–Tyler French (11/04/2018)
–mario (09/27/2018)
–Bobby Nelson (09/27/2018)
Information
Nearby Trails
| Status: | Open |
| Typically Open: | Year Round |
| Length: | 5.92 miles |
| Highest Elevation: | 5403 feet |
| Duration: | About 4 hours |
| Shape of Trail: | Loop |
| Best Direction to Travel: | N/A |
| Nearest Town: | Fountain Hills |
| Nearest Town w/ Services: | Fountain Hills |
| Official Road Name: | FR201,FR25A,FR3721,FR201A |
| Management Agency: | Tonto National Forest |
| District: |
Highlights
Sunflower Mine Trail is a combination of a couple trails that make for a great day in the Arizona desert. The trail works its way through a lush and rocky canyon leading to Sunflower Mine also known as the National Mine. It operated from 1913-1965 mainly producing Cinnabar which is used in the production of mercury and the extraction of gold. The mine also produced smaller amounts of gold and silver before finally closing for good in 1985. The ruins at the mine used to be much larger then they are now. In 2014 most of the structures were removed leaving only a small portion of the original operation.
In my opinion the real draw is the trail itself. It offers welcome shade while you're mildly 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. Be sure to pack for an all day trip because this trail just might surprise you!
ATTENTION: THE BRIDGE IS CURRENTLY FLAGGED FOR CLOSURE FOR REPAIRS AT Waypoint 6. The bridge can be used but travel at your own risk!
Route Information
Waypoints
1. Start (3.8 mi)
Stay to the right on FR25A, traveling north uphill at the "Y" junction. You will continue uphill to the narrow shelf road above. To the left is FR25 which dead ends after a short distance but within a short walk to the Arizona Trail that traverses the region.
Directions to Trailhead
ATTENTION: THE BRIDGE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR REPAIRS AT Waypoint 6.
From Mesa, AZ travel north on hwy. 87 for roughly 45 miles exiting left, west at the brake check area after mile marker 222. It is the Sycamore Creek exit (FR626), across from the Mount Ord entrance. You continue down the paved road until turning right at the first main dirt road, Old Beeline Hwy. you immediately cross a cattle guard and find staging on the left and right, shortly down the road.
Coming from Payson traveling south on Hwy. 87 for roughly 30 miles until coming to the right exit at the brake check area mentioned above. The current GPX track includes the short road FR626 to the trailhead and the connection of FR201 and the trailhead.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
Camping
Dispersed
For individual use only, not to be shared.
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