The Arizona Trailblazers teamed up with the Apache Junction Horse Rescue Corporation to raise money for neglected, abused, and unwanted horses. Almost 50 hikers and horse riders attended the charity event held at the Goldfield Ghost Town, located on the Mammoth Mine Road just east of Apache Junction near the Lost Dutchman State Park.

The settlement of Goldfield originated in 1892 when gold was discovered on a hill between the Superstitions and the Goldfield Mountains. At one time, the town of Goldfield had 50 working mines with a population of about 5000 people.

However, as with many other boomtowns founded during the Gold Rush, the gold mining business was short lived.

After a brief rebirth in 1921 (when the town was renamed Youngtown after George Young, the acting governor of the state), the gold vein dried up and the town became a ghost town.

In 1984, a ghost town enthusiast bought up property around the area and rebuilt the town into the tourist attraction that it is today.

Horses, riders, and hikers alike set out just west of the old ghost town. The hikers split into two groups and headed northeast; the horses went northwest. The Arizona Search and Rescue was on site in case of any unforeseen emergency.

The trail consisted of a dirt road which crossed two railroad tracks, then dipped down into a sandy wash.

The day was hot and the hikers found shade under the remains of an old shed, with convenient cement posts which made perfect seating for the hot and tired hikers.

The actual purpose of the posts was discussed but remains unclear.

The trail continued along the high road past a rusty old ore bucket, referred to as “the hopper.”

The first group of hikers climbed up an incline to check out some ruins, then looped back to meet up with the second group.

Although some of the scenery was best reserved for old mining enthusiasts, the hike offered a stunning view of the Superstitions Mountains.

One of the hike leaders pointed out several views, including Dome Mountain and the Massacre Grounds in the distance.

With temperatures climbing, it became clear that ideal hiking weather had not yet arrived.

The two groups were ready to reverse their tracks and get back to the Mammoth Saloon for some brew and an early lunch. The five mile hike was completed in just over two hours.

Hikers and horse riders met up and lunch was served outside on the back patio of the saloon with live music by Arizona country western singer Lee Alexander.

The event included T-shirt sales, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds from the fundraiser totaled $2000.

Thanks goes to all Trailblazers who supported this event, including the six hike leaders who volunteered their time. Thanks to Ted Tenny for the first five pictures.