Gold Ridge Trail
The Gold Ridge Trail is a bit of a hidden gem. This route in the Tonto National Forest near Payson is almost 19.3 km long and rated as hard. For that work, you’ll find an awesome view of the surrounding mountains from the top. For a remote trail, it’s quite well-maintained and well-signed, making the hike quite enjoyable. There are also dispersed campsites along the trail if you want to make a multi-day trip out of the trail. Bring lots of water and prepare for a fantastic day out!
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Route Description for Gold Ridge Trail
The Gold Ridge Trail is a real treat, with wide-open views and little traffic. For a route that gets so few hikers, it’s remarkably well-maintained and well signed, so the trek out is more enjoyable than you might expect. It’s a hard hike with a solid elevation profile, so bring more water than you think you’ll need and avoid hiking this route in the heat of summer.
There are dispersed camping sites along this route you can use to make a multi-day trip out of this route.
From the trailhead, set out and immediately keep left onto Gold Ridge Trail #47. Go through the gate a mile and a half in. The steepest section of the trail occurs between 2.7 km and 4.5 km, but be prepared to still feel like you’re climbing outside of those points, too. You’ll hike through grasslands initially, then into a burn area from many years ago. Continue through a corridor of manzanita and chaparral.
The trail relaxes a bit near the top, where you can truly appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. From the turnaround point, you’ll retrace your steps to the trailhead.
Getting to the Gold Ridge Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Gold Ridge Trail is near the junction of routes 87 and 188.
Route Information
Gold Ridge Trail Elevation Graph
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