Overview

Hype:

The Skyline Crest Trail in Skyline Regional Park, Buckeye, Arizona, offers a scenic 1.3-mile ridgeline hike that provides panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountain ranges. Accessible via the Quartz Mine Trail, the route begins with a series of switchbacks. A short spur to Crest Summit at an elevation of 2,110 ft rewards hikers with expansive vistas of the Sierra Estrella Mountains, Gila Bend Mountains, and the Hassayampa Plain. The trail then follows the ridge before descending to connect with the Lost Creek Trail, allowing for various loop options by linking with the Mountain Wash or Quartz Mine Trails. Rated as moderately challenging, the trail features rocky terrain and limited shade, making early morning hikes advisable, especially during warmer months. Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be leashed. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with no entry fee required.

Trail Condition: Class 2 (Trail may have tree roots or rocks jutting out. Navigation skills may consist of following rock cairns and choosing turns at junctions. Elevation gains may be more substantial.)

Time: 30-60 minutes

Length: 1.3 miles one way, connecting to adjacent trails. Optional 0.21 mile spur trail up to Crest Summit.

Elevation Gain: +707 ft, -305 ft

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=-69401

Location

Closest City or Region: Skyline Regional Park, Buckeye, Arizona

Coordinates: 33.482141, -112.552738

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Brochure

February 22, 2025 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye,

Story

After Vulture Peak, I went to Skyline Regional Park. I hiked a loop trail up to the peak and around the mountain. That trip included portions of the Quartz Mine Trail, the Skyline Crest Trail, and the Mountain Wash Trail. As I was nearing the summit, Tara called, and we talked for most of an hour while I laid down in the shade and rested. 

Still at Skyline Regional Park, I walked around the Red-tailed Hawk Interpretive Trail. They had a bunch of interpretive signs of the different desert plants and animals. I liked the information but did not like that the trail required you to backtrack lots of sections in order to see everything because there was no continuous loop through everything.

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Pictures