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.
January 15, 2021Nice!!
January 4, 2021December 23, 2020December 22, 2020Beautiful! Lots of gradual elevation changes.
December 22, 2020December 20, 2020Easy loop. Might be more enjoyable on a mountain bike.
December 20, 2020great trek with tweens!
December 12, 2020November 30, 2020Loved this trail! Perfect amount of ups and downs...beautiful scenery all around for the entire hike. Definitely hike Counterclockwise! Lot of acreage on backside are burnt from this years fire. Sad...but appears to be coming back.
November 26, 2020Very well marked trail, great hills with some flat areas. A must for
October 24, 2020Hiked 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.
July 25, 2020Much 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.
July 16, 2020May 11, 2020April 6, 2020Great hike, decent workout. Ran into a large rattlesnake hanging out in a bush. Rocky in areas.
March 23, 2020This 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
March 10, 2020This 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!
February 29, 2020Beautiful panoramic views and lush greenery from the recent rains. Blooms are just starting, including poppies, Blue Dicks, lupines, and others.
November 18, 2019Nice scenic views
March 25, 2019Absolutely 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.
January 30, 2019This is a nice hike to do in the cooler months. Some parts of the trail become very rocky and are harder to navigate. We think this is why it is rated as moderate. There are beautiful views at the higher elevations. Overall it’s a good loop to hike.
April 1, 2018Went late morning on a Saturday, and even though there wasn't a whole lot of parking available I didn't come across a lot of people on the trail. Only encountered one biker. My dog loved it and we saw a Gila monster!
March 29, 2018Great 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.
February 1, 2018November 25, 2017Nice desert hike with good views to the mountains north. Mountain bikers on trail.
March 26, 2017Great hike. I'd recommend going clockwise.
March 26, 2017Good Hike. Lot of poop though.
December 31, 2016Have hiked and MtBike this loop many times ! awesome views love it a good workout all around challenging
