Gold Canyon: Desert Trails, Culture and Golf

Nature trails, petroglyphs, concerts and golf are distinct reasons to consider Gold Canyon when planning a trip. The Lost Goldmine Trail runs east of town; the Hieroglyphic Trail leads to Hohokam petroglyphs. The following sections describe trails, events and golf according to their specific features. This can help you weigh which interests will shape your stay and what to look for in hotels in Gold Canyon.

Desert Trails and Petroglyphs

The Lost Goldmine Trail runs between Broadway Road near Apache Junction and the end of Peralta Road east of Gold Canyon. Over approximately nine miles, it crosses the foothills of the Sonoran Desert, which border the Superstition Wilderness directly. Desert bighorn sheep sightings along the trail are not uncommon.

The Hieroglyphic Trail offers a different focus: It leads to ancient Hohokam petroglyphs carved into volcanic rock approximately 1,500 years ago. After winter rains, natural basins in the rock along the trail fill with water. The two trails differ in the specific features they offer: desert scenery and possible bighorn sheep sightings define the Lost Goldmine Trail, while rock carvings and the rain-dependent natural feature of the basins define the Hieroglyphic Trail.

Culture and Other Activities

Most Canyon Sounds concerts take place at 7:00 p.m. at Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, 6640 S. Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon, Arizona, north of the intersection with U.S. 60. The venue may change with the season, so check the details for the specific date before attending a concert.

The Gold Canyon Arts Festival is an annual community celebration organized by the Gold Canyon Arts Council and Artists of the Superstitions. If you would like to plan your trip around a concert or the festival, factor the relevant dates into your plans. Dinosaur Park has two picnic ramadas, which you can reserve in advance for a small fee.

Golf in Gold Canyon

Dinosaur Mountain Golf Course offers golfers of all skill levels a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf. Significant elevation changes define the course, and its diverse wildlife is another feature. The Sidewinder Golf Course focuses on the desert landscape: It takes golfers through desert canyons and natural desert washes.

The Golf Academy at Gold Canyon complements the courses with a range of lesson formats. It offers private lessons, weekly clinics and comprehensive golf schools. Programs can be tailored to the needs of individuals and groups. This lets you distinguish between the different golf experiences according to your interests: the course with its elevation changes and wildlife, Sidewinder’s canyons and washes, or instruction in a format tailored to individuals or groups.

Discover more destinations: Casa Grande, Florence, Coolidge, Eloy, Apache Junction, Arizona City

Return to the overarching travel guide: Pinal County.