This Easy, 2-Mile Hike In Arizona Leads Straight Through A Massive Cave On Its Way To An Abandoned Mine
By Katie Lawrence|Published April 29, 2021
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Arizona has no shortage of hikes that lead to abandoned places, but this one is easily among the most underrated. Apache Tears Mine via Perlite Road Trail winds through a massive cave on its way to an abandoned obsidian mine, and it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget. The best part? It’s under two miles long!
Editor’s Note: The entrance to the mine is on private property and there is no public access. However, you can hike up to the gated area.
At just under two miles long and with an elevation gain of less than 300 feet, Apache Tears Mine via Perlite Road Trail is arguably one of the easiest hikes in Arizona.
Despite its lack of difficulty, the trail rewards hikers with sweeping panoramic vistas of the Tonto National Forest and the rugged desert landscape that comprises it.
The trail is mostly flat, which means all your energy can be used on taking in the beautiful surroundings.
From late March until around mid-May, the hillsides come alive with eye-popping blooms in every color of the rainbow. The bright yellow poppies are especially gorgeous!
Have you ever hiked Apache Tears Mine via Perlite Road Trail? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments section below, and check out our previous article for another Arizona hike that leads to someplace abandoned.
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