3 Hills Mine View Point

Trail Overview

This route is an out-and-back trail to the old 3 Hill Mine. There is no way to drive up to the Mine anymore. The recommendation is to park in the open area at the trail's end and hike up to the mine on foot to check it out. One of the old mine shaft holes is visible from the parking area at the trail's end. Visually, it's about mid-way up the mountain. This trail begins from Highway 60 on State Trust Land. There is an easy metal gate to open and close. This area is open range, so there are plenty of wire gates on the trail to open and close along the route. Also, keep an eye out for cattle. The first half of the trail is narrow but easy. It runs along some private property fence line. It goes in and out of an easy wash with dense sand. There are some small ruts and washouts from rain. Some desert bushes are overgrown and will attempt to scratch paint on large vehicles. The trail continues through a series of gates and follows more fencing, eventually opening up on BLM land. Once on the BLM land, a network of trails exists to explore. This trail drops into a large, wide sand wash. There is a turnout a little way down, up, and out of the wash, but it is easy to miss. If you miss it, the wash will continue for a while; it eventually ends when a fence is constructed across the entire wash. It does not connect back up to the mine trail, as the maps will indicate. The rest of the trail to the mine is rocky, with sharp lava rocks on the trail. Be cautious to avoid sidewall damage. It has some loose hills and steep transitions. Many beautiful saguaro and desert plants are mixed in with the rocks. This area gets extremely hot in the summer months. Bring lots of water and supplies if traveling during the summer. There is intermittent AT&T cell service on the trail. It is better closer to Highway 60. There is no service at the mine or in the large sandy wash section.

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Difficulty

Be prepared for deep sandy washes with rocks to navigate through or around. There is a steep climb out of the wash. Then, the terrain becomes rocky, with loose rocky hills to climb. Some have steep transitions at the bottom. There is also a narrow, slightly off-camber section of trail closer to the end. Airing down your tires is advised to protect them and the trail.

History

This route is on Arizona State Trust Land. This land requires a yearly permit that can be purchased and printed online. The permits allow certain recreational activities, including camping, bicycling, bird watching, GPS-based recreational activities (geocaching), hiking, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle (OHV) usage, photography, picnicking, and sightseeing. There are a few permit options depending on your use type: An Individual Permit is $15 and grants a single person access to State Trust Land for the above-listed purposes. The permit is good for one year from the date of purchase. A Family Permit costs $20 and grants a family unit (two adults and their children under 18) access to State Trust Land for the above-listed activities. The permit is good for one year from the date of purchase. A Small-Group Permit costs $15 and grants up to 19 people access to State Trust Land locations for five consecutive days for certain types of non-commercial recreational activities, including the above-listed activities. The permit is good for one year from the date of purchase. A Large-group Permit is for a group larger than 20 people. You must apply for this size separately online and be approved for group activities of this size. Responsibilities: Permittee(s) shall respect the land and adhere to the terms and conditions of the permit at all times. Permittee(s) shall comply with all federal, state, county, and municipal laws and ordinances while on State Trust Land. The Permittee(s) shall have the permit with them at all times while recreating on State Trust Land and have it readily available if stopped by law enforcement or any State Land Department staff. The Permittee(s) shall not remove natural products from or visit archaeological sites on State Trust Land. The Permittee(s) shall not create or leave any trash on State Trust Land, except for geocaches placed according to ASLD. The Permittee(s) shall not discharge a firearm on State Trust Land except pursuant to lawful and licensed hunting. An ASLD Recreational Permit is not required for individuals with a valid hunting and fishing license who are actively pursuing game or fish. The Permittee(s) shall only participate in OHV usage on State Trust Land with an ASLD Recreational Permit and an OHV decal or license plate. The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is the issuing agency for the OHV decal, certificates of title, registrations, and license plates.

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