MOONLIGHT-STARGAZER-SAN TAN-HEDGEHOG LOOP
San Tan Mountain Regional Park
I'm keeping this one on my list to re-visit during spring
wildflower season. That's because by then, the ironwood trees lining the park's numerous washes will be laden
with pink, pea-like blooms and the now-dormant strawberry hedgehog cactuses
will be dressed up in fragrant, fusha-colored blossoms. But, right now, our cool winter weather makes hiking
this open-to-the-sky (shadeless) trail system a real treat. With a soft treadway and enough
directional signage to keep even novice hikers on track, this loop is just
right for a quick outing with kids or even non-hiker (our winter visitor) types.
Also--as their names suggest--the Moonlight and Stargazer
trails offer front row quality night sky viewing. In fact, there's a ranger-led full moon hike coming up on
December 28th starting at 7 p.m. (moonrise that day is 6:06 p.m.). FULL MOON
HIKE INFO: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan/EventsDetailPublishers.aspx?EventID=18705
DIRECTIONS FOR LOOP DESCRIBED HERE:
In case you don't get a free map from the visitor center or trailhead kiosk: From the main trailhead, begin
on Moonlight Trail (ML), hike 1.2 miles to the San Tan Trail (SA). Turn left (south and hike 1.5 miles to
the Hedgehog Trail (HG). Turn left
(north) and continue 1 mile to SA, turn left and go 0.3 mile to Stargazer
Trail. Turn left hike 0.8 mile to
ML, turn right and hike 0.7 mile back to teh trailhead.
LENGTH: 5.5
mile loop
RATING:
moderate
ELEVATION:
1400'-1600'
FEE: $6 daily fee per vehicle
PARK HOURS: Sunday- Thursday: 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. , Friday-Saturday:
6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
PETS: leashed pets allowed
FACILITIES: restrooms, water, visitor center, wildlife
exhibit, tortoise habitat, ranger-led activities
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, travel east on US 60 to Ellsworth Road exit
191. Follow Ellsworth 13.6 miles south (Ellsworth
turns into Hunt Highway at about the 12 mile point) to Thompson Road (traffic light), turn
right (south) and go 2.1 miles to
Phillips Road. Turn right and continue 1 mile to the park entrance.
INFO: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation: San Tan
Mountain Regional Park, 480-655-5554
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