Quartz Trail

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

This trail begins on the back side of the Go John Trail and ends at the Slate Trail. It can be ridden in both directions. The route beginning at the Slate Trail is more gentle, the route from Go John features steep climbs on Go John before getting to the Quartz Trail junction. It's ridden from the Go John side in the annual Cave Creek Cactus Classic mountain bike race and steep climbs at the end of the race are a big challenge for competitors.

Large outcrops of solid quartz along the trail give the trail its name. If you ride in the late afternoon you can often glimpse small herds of mule deer in the draws. From the top of the trail you can see large areas of the far north Phoenix metro, area and on a clear day you can see the Four Peaks wilderness area about 70 miles to the east.

The trail is well engineered with good drainage with little exposure. It's very popular with hikers and equestrians on cool weekends so be careful of trail users.