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OVERTON-GO JOHN LOOP
Cave Creek Regional Park
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| The high point of Overton Trail |
Some of the benefits of loop hikes are dynamic, ever-changing
scenery and surprises around every bend. An easier, but equally interesting alternative to Cave Creek
Regional Park’s signature Go John loop, this circuit coils around a massif of
crumbling schist and outcroppings of milky quartz. Because a local horse
outfitter heavily uses this loop, hikers should be on the lookout for
"road apples" and respect the equine right-of-way, by stepping aside
when riders approach. The route
tops out at a mountain pass with picture postcard quality vistas of Elephant Mountain, Sugarloaf and Skull Mesa to the east and a muddled montage of peaks
and valleys rolling out to the western horizon. Here, a bench beckons visitors to relax and soak in the
sights while a collection of artful native rock cairns decorate the trail's
official high point. Moving on, the path heads downhill to connect with Go John
Trail. With the tough part of the hike completed, veer right and it's all
downhill from here.
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| Geology on Go John Trail |
LENGTH: 3.4- mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 2126' - 2501'
FEE: $6 daily fee per vehicle
FACILITIES: restrooms, water, picnic areas, nature center
GETTING THERE:
37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek 85331
Take I-17 north to Carefree Hwy (SR74). Head east (right)
and continue 7 miles to the park entrance at 32nd Street. Follow the main park road to the
Overton trailhead at the nature center.
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| A guided horse trail ride |
INFO: Maricopa County Parks & Recreation: 623-465-0431
MORE PHOTOS:
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