Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Meridian Mystery Trail Day Hike
| when |
Trip Report :
January 11, 2014
|
| where |
Goldfield Mountains |
| the hike |
It branches off the Bulldog Saddle Trail, meanders eastward for about a mile
and a half through the rolling foothills of the southern Goldfields.
Interesting rock formations, with awesome views of the Superstitions,
Goldfields, and all around.
After hiking out and back on the Meridian Mystery Trail, you’ll
have several options for completing the hike.
Those who choose the same option should ride together, since you will be
returning to Meridian Trailhead at different times.
| option |
miles |
EC |
description |
| (1) |
3 |
+-300' |
Walk back to Meridian Trailhead. |
| (2) |
6 |
+-500' |
Continue with the Cat Peaks Loop. |
| (3) |
9 |
+-1560' |
Continue, partly off trail, to the Peak 3004 Loop. |
Trails in Usery Mountain Park are described on pages 178-189 of
Day Hikes and Trail Rides in and Around Phoenix, (2nd. ed.)
by Roger and Ethel Freeman, with a map on page 277.
The Peak 3004 Loop is described on pages 25-26 of
Goldfield Mountain Hikes
by Ted Tenny, with a map on page 154.
|
| distance |
3 to 9 miles, depending on which option you choose |
| time |
2-6 hours |
| EC |
+-300' to +-1600' elevation change,
depending on which option you choose |
| elevations |
1884' (wash) to 2631' (pass) |
| type |
round trip or figure-6 |
| starting at |
| Meridian Trailhead |
33° 27.957' N, 111° 34.812' W [NAD27]
|
|
| on trail |
100% (options 1, 2) or 60% (option 3) |
| rating |
"D", "C", or "B-",
depending on which option you choose
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs allowed |
no |
| cost |
Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
| weather |
Apache Junction |
| meet |
8:00 AM at
Red Mountain Park located at 7745 E. Brown Rd. in
Mesa (south side of Brown Road east of Power Road).
Directions from the Red Mountain Freeway (Loop 202):
| • |
Exit 26 (Brown Road). |
| • |
Go west on Brown a half mile to the light at Sterling Dr. |
| • |
Turn left (south) at Sterling into the park.
Then take the first left into the Palo Brea parking lot.
|
|
| drive |
| • |
Go east on Brown Road to Meridian. |
| • |
Turn left and go north on Meridian until it dead-ends at the trailhead.
|
|