Overton Trail Viewpoint – Go John Trail loop from Cave Creek Regional Park
Overton Trail Viewpoint – Go John Trail loop from Cave Creek Regional Park
3.0
(26)
31
runners
Overton Trail Viewpoint – Go John Trail loop from Cave Creek Regional Park
02:10
18.2km
390m
Running
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 21, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.90 km
Overton Trail Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
4.60 km
Go John Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
15.0 km
Quartz Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
17.3 km
Cave Creek Regional Park
Nature Reserve
18.2 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.20 km
8.86 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
18.1 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (770 m)
Lowest point (600 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 19 June
37°C
22°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding jogging experience in the Sonoran Desert, the Overton Trail Viewpoint – Go John Trail loop from Cave Creek Regional Park delivers. This difficult 11.3-mile (18.2 km) route packs in 1278 feet (389 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. It's a perfect choice for experienced joggers ready to tackle varied terrain and soak in expansive desert views.
What to expect on Overton Trail Viewpoint – Go John Trail loop from Cave Creek Regional Park
As you jog, you'll traverse natural surfaces, from wide dirt paths to steeper, rockier sections with significant elevation changes and occasional step-downs. The Go John Trail, in particular, offers enjoyable climbs and some steep, rocky downhill sections on its backside. You'll be immersed in classic Sonoran desert scenery, passing Saguaro, barrel, and Cholla cacti, especially vibrant with wildflowers in spring. The Overton Trail Viewpoint provides expansive views across the valley, and you'll spot Elephant Mountain, a unique rock formation. Later, enjoy sweeping views over green and blue hills, and towards the end, south over the northern suburbs, backed by Piestewa and North Mountain. Running the trail clockwise can offer a more gradual incline, making the effort feel more manageable.
Planning your visit
This popular trail is located within Cave Creek Regional Park, which requires a day-use fee for entry. The trailhead offers convenient amenities like restrooms and water. The cooler months, typically January through April and October through December, are the best times to jog this trail, and starting early in the morning is highly recommended to avoid the intense summer heat. Be aware that this is a multi-use trail, so you'll share it with mountain bikers and horseback riders.
Trail details
- Distance: 11.3 miles (18.2 km)
- Elevation gain: 1278 feet (389 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
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