Trail Running and Hiking Silly Mountain in Apache Junction, Arizona

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Trail Running at  Silly Mountain, Arizona: 

A Short but Productive Workout and Scenic Adventure

Arizona is full of stunning hikes that can double as trail runs, but sometimes, you just want a quick escape into nature without committing to a full-day trek, or a drive across the city. That’s exactly what Silly Mountain offers—a short, rewarding hike or slightly challenging workout with beautiful views, conveniently located near my backyard in Apache Junction.

Getting There

Silly Mountain Park sits right off U.S. 60, making it an easy drive from Phoenix and surrounding areas. When you pull into the parking lot, you immediately see the rugged, rocky terrain that defines much of the Superstition Wilderness. Compared to the towering peaks nearby, like the legendary Flatiron, Silly Mountain looks... well, a bit "silly" in size. But don’t let its name or stature fool you—it still packs a punch.

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. I found myself stopping frequently —not entirely from exhaustion, but to soak in the increasingly panoramic views of the desert below and take pictures, and obliterate any hope of making record time on my Garmin watch.

The View from the Top

After a short but steady climb, the summit reveals a breathtaking 360-degree view. To the north and east, the rugged Superstition Mountains dominate the horizon, their jagged peaks beckoning for the next adventure. To the west, the city of Apache Junction stretches toward the Phoenix metro area, with the distant skyline barely visible through the desert haze.

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. For such a quick hike, the reward at the top felt incredible.

For those looking for a more gradual hike, continue on the Brittlebush Trail to the Superstition View Trail, which wind through the lower part of the mountain, offering a closer look at desert plants like cholla, prickly pear, and ocotillo. It’s a great spot for wildflower viewing in the spring, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a jackrabbit or a roadrunner darting across the path.  You can also add on the 0.3 mile Botanical Walk Trail, where there are signs that tell you what the local plants are.  Run this a couple times to add on a bit of distance.

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.

The whole thing usually gets me somewhere between 2.5 and 3 miles, with 600 or so feet in elevation. 

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’re looking for a quick nature escape without a long drive or a strenuous trek, Silly Mountain is a fantastic choice. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest hikes and trail runs can be the most enjoyable.

Think I might need some new running shoes, lol?  I love Brooks Cascadia shoes for running on the rugged and rocky terrain in Arizona, and would recommend them to anyone else who needs either their first pair or their hundredth pair of trail running shoes. This pair has many hundreds of miles on them.