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Arizona is full of stunning hikes that double as trail runs, but sometimes you just want to step outside, pretend you’re doing something profound in nature, and not commit to an all-day pilgrimage or a cross-town odyssey. That is exactly what Silly Mountain provides. It is a short, surprisingly effective workout with decent views, conveniently located not far from my backyard in Apache Junction.
Getting There
Silly Mountain Park sits right off U.S. 60, which means you can get there from Phoenix pretty quickly. The rocky terrain of the nearby Superstition Wilderness also offers many more hikes if you have more time to explore the area. However, compared to actual mountains nearby, like the Flatiron, Silly Mountain looks politely underwhelming, which might explain the name. Still, despite its modest stature, it manages to be mildly punishing if you let it.
The Trails
Silly Mountain has a network of short trails, ranging from easy strolls to moderate climbs. The most popular route is the High Point Trail a roughly 150 foot (yes) climb to the top. From the parking lot, take the Brittlebush Trail to the Old Mine Trail to the High Point Trail. That whole excursion is about a half mile. It starts off gently but quickly turns into a steep, rocky ascent. The climb starts off innocently and then abruptly turns into a steep, rocky scramble. I stopped several times, allegedly to enjoy the views and take photos, but also because I was not particularly committed to achieving anything impressive on my Garmin watch that day.
The View from the Top
After this short but steady climb, the summit presents a full 360 degree view that is suspiciously dramatic for such a tiny hill. To the north and east, the Superstition Mountains dominate the horizon, practically begging you to hike them instead. To the west, Apache Junction stretches toward the Phoenix metro area,
I hiked up just before sunset, and it was absolutely worth it. The sky transformed into a gradient of pinks and oranges, casting long shadows over the saguaros and rocky outcrops, making my time in nature, and on earth, feel more meaningful than it probably is.
If you want something a little more gradual, continue on the Brittlebush Trail to the Superstition View Trail. These wind through the lower part of the mountain and offer close-up views of desert plants like cholla, prickly pear, and ocotillo. Spring brings wildflowers, and if you are lucky, you might spot a jackrabbit or a roadrunner darting across the trail, pretending not to notice you. You can also add the 0.3 mile Botanical Walk Trail, complete with signs identifying the local plants. Run it a few times if you are committed to padding your mileage.
Recommended Run
I usually run a loop around the perimeter trails, like this:
-Take Brittlebush Trail from the parking lot
-Take Old Mine Trail to Crest Trail
-Take Crest Trail to Coyote Loop Trail
-Take Coyote Loop Trail to Jackrabbit Trail
-Take Jackrabbit Trail to Superstition View Trail
-Take Superstition View Trail to Palo Verde Trail
-Run the Botanical Walk once, or a couple times
This usually nets me between 2.5 and 3 miles with about 600 feet of elevation gain, which is just enough to claim I exercised without fully suffering for it.
Why Hike Silly Mountain?
Silly Mountain is a fun place to visit for anyone in the Apache Junction or Gold Canyon areas.
Short & Sweet: Perfect for beginners, families, or anyone short on time.
Great Views: Despite its modest height, the summit delivers fantastic scenery.
Accessible Location: Right off the highway, making it an easy detour.
Desert Beauty: A great introduction to Arizona’s unique landscapes.
If you want a quick nature escape without a long drive or a soul-crushing climb, Silly Mountain delivers. It is proof that small hikes and short trail runs can still feel worthwhile.
As for me, I may need new running shoes. I like Brooks Cascadia for Arizona’s rocky terrain and recommend them to anyone looking for their first pair or their hundredth. Mine have survived more miles than I want to admit.
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