Lost Ranch Ruins to Lost Ranch Mines Loop

The Lost Ranch Ruins to Lost Ranch Mines Loop combines great views of the Estrella Mountains and a historic site. The Lost Ranch Ruins. This hike is super rewarding, but it’ll make you work for it! Expect some steep climbs. There isn’t any scrambling required, but the grade gets pretty high. This isn’t the best trail for kids or beginners but it’s fun for intermediate hikers and better.

Since this is a longer, steeper hike, make sure you bring lots and lots of water, consider sun protection, and plan your hike for the cooler winter months if at all possible. Poles may be helpful for this trail.

The route is a loop, and it can be hiked either way, but our route goes clockwise. From the trailhead, take Pyramid Trail up to the 4-way junction. Stay right here and continue to the next fork., where you’ll stay right. Continue to the base of the loop, where you’ll bear left (but take care not to take Gila Trail, which immediately splits off to the left from Lost Ranch Mine Trail).

You’ll soon begin to climb, and you won’t ease into it–it gets steep and stays steep. Atop the hill, bear right, traverse across the edge of the cliff, and then follow the trail as it descend steeply on the other side of the gully. Return to the base of the loop and then retrace your steps to the trailhead.