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The newest trail in Cave Creek Park is a mountain biker's dream. Large outcrops of quartz rocks.


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Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.3

KM

Doubletrack

2,407' 734 m

High

2,114' 644 m

Low

70' 21 m

Up

299' 91 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

This trail is open to hikers and equestrian riders. Expect traffic in both directions and be prepared to yield appropriately.

Description

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.

Contacts

Shared By:

Michael Rigney

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 8 votes

#8357

Overall
  4.3 from 8 votes
5 Star
63%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
13%
Trail Rankings

#207

in Arizona

#8,357

Overall
6 Views Last Month
1,403 Since May 7, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate

25%
0%
63%
0%
13%
0%

Photos

Junction with Go John Trail. Make sure you turn left at this junction as the Go John Trail to the north is only for experts.
May 21, 2013 near Cave Creek, AZ
Junction of Quartz Trail and Slate Trail
May 14, 2013 near Cave Creek, AZ
Great Horned Owl nest in saguaro just off the trail.
May 21, 2013 near Cave Creek, AZ
Giant quartz outcrop (hence the name Quartz Trail).
May 21, 2013 near Cave Creek, AZ
View up the trail to the summit
May 21, 2013 near Cave Creek, AZ
Sun rising over the desert
Sep 4, 2014 near Cave Creek, AZ
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 32 days ago
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