Sunflower Mine Loop

4.8/5 (19 reviews)
Sunflower Mine Trail combines several trails for a great day in the Arizona desert. The trail works through a lush and rocky canyon leading to Sunflower Mine, also known as the National Mine. It operated from 1913-1965, mainly producing Cinnabar, used in the production of mercury and the extractio... Read More
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Highlights of Sunflower Mine Loop

Desert Category Icon Desert
Mine Category Icon Mine
Rock Category Icon Rock
Wash Category Icon Wash
Highest Elevation
5419 ft
Shape of Trail
Loop
Typically Open
Year Round
Best Direction
North
Official Trail Name
FR201,FR25A,FR3721,FR201A
Nearest Town
Fountain Hills
Nearest Services
Fountain Hills
Management Agency
Tonto National Forest
District
Mesa Field Office

Overview

Sunflower Mine Trail combines several trails for a great day in the Arizona desert. The trail works through a lush and rocky canyon leading to Sunflower Mine, also known as the National Mine. It operated from 1913-1965, mainly producing Cinnabar, used in the production of mercury and the extraction of gold. The mine also had smaller amounts of gold and silver before closing for good in 1985. The ruins at the mine used to be much larger than they are now. In 2014 most of the structures were removed, leaving only a tiny portion of the actual operation.

The real draw is the trail itself. It offers welcome shade while you're rock-crawling your way through Sycamore Wash. You get to push yourself and your vehicle with numerous optional obstacles along the way. The shelf roads may be narrow, but they offer incredible views of the surrounding canyons. Pack for an all-day trip because this trail might surprise you!

ATTENTION: The bridge at Waypoint 6 is scheduled for closure or repairs. Use at your own risk.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Guide Overview
12 Waypoints
38 Trail Photos
6 Trail Concerns
19 Community Reviews
1 Video
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