We would like to offer, once again, our signature Wave Cave hiking adventure along with three other nearby points of interest.
The Wave Cave has become incredibly popular since we first cairned and posted it to 3H and made it public on the HikeAZ website many years ago. In 2011, when we took the photo you see here, there had been no descriptions of this area available online, or in any guidebook. There were no footprints in the cave, either. We hiked it many times over the course of a year without seeing a soul. In March of 2012, we finally opted to share the route here (http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=548), and we are excited to post it again for you to experience.
For additional flavor and historical interest, we will take everyone over to the Dacite Cliff Mine, and to the nearby Shaka Cave, as well. As a further added bonus, we will lead those interested to the nearby dry waterfall area. This adds about .8 miles to the total hike, making it approximately 5.8 miles to accomplish the entire route. This portion will be optional, as we return back this way on the way out.
This is a shorter hike out near Peralta. Maybe 5.5-6 miles or so with all points of interest, but it is a tough little route. Don't be fooled...extra water is a good idea. We used to highly recommend long sleeves/pants (and perhaps gloves) due to some catclaw, and the generally overgrown nature of the "trail" in spots, but it is no longer required on Wave Cave, as the trail continues to widen over the years, and is much easier to follow than it was in the early years. There will be a bit more vegetation along the other routes, and, of course, snakes (and other critters) may be present, and can be hard to spot due to the vegetation, so it is up to you.
In addition, a presence of bees has been noted at the Wave Cave in the past (similar to those found at Wind Cave in the Goldfields). This has lessened in recent years, but still of note. Stay away from them and you should be fine, but if they are a concern for you, this may not be your hike.
Many might find walking sticks/poles helpful on this hike, though they are, also, not required.
Group size is restricted to 15 by Wilderness rules.
Distance: Approximately 5.5-6 miles
Accumulated Elevation Gain: About 1200 feet
Hike Time: Expect to spend 4 to 5 hours on this trek depending on the group's speed and time spent at each location.
Difficulty: This hike, although relatively short, is steep, and should be considered moderate to moderately difficult depending on your abilities.
What To Bring: Water, sunscreen, hat, camera, snacks/lunch, sturdy footwear, and your sense of adventure.
Note: There is no water at the trailhead.
LOST GOLDMINE EAST TRAILHEAD LOCATION: From Phoenix, travel east on US 60 to Peralta Road which is just east of mile post 204, and turn north on Peralta Road (a well marked, stop-lighted intersection). The road is paved, but becomes gravel after about one mile. It is well graded and traveled by many cars, but SUV are preferable. At 5.5 miles from the US 60, follow the sign and take the left fork up the hill to the well marked Lost Gold Mine Trail Head where you turn left into the large parking lot.
AGAIN, PLEASE NOTE: This is not the Carney Springs or the Peralta Trailhead. This trailhead is on the left, beyond Carney and well before Peralta.
No formal carpool location is set, but please feel free to use the comment section below if you wish to offer/make carpool arrangements with fellow members.
Due to the nature of this hike, it is recommended that we keep within close proximity of each other. We will stop at each junction to assure we have everybody, but if you are ahead of the hike leaders, you are on your own. Additionally, and, as always, you assume all liability and risks associated with participating in such an adventure.
