Rock House Trail • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Twin Arches

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 24 2026
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,837

Hiking	12.82 Miles	2,160 AEG

Hiking	12.82 Miles	6 Hrs 34 Mns	2.20 mph
	2,160 ft AEG	44 Mns Break

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6 linked trail guides

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partners

LindaAnn

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

linda and i have been talking about doing some hiking in the goldfields
she put together a track that included twin arches, palo verde arch and top hat
we set out from wolverine around 0630 or so
road walk for a couple miles, then off trail to the south approach for twin arches
@johnlp and i did this route ten years ago, and didn't care for the loose rock and scree
we didn't like it any better today
made our way up to both arches and found a much better descent to the east, eventually joining the road
linda should have a waypoint for the cairned use trail
took the road to the base of top hat and found a use trail up
each time i've taken a different ascent
slickrock with @tibber and @rayhuston, a use trail to palo verde arch with john, then up the ridgeline
this time we started up the west side on a steep trail
just below the summit block the footing became very loose
linda opted for going back down the use trail
i didn't want to go back down, so continued around the summit rock and eventually hooked up with the ridgeline trail at a small saddle
easy ascent from there and was able to spot linda just below
i don't recommend going up that way

we probably should have stayed together
met back up at the arch, dropping north to the wash
headed back on horse with no name, which is a very scenic trail
checked out the views from a fin ridge, then down to cottonwood wash
found the spring, then took the road back and finished with the blue ridge option
good hike aside from making things harder than necessary
fun to be back out in the goldfields and revisit some landmarks and trails
it's been awhile
thanks, linda

_____________________

hazhole

229621

Feb 24 2026

LindaAnn

Guides 112
Routes 2,440
Photos 9,563
Triplogs 2,791

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Twin Arches

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 24 2026
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,791

Hiking	12.80 Miles	2,263 AEG

Hiking	12.80 Miles	6 Hrs 35 Mns	2.13 mph
	2,263 ft AEG	34 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Partners

partners

trekkin_gecko

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Kelly and I pulled together some old tracks we’d each done over the years and decided to hit a few destinations in the Goldfields. Then, for unknown reasons, we decided to do it the dumbest way possible.

Met at the Wolverine gate at 0630 and walked in. First was Twin Arches. Our ascent route was awful, but we finally made it to the arches. Took a few pics up there, then headed down a much better route. Much much better. As soon as we got back to the road, I tripped over absolutely nothing and fell kind of hard. Despite my watch being convinced I was dead, I did survive.

We headed over towards Top Hat. On the way up, we both commented we didn’t remember the route looking like this. Sure enough, the correct route to Palo Verde Arch was below us to our left. Undeterred, we continued uphill on the west side of the summit. Very steep. At the base of the final cliff band, just below the summit, I decided any further ascending was a no from me. Kelly continued ahead to see if the route got any better. The last words I head from her were “this is bad” as she crawled uphill and around a corner disappearing from view. Five minutes later, she hadn’t reappeared. A couple minutes after that, I was starting to get concerned and took my phone out of airplane mode and started rehearsing what to tell rescuers if she didn’t make an appearance soon. Just as I was deciding whether to continue uphill into the unknown, or make a phone call, Kelly appeared above me at the summit. She said the route was bad, but doable. Nope. I told her I was heading back downhill to circle around to the correct trail to the arch and to meet me there.

We met at the arch, then continued on the rest of our planned hike. East on Horse with no Name, and explored around that area a bit—fun walking through the rocks and formations. Saw a turtle, or tortoise, I don’t know the difference. After that, we dropped down to Cottonwood Wash. We opted to skip Anniversary Arch and headed south on Cottonwood. Quick stop at the spring, which had plenty of water, but a little murky.

Some road walking over to Blue Ridge to finish out the hike. Good breeze most of the morning, but a little warm for the last mile. Not too bad though. Fun hike, and it was kind of entertaining to laugh at our mistakes as we reacted on the fly.

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Desert Tortoise

Wildflowers Observation Light

	Cottonwood Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Pool and springbox were full.

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

1 archive

229609

Jan 04 2026

Guides 27
Routes 711
Photos 12,617
Triplogs 895

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Rock House Trail

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 04 2026
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 895

Hiking	8.01 Miles	711 AEG

Hiking	8.01 Miles	3 Hrs 55 Mns	2.07 mph
	711 ft AEG	3 Mns Break

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none

no linked trail guides

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none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I started from the Bulldog Canyon TH and hiked FR10 to FR1356, and then took the wash west of the Top Hat until I hit 4 miles and turned around. Very red sky at the start.

Saw a couple 4WDers, no other hikers and no wildlife. Chilly to start just before 7am and then warm when I finished at 11. Very mild weather and the clouds kept the sun from getting too intense. Nice to get out on a Sunday for an easy hike. Still lots of green from recent rains.

_____________________

228531

May 11 2025

Guides 27
Routes 711
Photos 12,617
Triplogs 895

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 11 2025
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 895

Hiking	7.62 Miles	607 AEG

Hiking	7.62 Miles	3 Hrs 35 Mns	2.14 mph
	607 ft AEG	1 Min Break

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linked

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Started at Bulldog Canyon and hiked FR10 and 1356 (Rock House) to the Hope is Lost trail and hiked that out and back. Saw one 4WD driver on the way out and 2 dirt bikers on the way back. Hazy skies and not too hot. Got windy at times. No wildlife seen.

Hope is Lost is a nice wash to hike, more interesting than the road in. Wanted to hike further but didn't want to spend the time on a Sunday.

_____________________

223356

Jan 31 2025

wallyfrack

Routes 93
Photos 8,295
Triplogs 1,763

65 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Javelina Willow Springs Crossover

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 31 2025
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,763

Hiking	14.00 Miles	1,440 AEG

Hiking	14.00 Miles	6 Hrs 14 Mns	2.25 mph
	1,440 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

9 linked trail guides

Willow Springs Basin Trail

Rough N Ready - Willow Springs Crossover

Rough N Ready Canyon

Gold Link - Meridian Mystery Trail

Deer Tanks Trail

Partners

partners

Tortoise_Hiker

Denny and I had talked about a shuttle hike in the Goldfields from the Willow Spring trailhead to the Meridian trailhead years ago. I thought we could break it up into two or three hikes but Denny went all in like he was holding a pair of aces. I had a route with an option to hike over a ridge but the passes were about a mile farther north because of a second ridge we'd need to hike around so we opted for the southern route which was all on trail. We connection parts of 11 trails in 14 miles to make the trek. Part of the trails were roads and part were washes and sometimes the track we had used a wash but a trail was there. In the Goldfields most of the trails are not marked and some are marked occasionally so a having a track is very helpful. The weather cooperated and Denny keep going so we finished the entire route (included an extra mile looking for a pass) in good time. There is some interesting geology in the Goldfields so I guess they're okay. Thanks for the hike Denny.

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1 archive

220992

Jan 31 2025

Tortoise_Hiker

Guides 1
Routes 149
Photos 10,139
Triplogs 3,784

64 male

Joined Apr 02 2005
Mesa, AZ

Javelina Willow Springs Crossover

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 31 2025
		Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,784

Hiking	14.00 Miles	1,440 AEG

Hiking	14.00 Miles	6 Hrs 14 Mns	2.25 mph
	1,440 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

9 linked trail guides

Willow Springs Basin Trail

Rough N Ready - Willow Springs Crossover

Rough N Ready Canyon

Gold Link - Meridian Mystery Trail

Deer Tanks Trail

Partners

partners

wallyfrack

Wally and I dropped a car off at Meridian trail head and drove over to Willow to start our hike. Wally was nice enough to draw us up a route and some options. Hit the trail about 7:30. 1 shirt and shorts would have been good but I wore pants for some exploring.

Lots of cool rock formations and stuff to see. Only saw a hand full of people all day!
Weather and route were great and most trails were in good shape. Thanks for making it go so smoothly Wally. Like HAZ, you rock!!

_____________________

Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.

220991

Jan 04 2025

ScottHika

Guides 2
Routes 32
Photos 910
Triplogs 51

male

Joined Sep 19 2020
Phoenix

Top Hat Loop

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 04 2025
		ScottHika • Triplogs 51

Hiking	10.00 Miles	1,500 AEG

Hiking	10.00 Miles
	1,500 ft AEG

Linked

linked

Orohai Loop

Bulldog Cyn to Salt River

Partners

none

no partners

I was privileged to be invited on a Goldfields summit trip by a tough group of fast hikers. We arrived just before dawn to witness an amazing sunrise over Bulldog Canyon at Wolverine Gate. The usual ATV off-road gang had not arrived yet, so we began a dust-free morning with temperatures around 50 degrees. Our first target was the summit of Weeks Benchmark, locally known as Top Hat Hill. The nickname is fitting as it indeed resembles a top hat when approached. We expected some sort of lollipop or barbell loop back.

I had not been to either summit before. We took more-or-less the official Top Hat route, a clockwise loop from the west. There is a 1958 USCGS summit benchmark there, without an elevation mark, but it seems to be around 2520 feet. Some of us signed the summit register, grabbed some photos, and then quickly headed off in a northerly direction. Afterward, we took a short trip to “Palo Verde Arch,” which is also known as “Pedestal Arch” or “Picture Arch”—we weren't sure of the exact name. It's a beautiful arch with a small window at the bottom. Looks great from both sides. We made our way down the northern slope towards our next target, an obscure peak at 2531 feet.

The Goldfields have many similar peaks, making it a challenge to log them all, but it would be a big accomplishment to bag them all. Most of the terrain was grassy, not too overgrown, mostly stable, moderately sloped, and composed of volcanic tuff. No injuries or falls for the day, which was awesome. I did get a little turned around, so I need to spend more time there. Summit 2531 is less prominent than Top Hat but has a similar elevation. We had a snack, took more photos, and enjoyed some social time before the road walk back.

We crossed paths with one hiker and a slew of OHV enthusiasts. We made quick time over the well-maintained roads. It was somewhat dusty on the way back due to the vehicles, as expected. We went over the mountain on the way up and around it on the return. We walked up to the lot around noon, 10 miles later and slight 1500 ft. gains. The lot was packed, and trucks lined the road out. There was even a FS truck monitoring the entrance. It was another good day with a tight group and cool people.

Geology

Geology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Natural Arch

6 archives

220225

Feb 25 2024

Guides 27
Routes 711
Photos 12,617
Triplogs 895

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Rock House Trail

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 25 2024
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 895

Hiking	6.00 Miles	815 AEG

Hiking	6.00 Miles	2 Hrs 59 Mns	2.01 mph
	815 ft AEG

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none

no linked trail guides

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Went back to the Goldfields for another lazy Sunday morning hike. Started from the Bulldog/Wolverine entrance at the south end of FR10 and headed up FR1356 to where I saw a horse trail (308) that I hadn't hiked before. Hiked 308 until I covered everything I had not previously done and then started to explore another singletrack horse trail I hadn't done, which went up to Blue Ridge.

I hiked part of Blue Ridge and descended on the west side on a semi-road, probably for dirt bikes. It was very steep and had scree, but I was able to negotiate it successfully. That ended on a dirt road heading back towards 1356 when I noticed another single track. I took that, which took me back up to Blue Ridge on the north end of it, which I had never been on before. I really like Blue Ridge because the scenery up there is always nice. Just along the sides of the ridge is great, and then you get nice 360 views at the top.

Headed back down on the north end of Blue Ridge and took 1356 and 10 back to the trailhead. Only got 6 miles in, but did a little more climbing than I usually do for a Sunday hike. Cloudy skies kept the temps cool, but didn't help for picture taking. Saw no other hikers all day, but some 4WDs on the main roads on the way out. Nice to find more trails I still haven't hiked in this area.

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213417

Mar 26 2023

adilling

Guides 2
Routes 283
Photos 10,310
Triplogs 423

63 male

Joined Dec 02 2014
Mesa, AZ

Twin Arches

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 26 2023
		adilling • Triplogs 423

Hiking	1.55 Miles	445 AEG

Hiking	1.55 Miles
	445 ft AEG

Linked

linked

Partners

partners

DarthStiller

I had a longer hike in the eastern Supes worked up, but I had a party to attend later in the afternoon. Chris mentioned wanting to do a quick one in the Goldfields and we came up with a little loop covering some arches.

The air was crisp starting from the Hackamore Gate pre-dawn. No clouds, so it was a uneventful sunrise.
We opted to head to the Cyclops first and hiked up the a trail/wash area south of the Green Thumb. It was easy hiking along this area up to the FS1356. The Rock House Trail was a new one for me. A typical wash in the Goldfields. The hike up to the arch/window was a steep but short.

We hiked back the same way we came in and made our way to the Twin Arches "trail". The start of that was even harder than normal to find, but I've been here many times and knew the general direction. The cairned section on the other side of the wash was easy to follow, but it was the most over-grown I have ever seen it. So much vegetation out there right now.

The views up at the arches are really nice for sure. We made our way back to FS1356 and decided Top Hat and the Palo Verde Arch would be for another day as it was getting late.

A nice and easy 10 miler. Exercise, fresh air, sunshine and it's always good hiking with Chris. A good day out in the Goldfields.

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Sunburst

_____________________

"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."

instagram: @andydilling

205114

Mar 26 2023

Guides 27
Routes 711
Photos 12,617
Triplogs 895

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Twin Arches

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 26 2023
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 895

Hiking	10.56 Miles	1,248 AEG

Hiking	10.56 Miles	5 Hrs 18 Mns	2.06 mph
	1,248 ft AEG	11 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Idaho Trailhead to Cyclops

Packsaddle Trail

Partners

partners

adilling

Had to move my weekend hike to Sunday, so I wanted to do something close to home. Andy came up with a plan to hit the Cyclops, Twin Arches, and the arch by Top Hat. We did the first 2 and by then it was getting close to lunch time so I was ready for a belly full of food and a power nap.

The Cyclops was interesting. I almost went up there 2 years ago when it was still the Mask, but it was August and super hot, so I wasn't up for it. The peak above it has some really nice views. On our way down we found the actual trail, which I didn't know even existed. it wasn't really a bad bushwhack on the way up, especially considering how overgrown things are now with all the recent rains.

We had trouble finding the trail to Twin Arches at first, and that's because there is no trail that makes it out to FR1356. Once you cross the deep wash, the trail becomes visible and is easier to follow the further you go up. I suppose that's just as well to keep the traffic down. The views up there were phenomenal. Looking out around and even the formations and lichens on the rocks up there are really nice. We got under the eastern arch, but I didn't like how the rocks at the top of it look really loose and like they could fall at any second. I stayed away while Andy tried to step up on the pile of rocks to look through it to the city below.

We tried to take the most direct route back but got off track on the horse trails. Just as well, added a a little extra mileage and that never hurts. the weather and scenery cooperated making it pleasant to spend a little extra time out there. I saved the arch on Top Hat for another day, plenty out there to explore still.

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205089

Mar 17 2023

Yoder

Guides 8
Routes 70
Photos 3,208
Triplogs 273

60 male

Joined Oct 07 2017
Chandler, AZ

Idaho Trailhead to Cyclops

Idaho Trailhead to Cyclops

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 17 2023
		Yoder • Triplogs 273

Hiking	7.70 Miles	1,100 AEG

Hiking	7.70 Miles	3 Hrs 26 Mns		2.63 mph
	1,100 ft AEG	30 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

Linked

linked

Orohai Loop

[ checklist ] Arizona Bladderpod Arizona Lupine Arizona popcornflower Blackfoot Daisy Bladderpod Mustard Dichelostemma capitatum Chia Desert Rock Daisy Fairy Duster Mexican Gold Poppy Stinknet White Tackstem Woolly Daisy Yellow Primrose

Dome Mountain Loop

Partners

none

no partners

Loop consist of segements from the following trails:
1. Blue Ridge
2. Orohai Loop
3. Rock House Trail
4. Dome Mountain Loop
5. Idaho Trail to Cyclops
for a 7.7 mile loop

Wildflowers were quite nice especially in the Blue Ridge area.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Ash-Throated Flycatcher Black-Throated Sparrow Cactus Wren Coyote Curve-billed Thrasher Gambel's Quail White-Crowned Sparrow

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Mexican Gold Poppy, Lupin, Rock Daisy, Fringed Rock Daisy, Stinknet, Whilte Tackstem, Plains Blackfoot, lily, Bladdderpod, Feather Duster, Desert Lavender. Most abundant flowers in the Blue Ridge area.

_____________________

J. Yoder

204890

Mar 05 2023

00blackout

Routes 50
Photos 5,777
Triplogs 217

51 male

Joined Mar 14 2016
Gold Canyon, AZ

Dome Mountain 3381 - Goldfield Mtns

Dome Mountain 3381 - Goldfield Mtns

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 05 2023
		00blackout • Triplogs 217

Hiking	12.60 Miles	3,009 AEG

Hiking	12.60 Miles
	3,009 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

linked

Packsaddle Trail

Dome Mountain 3381 - Goldfield Mtns

Partners

partners

LindaAnn

It had been a little bit since Linda Ann and I had hiked together and years since I had been in the Goldfields, so she put together a nice 'flat' route for us yesterday. Started at the Bulldog Canyon Gate at 6am and hiked up the road for the initial part which was blah but was pretty quick. Then took the connector up to Dome Mountain. The trail started ascending gradually but got pretty steep the closer to the summit, but overall was in really great shape. Spent a few minutes on top of Dome, signed the register and headed back down to meetup with the connector that would take us up to peak 3134. Again, the there was a decently defined trail here along with cairns which made the going much easier. Found another register on top and after a few minutes we begin making our way over to 3089. This is where the trail ended; started with a steep bushwhack down to a saddle then up to peak 3089. From there the bushwhack continued down to a wash then a short bur fairly steep climb up to 3047. The views from all four of the peaks and the entire ridgeline were fantastic, well worth the effort. From the top of 3089 it was a slow bushwhack down and over to the Horse with No Name trail. Our original goal was to hike up to Top Hat, however, once we saw the Horse with No Name trail making it's way up a rock face we changed things up. Up and back down the Horse with No Name trail then over to Packsaddle with a quick stop at Cottonwood Spring, which was a cool setup. Continued on to the Rock House trail then over and up Blue Ridge before finally heading back to the TH. Finished with 12.6 miles with just over 3,000 AEG for the day hitting 4 peaks. Weather was a bit chilly to start, got a bit warm mid day but the wind and high clouds helped to keep the temps down. Thanks Linda for putting together this awesome route, there is definitely some additional hiking I want to do in the Goldfields.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] HAZ - Hike HAZard

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

Hiking is just walking where it’s okay to pee.

204508

Mar 05 2023

LindaAnn

Guides 112
Routes 2,440
Photos 9,563
Triplogs 2,791

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Goldfields sampler, AZ

Hiking		Mar 05 2023
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,791

Hiking	12.46 Miles	3,009 AEG

Hiking	12.46 Miles	9 Hrs 2 Mns	1.76 mph
	3,009 ft AEG	1 Hour 57 Mns Break

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Peak 3134 - Apache Junction Quad

Partners

partners

00blackout

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Put together sort of a random loop for today, with options to make adjustments. Jason and I got started from the Wolverine Gate at 0600. Cool to start, but no breeze made it nice. Lights for the first 20 minutes or so. The road walk is boring, but went by quickly. The sun rose as we left the road and took the trail up to the saddle.

From there, we headed over to Dome Mountain first, getting the highest peak of the day out of the way. Careful descent, the over to Peak 3134 on the Three Lesser Peaks route. After a break up there, we dropped off the south-southeast side of the peak and steeply descended to the southeast. Once over to a rocky ridge, the footing got much better, and we made our way to 3089. Great views from up there. Another descent, off the northeast side this time, and ascent up to 3047.

Came off the east side of that peak, to the saddle, then north down the drainage, which had some water. We stayed just on the east bank as we made our way down, then traversed east over towards the next big wash. The offtrail was slow, but not terrible. Original plan was to take the wash south, but we switched gears and headed southeast on Horse With No Name. This was a good choice, as the section we took was a lot of fun and had great views.

Dropped down into Cottonwood Wash, then south. Headed west on the road (Rock House trail), then south to Blue Ridge. Looked around there, then walked back to the parking lot. Great day & weather. Not too much traffic on the roads out there, and only saw a few hikers in the final mile or so. Good to hike with Jason again.

Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Lots of flowers along nearly the entire route.

	Cottonwood Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Spring and springbox were full of water.

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

204482

Apr 10 2022

mikemcg

Guides 2
Routes 130
Photos 1,513
Triplogs 132

male

Joined May 07 2019
Tempe, AZ

Goldfields: 3 peaks and 1 arch, AZ

Hiking		Apr 10 2022
		mikemcg • Triplogs 132

Hiking	12.19 Miles	2,392 AEG

Hiking	12.19 Miles	8 Hrs 39 Mns	1.78 mph
	2,392 ft AEG	1 Hour 48 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Orohai Wash

[ checklist ] Broad-tailed Hummingbird Desert Tortoise Gila Monster

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

The Three Lesser Peaks Trail looked like a nice, moderate route for a warm Sunday afternoon. We borrowed the route from @dixieflyer from 1/15/2020 to include a few arches.

We drove as far as my low-clearance vehicle could make it on FR 1356 before parking. The first couple miles were along the forest road. The turnoff onto the well-defined trail is marked by 2 large cairns but is still easy to miss if you're immersed in conversation and/or looking at the views. We looked for Elliptical Arch but didn't see it, so we headed for the peaks. There was a desert tortoise [ photo ] ambling across the trail as we ascended to the first peak. All 3 peaks were easy and quick to ascend but very very slow to descend due to all the loose rocks and bushwacking (and constant monitoring for snakes). There were more dense wildflowers and many hummingbirds as we reached the first peak. All 3 peaks had great views but the fencing on the 3rd peak diminished the views a bit.

We descended to the Horse With No Name Trail, which was very well-defined and easy, with excellent views. We encountered 2 separate Gila Monsters [ photo ] , about 1 mile apart, each one blocking the trail. The first hissed loudly and started running toward us, which was exciting. We went around each monster so they could continue getting their sun. We searched for the Overlook Arch but couldn't find it. We found the Kissing Turtles Arch after a little searching. It was smaller than expected but still very interesting. We then turned and looped back to the car.

Overall a beautiful day, temps in the 80s, a few clouds. Views were outstanding the entire way. Half of the wildflowers were past their peak but there were still many in full bloom. The music of the birds accompanied us the entire way. We saw 2 RAZRs early on but no other humans the rest of the day. It was cool to see some Gila monsters.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mariposa Lily

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

Geology

Geology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Natural Arch

Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Past their peak. Many are wilting, but many others still going strong.

6 archives

195688

May 08 2021

Guides 27
Routes 711
Photos 12,617
Triplogs 895

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 08 2021
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 895

Hiking	11.27 Miles	1,341 AEG

Hiking	11.27 Miles	5 Hrs 7 Mns	2.20 mph
	1,341 ft AEG

Linked

linked

Partners

none

no partners

My daughter was taking the SATs today and I had to pick her up at noon. The only good option was to hit the Goldfields since I drive right by the high school on the way there and back.

the weather was very cool for most of this hike. It got a little warm at the end, but not really hot. didn't even finish my bladder in the Camelbak. Saw no other hikers, bikers, or horse riders. There were a few dirt bikers who were buzzing the circuit of roads and that was about it.

I headed up FR1356 and took the Rock House Trail to the Hope is Lost Trail, then Horse With No Name to Cottonwood Wash. From there I hiked some of the single track unnamed biker/horse trails and then headed back to the Bulldog Canyon TH west of Blue Ridge, from where I started. didn't see any wildlife or anything else crazy. The scenery out in this area is really amazing, I never get tired of it. The Horse with No Name Trail probably has some of the best views this area has to offer. The hard tuft rock is easy to walk on and looks cool.

finished up in time to pick up my daughter after her SATs and headed back home for an afternoon of continue errands to run.

_____________________

186173

Feb 28 2021

mikemcg

Guides 2
Routes 130
Photos 1,513
Triplogs 132

male

Joined May 07 2019
Tempe, AZ

Goldfields - 4 arches and a cave, AZ

Hiking		Feb 28 2021
		mikemcg • Triplogs 132

Hiking	10.32 Miles	1,704 AEG

Hiking	10.32 Miles	8 Hrs 33 Mns	1.93 mph
	1,704 ft AEG	3 Hrs 12 Mns Break

Linked

linked

Partners

none

no partners

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

We borrowed the route described by @dixieflyer as "Top Hat and the Arches", but didn't get to the Top Hat part of it.

We started at the Bulldog Canyon OHV Gate, and began walking up the road. We left the road to ascend Peak 2685 and checked out the views, which were impressive, and worth the detour. We headed back to the road, then entered the wash and followed it to Mask Arch, which is partially collapsed. The remaining arch is really good for pictures and there are beautiful views all around.

We returned to the wash and headed to Pyroclastic Cave, which is barely noticeable from the outside, but really nice inside. We took a break from the sun, and played around at the arch near the cave.

Next we followed the wash east to a jeep road, which we exited north toward the Twin Arches. We chilled at the arches for a little bit and climbed around, then found a tiny trail back to the road. (We had gone off trail to reach the arches, but it was nice to return on the tiny trail). We had planned to ascend Top Hat, but took too many breaks and didn't have time, so we headed back to the car.

Overall it was a great day, with nice weather, excellent company, spectacular views, and no snakes.

Wildflowers Observation Light

192327

Mar 04 2020

markthurman53

Guides 187
Routes 1,026
Photos 12,535
Triplogs 907

72 male

Joined Jun 27 2015
Tucson, Arizona

Top Hat Horse with No Name Loop, AZ

Hiking		Mar 04 2020
		markthurman53 • Triplogs 907

Hiking	13.40 Miles	2,324 AEG

Hiking	13.40 Miles	7 Hrs 4 Mns		2.51 mph
	2,324 ft AEG	1 Hour 44 Mns Break	15 LBS Pack

Linked

6 linked trail guides

Cottonwood Spring - Goldfield Mtns

Packsaddle Trail

Peak 3134 - Apache Junction Quad

Partners

none

no partners

Took advantage of the sort of cool weather to do another couple days in the Goldfield Mountains. The first day I did a loop that included a portion of the Pack Saddle Trail (by Mistake), A portion of Rock House Trail, Top Hat, Horse With No Name and Cottonwood Wash. I think this is one of the more scenic hikes I have done in the Goldfields, much more than I expected. All the hiking was on trails with the exception of a part of the Top Hat. Drove in to within .4 miles of Cottonwood Wash along FR1356. I parked on top of a hill where it might require 4 WD to go further. I didn't feel like putting it in 4WD so I walked the rest of the way, after all this is suppose to be hiking not a test of my ability or the jeeps to maneuver steep rocky grades. The view from on top of the hill was good and also was a good place to eat breakfast and finish my coffee that I bought in Tucson.

I walked FR 1356 to the Cottonwood Wash crossing and checked my GPS as to which cross road to take. I headed out for about 15 minutes and checked my GPS because something didn't seam right, I took the Pack Saddle Trail (FR 3512) instead of the Rock House Trail. Back Tracked to the Rock House Trail (FR1356) and headed west. I guess I didn't have enough Coffee. Followed the Rock House Trail to Orohai Wash and then headed north to go to Top Hat Peak. There was water in pools along the the rocky sections of Orohai Wash and the dirt tank west of Top Hat. The hike up to what I believe is Palo Verde Arch was fairly easy and follows along a trail. I took the ridge from the arch to Top Hat but it appears there is a faint trail heading up to the peak from just below the arch on the west side (marked by a cairn). The faint trail is probably a more direct route because along the ridge you end up climbing a couple small peaks and heading back down a bit in between peaks, wasn't a big problem though. Great views from Top Hat.

From Top Hat I headed back down to Cottonwood Wash following a GPS route I down loaded. Didn't appear to be any trail but was easy enough. Once in Cottonwood Wash I headed down stream past Cottonwood Spring that had a trickle of water flowing. On my return trip past the spring I filled my canteen with water coming from a pipe. Wasn't very cool but it was wet. Gave my immune system something to work on, don't want it to forget what it's there for. I followed Cottonwood wash down to the the Horse With No Name Trail and went counterclockwise on the trail.

The Horse With No Name Trail in spite of the ridiculous name I thought was a fascinating trail. If I had to pick one trail that sums up the Goldfields I think it would be this one. Fairly easy trail through the Beige colored rocks and cliffs with the yellow tint from lichen and also sections through the dark volcanic rock that overlies the lighter Rhyolite. There are also magnificent stands of saguaros. This trail appears to have no destination at all, just goes in a couple of miles and then it's like the person who made the trail said far enough and returns along a wash to Cottonwood Wash. Maybe this trail should be called "a Trail with no destination". What ever you call it, it is scenic and well marked. No issues following this trail.

I took Cottonwood Wash back to where FR 3512 exits the wash (Pack Saddle Trail) and headed to FR 1356. Once at FR 1356 I decided to head down Cottonwood Wash to where the Pack Saddle Trail enters so I could Log the actual Cottonwood Wash route. It was still daylight and I wasn't anxious to get back to the jeep. I would like to write a guide for the Cottonwood Wash route and eventually the Pack Saddle Trail.

Great hike and not real strenuous. Weather is getting a bit warm but the slight breeze at times made it bearable. The flowers are in bloom (the usual ones) but I wouldn't say they were over abundant. Don't rush out here to see a magnificent display of flowers, at least not yet spring isn't even here yet.

Cottonwood Spring

Quart per minute

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173715

Jan 15 2020

DixieFlyer

Guides 100
Routes 1,602
Photos 16,619
Triplogs 1,495

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

Goldfields Dual Trifecta, AZ

Hiking		Jan 15 2020
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,495

Hiking	10.70 Miles	2,657 AEG

Hiking	10.70 Miles	7 Hrs 1 Min	1.98 mph
	2,657 ft AEG	1 Hour 37 Mns Break

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Orohai Wash