Hikes/United States/Arizona/Tonto National Forest

Massacre Grounds and Wind Gap Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-4h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
9.7 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
347 m
User Ratings
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The Massacre Grounds and Wind Gap Trail leads you through an area once defined by Arizona’s gold rush. While its storied boom and bust past is fascinating, it draws hikers for its natural beauty above all else. With the Superstition Mountains spread before you on this route, you’ll be able to appreciate Arizona’s desert scenery as it climbs towards the base of the mountains ahead. This route is family-friendly and dog-friendly (leashed). It can get very hot out here, so take advantage of the fountains at the trailhead and fill up your bottles before setting out.

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Route Description for Massacre Grounds and Wind Gap Trail

Massacre Grounds and Wind Gap Trail is a beautiful desert scene underneath Peak 5024 in the Tonto National Forest. On this route, you’ll get awesome views without needing to do much climbing at all. This area has a rich gold mining history and is famed for the Lost Dutchman’s buried treasure. While we can’t guarantee you’ll strike gold here, you will love this scenic, family-friendly hike through a region previously caught up in the gold rush.

As with all hikes in Central Arizona, it can get extremely hot on this route. We don’t recommend trying this hike between June and September and we always recommend bringing more water than you think you’ll need. Bring water for dogs, too. Wear sunscreen and don a hat to keep cool.

From the trailhead, take Massacre Falls Trail as it cruises through the desert and between interesting rock formations. The route climbs up to the base of Peak 5024 to Massacre Falls before returning to the trailhead on the same path.

Getting to the Massacre Grounds and Wind Gap Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for the Massacre Grounds and Wind Gap Trail is on Forest Road 78.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    October-May

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

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Massacre Grounds and Wind Gap Trail Reviews

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