I found a new mountain! (Or rather, my friend introduced me to it.) A thirty minute or less drive from downtown Mesa, Silly Mountain is a little oasis in the Apache Junction desert. It does not look like much, and in truth, it does not look like much, but if you are looking for a little challenge, some beautiful scenery, and a pretty customizable hike, this is it!
Directions: Drive US 60-East to Mountain View Road. Turn left. Turn right on 32nd Avenue, right on Silly Mountain Road and park in the dirt lot on either the right or the left. The trail head is right there! (Note: the only bathrooms here are one portapotty.)
Silly Mountain's trails range from 150 feet to 0.7 miles long. Yes, they are short! That is what makes it fun. You can hike one or any number of them. If you want no hike at all, you can take the short Botanical Walk/Interpretative Trail to introduce you to lots of different native vegetation. (The signage is awesome!) Otherwise, Brittle Brush connects you with Old Mine, Superstition View, and Palo Verde.
Coyote Loop connects Old Baldy to Jackrabbit. Crest connects to Huff and Puff and Old Baldy. High point gets you to the summit with views galore!
If you do them all, you get nice views of the Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction, and about 3.9 miles.
There is a little climbing, a little bit of loose rock, and people here and there, but those are the few and far between drawbacks of this mountain.
I do not have kids, but I saw several families with kids, and this looked like a great place to introduce them to the great experience that is hiking!All in all, it's a winner, and one I would recommend to anyone who can walk at least a little bit!
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