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Meridian Mystery Trail, AZ

Guide 12 Triplogs  0 Topics
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Statistics
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Difficulty 0.5 of 5
Route Finding 2 of 5
Distance One Way 2.2 miles
Trailhead Elevation 1,940 feet
Elevation Gain 162 feet
Accumulated Gain 381 feet
Avg Time One Way 50 minutes
Kokopelli Seeds 3.47
 Backpack No
feature photo
Photos Viewed All MineFollowing
Inaugural Calculation on Button Tap!
24  2022-03-26
Ironwood Ridgeline and Four Goldfield Peaks
John10s
7  2022-02-12
Meridian Trail
markthurman53
8  2021-12-12 DarthStiller
5  2021-09-25 DarthStiller
12  2021-02-07
Four Goldfield Peaks
DixieFlyer
9  2020-12-05 DarthStiller
1  2019-05-27 DixieFlyer
16  2019-04-12
Peak 3108 Ridgeline Plus
DixieFlyer
Page 1,  2
Author
author avatar Guides 76
Routes 953
Photos 12,360
Trips 854 map ( 9,576 miles )
Age Male Gender
Location Fountain Hills, AZ
Associated Areas
list map done
Phoenix Region
Historical Weather
Trailhead Forecast
Radar Map
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Preferred Dec, Jan, Feb, Nov
Seasons   Autumn to Spring
Sun  5:19am - 7:28pm
Official Route
 
6 Alternative
 
 Water


Magical Meridian Mystery Tour
by DixieFlyer

 
Overview
The Meridian Mystery Trail meanders in an east-west direction for about 2 miles. It offers views of interesting rock formations and peaks and ridgelines in the southern Goldfields and the Superstitions.


History
Forest Service Maps once upon a time showed the Meridian Mystery Trail as Forest Road 3516.

Hike
To get to the Meridian Mystery Trail, from the Meridian Trailhead, go north on the Bulldog Saddle Trail for 0.1 miles, and the unsigned Meridian Mystery Trail branches off to the east (make a right turn). Although there is no sign at the junction, the Meridian Mystery Trail is well-groomed and easy to follow.


The mysterious thing about this trail is that it has no destination or end; instead, it merely peters out after a couple of miles. However, once the trail vanishes, a hiker could continue on an easy off-trail excursion for less than 1/2 mile and wind up on the Idaho Pass Trail, near Idaho Road.

A novice hiker might enjoy doing an out-and-back hike on this trail, especially in the springtime when wildflowers are blooming. More advanced hikers might find the trail useful as a springboard to access other areas in the Goldfield Mountains. For example, this guide's author has hiked on a portion of the Meridian Mystery as part of the Ironwood Ridgeline 3108 Loop.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2019-05-27 DixieFlyer

    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.

     Permit $$
    None


     Directions
    or
    or
     Road
    Paved - Car Okay

    To Meridian Trailhead
    Meridian Trailhead is located at the north terminus of Meridian Road between Mesa and Apache Junction.

    US60 to Signal Butte. Take Signal Butte north to University. East (right) onto University to Meridian. North (left) onto Meridian to the terminus. There is a small TH.

    or

    Exit 202 Loop at Brown Road and travel east on Brown Road for about 3.5 miles. From Brown Road (Lost Dutchman Rd), travel North on Meridian for two miles to the trailhead parking area at the end of the road.

    From PHX (I-10 & AZ-51) 34.1mi - 44 mins
    From TUC (Jct 1-10 & Grant) 119mi - 2hr 11mins
    From FLG (Jct I-17 & I-40) 176mi - 2hr 56mins
    page created by DixieFlyer on May 27 2019 4:13 pm
     90+° 8am - 6pm kills
    Avoid Heat Illness - stay cool
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