6.6 miles
Distance
590 ft
Climb
-600 ft
Descent
2,423 ft
High Point
-10 ft
Altitude change
2,024 ft
Altitude min
2,352 ft
Altitude start
2,343 ft
Altitude end
-19.1%
Grade max
39.8%
Grade min
3 miles
Distance climb
3 miles
Distance down
3,573 ft
Distance flat

Challenging Loop from easy to double black diamond. The views are terrific. South Deer tanks section is a fun roller coaster ride coming down Daunting Dare if a fast down hill. Route can be taken in either direction preferred is clockwise.

Detailed Description
Deer Tanks Loop is a 7 mile less popular intermediate route located near Apache Junction Arizona. This mountain bike primary route can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 7 trails. This route climbs 590 ft with a max elevation of 2,423 ft then descends -600 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 2 trails (newest: Mar 21, 2026)
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Superstition Area Land Trust (www.azsalt.org)
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Stats

  • Distance
    7 miles
  • Avg time
    2 hr 23 min
  • Altitude min
    2,024 ft
  • Altitude start
    2,352 ft
  • Altitude end
    2,343 ft
  • Climb
    590 ft
  • Descent
    -600 ft
  • Grade max
    -19.1%
  • Grade min
    39.8%
  • Distance climb
    3 miles
  • Distance down
    3 miles
  • Distance flat
    3,573 ft

2 Reviews & Comments


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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Goldfield Mountains
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Hard
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    • Singletrack
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    Photos

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    176
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    Recent Trail Reports Along Route

    statustraildateconditiondescription
    Bulldog Canyon Trail
    Mar 21, 2026 @ 7:05am (America/Phoenix)
    Mar 21, 2026
    		Hard to Follow at times. Not sure I would call it a Double Black Diamond, but definitely Black! Some HAB and some of that is tough. But you get some tech and nice views for your trouble.
    South Deer Tanks Cutoff
    May 14, 2025 @ 7:41am
    May 14, 2025
    Connector
    May 7, 2025 @ 7:47am
    May 7, 2025
    Deer Tanks Loop (South)
    May 30, 2022 @ 7:51am
    May 30, 2022
    		So dry so very very dry. Small part goes through a nice canyon with a sandy floor. Well it needs rain badly.
    Golden Eagle
    Mar 6, 2022 @ 8:34am
    Mar 6, 2022
    		appropriate name for this... the climb is certainly a hike a bike. descending is a no joke steep and loose venture.
    more reports »
    • By DaveygeeTF Pro & contributors
    • #24328 - 1,791 views

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