Treasure Loop Trail

Located about 40 miles east of Phoenix right off AZ-88 E/N Apache Trail.

The initial trail begins at an elevation of 2000 feet within the Sonoran Desert. The trail can be accessed via the Cholla (northern side) Day-use Area or the Saguaro (southern) Day-use Area. Once you're on the trail you will notice that Treasure Loop is a very easy-to-follow trail and it's very well maintained. I would suggest staying on the trails because you may become a casualty of the Jumping Cholla cactus. These suckers are attracted to static so if you don't see one on the ground and happen to walk by, they will "attack" on you. (Pliers have to be used in order to yank them out.)

While on the trail you will elevate roughly 460 feet. I found myself turning around every five minutes or so and checking out the view behind me. All of the Superstition wilderness and the Tonto Forest in the background are so appealing to the human eye; you won't want to miss them. After you get to the summit you will find a picnic table and bench where you can sit back and lookout the valley. In my opinion, this is primarily the most beautiful during sunset.

When you're ready to descend you will find it easy to hike but I always suggest using trekking poles. If you decided to go for a sunset hike and don't descend before the second sunset, bring a flashlight. It gets pretty dark out on the trail.