Gardner Canyon Road

Gardner Canyon Road packs a lot into its 8.7 miles. There's world-class camping in both designated and dispersed sites. The lack of nearby cities means dark skies and a carpet of twinkling stars above that campsite. The views of the Santa Rita Mountains looming above the trail's end are inspiring. Bucolocly beautiful Apache Springs Ranch reminds you of that early ambition to be a cowboy. The splashy crossing of Cave Creek is just bumpy enough to be fun. Trailheads for a myriad of hiking trails, including the world-class Arizona Trail, remind you that you should get out and stretch your legs in the crisp, clean air of this vast countryside.