Hikes for Guests/Friends

Poston Butte is a great hike 1 mile round trip with 400 feet of elevation gain and it has a great view of the area from the top. It is only 4 miles from Anthem but is a bit stony. To get there take Hunt Highway south toward Florence. On the left is a hill with a big F on the side and a pyramid on top. You will see a place to park on the left side of the road. Go under the railroad track through the gate up the trail to the top.

Santan Mountain Regional Park is about 10-12 miles from Anthem. Go north on Hunt Highway and turn left at the light on Thompson Road. Go to Phillips Road and turn right into the park entrance. You will receive a trail map when you pay your entry fee of $7/car. There are many hikes to choose from. Phone 480-655-5554, website: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan/

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a lovely place to hike among large trees and a variety of desert flora. Take US 60 east toward Superior. You will see a sign on the right announcing the entrance to the Arboretum. Website: http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/

Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Mountain is a 3 miles hike, 600 feet elevation gain, leading to a waterfall, pools and cliffs with ancient petroglyphs scratched into the rock. It is a well-marked but rocky trail, so make sure your party has sturdy shoes. Drive north on Hwy. 79, turning west on Hwy. 60, then right onto Kings Ranch Road. Follow Kings Ranch, turning right onto Baseline, left on Mohican, left onto Valley View which becomes Whitetail Rd, and finally right onto Cloudview to the parking lot. Coordinates: N 33.389716 W-111.424745

Casa Grande National Monument is a great place to learn about the ancient people that farmed this area. The Monument is located in Coolidge on the corner of Route 87 and 287. Website: http://www.nps.gov/cagr/index