Iron Dike(edit)

Trail Length: 8.6 miles 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! Technical rating: (4-7) Easy-Moderate Rocks frequent and large, 12" and may exceed hub height. Holes frequent or deep (12"). Shelves to 9". Mud 8" deep and may be present on uphill sections. Grades to 25 degrees and sidehill to 30 degrees. Water crossings to 18" and may have strong currents. 1-1/2 vehicles wide. 4WD required. Driver experience helpful. Read more about our rating system

Take a fairly difficult Jeep trail to an abandoned mercury mine in the rugged Mazatal Mountains between Mesa and Payson.

Take a fairly difficult Jeep trail to an abandoned mercury mine in the rugged Mazatal Mountains between Mesa and Payson.

usually lots of water to play in some times it is a 7 out of ten

usually lots of water to play in some times it is a 7 out of ten

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Length: 19.57 km (12.16 mi)