- (480) 983-3454
- info@azsalt.org
- Mon - Fri: 9:00AM - 5PM
When families set out to hike the Lost Goldmine Trail today — weaving between saguaros, gazing up at the rugged cliffs of the Superstitions, and sharing moments in nature — it’s easy to forget that this access wasn’t always guaranteed. The eleven-mile multi-use trail that now connects Peralta Trailhead on the east to Lost Dutchman State Park near Apache Junction exists because of years of vision, collaboration, and grassroots effort. At the heart of that effort was SALT.
In the early 1990s, development in Pinal County was booming. Subdivisions crept closer to the foothills, and longtime hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers suddenly found themselves cut off from the trails they loved. Parking became scarce, informal access points were lost, and local residents bore the strain of congestion and sanitation issues. The need for a permanent solution — one that balanced growth with preservation — became urgent.
That’s when Pinal County turned to SALT. In 1993, county leaders approached our organization to co-sponsor a federal grant proposal that required backing from local nonprofits. SALT stepped up, lending both credibility and community trust to the effort.
Securing the trail corridor was no small feat. It took $350,000 to permanently lease the right-of-way from the Arizona State Land Department. With additional grants from Arizona State Parks, signage, parking lots, and infrastructure began to take shape. But the funding was only half the story — people power made the difference.
Hundreds of volunteers from SALT, ADOBE, the Superstition Horsemen’s Association, and nearby homeowner groups pitched in. From clearing brush to placing signs, these volunteers helped transform a vision into a reality. By 2002, after nearly a decade of planning and construction, the Lost Goldmine Trail officially opened.
Today, the Lost Goldmine Trail is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in the Superstitions. It welcomes tens of thousands of hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders each year. Over time, additional grants and private support have funded new trailheads, more parking, and ongoing maintenance agreements. SALT’s Trail Builder volunteers continue to maintain the trail with expert care, ensuring safe and sustainable access for everyone.
Our work doesn’t stop with shovels and saws. At the Broadway Trailhead, SALT designed a three-panel interpretive kiosk that shares the history, ecology, and spirit of this special place. Education and stewardship go hand in hand, reminding every visitor that trails aren’t just paths through the desert — they’re connections between communities, landscapes, and future generations.
If you’re planning to enjoy the Lost Goldmine Trail, please be mindful of parking limitations. The Cloudview Trailhead has very limited capacity, especially during the busy season from October through March. If the lot is full, head to the Lost Goldmine East Trailhead as an alternative. No buses or vehicles/trailers longer than 37 feet are allowed in the parking areas, and illegally parked vehicles will be towed. Respecting these guidelines helps keep the trail safe and enjoyable for all.
The Lost Goldmine Trail stands as proof of what community-driven conservation can achieve. Without SALT’s leadership and the dedication of countless volunteers, access to the Superstitions might look very different today. Instead, we can step onto this trail, breathe in the desert air, and know that it is protected — not just for us, but for those who will come after.
The Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT) works with public agencies to protect vulnerable Sonoran Desert foothills—part of Arizona’s 9 million acres of state trust land—threatened by urban sprawl and managed primarily for revenue.
Donating to the Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT) helps preserve the Sonoran Desert’s fragile foothills, wildlife, and open spaces for future generations.