Go John-Quartz-Slate Loop is a 6.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Cave Creek, Arizona that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, horses, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Great easy loop with one of a kind views of giant Quartz rock. Great Desert Scenery and make sure you take plenty of water. If you are looking for a longer but easy loop, this is an easy loop to hike inside the Cave Creek Park. Be aware that there is an entrance fee (per Car) to get into the Park. There is no water and very little shade, so make sure you go prepared.
Cave Creek Regional Park has excellent facilities, lots of Car Parks, visitor center and store, restrooms, ramadas, BBQs and play areas.
Carefree Highway a few miles from Cave Creek Road.
Hiked this counter clockwise and it was just enough, with the length, to feel like a great little workout. Not super strenuous but also not just an easy ramble. Arrived at 615 for a beautiful sunrise.
Much of the section of this hike that follows the Go John trail was heavily impacted by a fire in April 2020. Significant damage to cactus and trees. Interesting to see but reduces the visual variety of the hike.
Great hike, decent workout. Ran into a large rattlesnake hanging out in a bush. Rocky in areas.
This was a really nice easy trail! the views were great for an easy 7+ mile hike. there is a $7 entry fee to the park
This is a lovely trail. We took a variation of this going from slate trail to quartz trail to a small portion of go John trail and then the shortcut on Jasper trail back to slate trail... about 6 miles total. I think our favorite part was the quartz trail region, as the rocks were just so pretty. You truly feel like you are out away from everything once you get a little ways in... no views of cars or road noise at all. There are also many lovely benches along the way to stop and take in the views and not too many tough climbs... pretty nice and flat for the most part. The wildflowers were out on March 1st, 2020, and this quickly became one of our favorite hikes. Highly recommend!
Beautiful panoramic views and lush greenery from the recent rains. Blooms are just starting, including poppies, Blue Dicks, lupines, and others.
Absolutely fabulous running. Started at 7 am and saw three other people on my loop. In late March there were amazing wildflowers and views. Nice and cool. Good firm sandy trail with only a few rocky/scree section. Start going up the Go John trail to get the elevation out of the way early then enjoy the rest of the cruise. As the bench at the top of Quartz trail says ‘a morning walk is a blessing for the whole day’. Yep.
Great views with some elevation, but not challenging. There's a beautiful quartz outcropping on, of course, the Quartz Trail section. Quartz and Slate sections have several benches. There are restrooms, picnic areas, and a Nature Center. There is a water faucet at Go John trail head.