Slate Loop

This hike is located in Cave Creek Regional Park. There is plenty of parking available.  The Slate Trail starts from the parking lot.  Follow the trail for .5 miles to a short side trail to a unique forming Saguaro.  Back on the Slate trail, travel another .5 miles to a junction with the Quartz Trail.  Keep right to stay on the Slat Trail.  The next mile travels through a nice stand of Saguaros.  The trail is over vertical sections of slate, which is unusual for the desert. 

At 2.25 miles from the trailhead, the Slate trail turns left and will traverse a dry stream bed for .5 miles.  The next 1.5 miles is a moderate uphill until the junction with the Quartz Trail.  Turn left and follow the Quartz Trail back down to the first junction with the Slate Trail.  Very nice views on the decent of the Quartz Trail.