
Skyline Regional Park features several activities throughout the year. Full moon night hikes, yoga hikes, astrophotography workshops, and family-oriented campfire songs complete with a guitarist.

Synopsis
A relaxing low-key hike on a nice spring day. If you feel like letting go, sing through likely uncrowded sections.

2020-03-22 joebartels