Go John-Quartz-Slate Loop is a 6.8 mile lightly 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, trail running, horses, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
hiking
horseback riding
mountain biking
running
views
wildlife
rocky
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.
Nick Kaschak recorded Go John-Quartz-Slate Loop
Nice scenic views
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.
This 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.
Went 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!
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.
Nice desert hike with good views to the mountains north. Mountain bikers on trail.
Great hike. I'd recommend going clockwise.
Good Hike. Lot of poop though.
Have hiked and MtBike this loop many times ! awesome views love it a good workout all around challenging
Outstanding!!! This is one of my favorite hikes. It has a little of everything: hills, challenging terrain, flat places, and GORGEOUS scenery. It is and will be one of my favorites!!
Great trail. The first section of the Go John (hiking clockwise) has a pretty steady incline, definitely get some heart rates up. But the pass onto the Quartz Train and on is nice and easy and overall was a very peaceful and enjoyable hike. Trails well maintained and well marked and facilities are clean and easy to access. A great hike close to town!
Kelly O.
Great Add-On to Go John Trail. Spectacular abundant Quartz all around!
Great trail, easy with a few spots that are moderate. Depending on direction it can give you a different challenge. During the spring, expect lots of house poop on the path from the trail rides.
Chris S.
This hike has grand desert views, moderate elevation changes and lots of areas that makes the hiker believe that he's the only person on the trail. If one is looking for some time to contemplate life's events, then this is a good hike. If the hiker is relatively new and looking to get the hiking legs in shape, this is a good hike. The most fascinating thing about this loop is that each portion of the trail boasts something a bit different. On the Slate portion. large sheets of slate and jagged edges peak from the desert. Once the turn is made onto the Quartz Trail, it's a change to large pieces of quartz everywhere the eye looks. The intersection with the Go John trail to return to the parking lot brings a bit more rocky of a trail, but the promise is there of solitude.
This is a great easy loop in Cave Creek Park, that provides you with some unique views of Quartz Rock and stunning desert scenery. Although it is just over 3.5 miles, there is little elevation change, so not to strenuous. Make sure you have plenty of water, and there is little to no shade available on this hike. Great visitor center at Cave Creek Park, entrance fee was $6 per car. Highly Recommended.
This is a very easy Nature Trail connecting the Slate Trail and the Go John Trail. It has some nice signs showing some of the plants of the desert, and is just far away from the car park that you feel like you are deep in the desert.
