Go John trail (Cave Creek Recreational Area)
Click on photograph to enlarge
|
|
Total hiking distance covered (accurate to within 21 feet per the GPS) 5.76 Miles
Total time on trail 2hrs 38 minutes
Total hiking (moving) time on trail 2hrs 01 minutes
Average hiking speed 2.4 MPH
Maximum elevation 2,516 feet
Starting elevation 1,620 feet
We did a repeat hike of the trail on March 03, 2009 and things have changed. The initial steep grade to get started has been rerouted into switchbacks which are not so steep. They also avoid going past the mine adits. This change has added about 3/4 of a mile to the hike but the climb is easier. The entry fee has also changed to $6.00 per vehicle which is still a real inexpensive day.
Where the Go John Trail is a far easier trail than most of the trails in the desert foothills, it is also one of the most spectacular for the scenery. The trail lies within the boundaries of the Cave Creek Recreational Area which is north of Care Free Highway at the end of 32nd street. There is a $5.00 per vehicle charge for the use of the facilities, but is well worth the expense. The hike would not be a very good training hike for the Grand Canyon but again, the scenery is wonderful. There are both water and facilities at the trailhead but not out on the loop.
 |
 |
| The trailhead (going clockwise) | Shall we go? |
 |
 |
| Slow Down! | Great View |
The parking area at the trailhead is very adequate for quite a few vehicles. There are two Go John trail heads. The one to the left starts a clockwise (most difficult) loop, and the one about 100 yards to the right starts the counter clockwise loop. If you would like to add the Overton trail to the hike, you should do the loop in a counter clockwise direction. The Overton loop would add about 1.5 miles to the entire hike and still brings you out at the same trailhead. We opted to do the clockwise direction of the loop. All of the trails are very well marked and easy to navigate. As we started up the grade was very gentle.
 |
 |
| This is as steep as it gets | Watch the old mines |
 |
 |
| The desert in bloom | Are these three up to something? |
Very soon we came to the steepest portion of the trail. The dirt on that part of the trail is loose but footing isn't any problem. Over the summit there is a fenced in abandoned mine shaft. Although it is not very deep, it is very dangerous and care should be used if approaching the shaft. Since we hiked in March, some of the desert foliage was blooming and that made the hike even better.
 |
 |
| Most of the trail grade | Nice table setting |
 |
 |
| Ever feel like you are being watched? | Onward and upward |
 |
 |
| Could that be a golf course out here? | Come on Larry, you're slowing us down! |
 |
 |
| Whose turn is it to climb to the top? | Toward the East |
From that point the trail levels out and just goes gently up and down throughout the remainder of the hike. There are spectacular fields of quartz crystals in many areas of the area as well as some very large saguaro cacti. This is a hike that should be considered for anyone who would like to get away for a little while and just enjoy the beauty of the desert. There is some traffic on the trail but it is scarce enough that you can feel secluded most of the time. It was noted that the trail is a common horse riding trail and it must be remembered that horse traffic does have the right of way at all times. If horses are encountered it is the responsibility of the hiker to clear the trail and to remain quiet until the horses have passed.
 |
 |
| Have a cactus or two | Or another mine |
 |
 |
| Civilization | The loop is done |
Larry Wayt (gnhikn@cox.net)