About The Venue

“The Apache Trail combines the grandeur of the Alps, the glory of the Rockies, the magnificence of the Grand Canyon and then adds the indefinable something that none of the others have. To me, it is the most beautiful panorama nature has created.” - President Theodore Roosevelt    Goldfield is called the gateway to the Legendary Superstition Mountains.  

Some History of Goldfield Ghost Town:  Back in the 1890's Goldfield boasted 3 saloons, a boarding house, general store, blacksmith shop, brewery, meat market, and a schoolhouse, along with the mines. Just when it looked like the town would outgrow Mesa, the vein faulted, the ore grade dropped and the town died a painful death. After several unsuccessful attempts to reopen the mines, the town did come to life again! Travelers from all over still visit this gold mining town located on the historic Apache Trail and enjoy the excitement and grandeur of Arizona's Wild West, with some of the original buildings, gunfights, and entertainment! 

Event Details

There will be a riders briefing in the morning at 9 am then we head out on the trail at 10, riding in smaller staggered groups of 3 -7 for our 5 -6 mile trail. 

After the ride at the Goldfield Ghost Town you can walk down Main Street, watch the gunfights, explore the many shops and historic buildings. Tour the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and visit the Goldfield Museum. Pan for gold or take a ride on Arizona's only narrow gage train, horse drawn carriages or Zipline!  You may also get to witness an old west gunfight performed by the famous Goldfield Gunfighters!  The town has lots of merchants who create artwork right in front of you from horseshoe art, wonderful ceramics to woodworking. Spend a fun filled afternoon, rich in Wild West history! 

Lunch and Awards after 1:30 or 2 pm at the legendary Goldfield -Mammoth Steakhouse, on the beautiful patio.

The Terrain

Trails have awesome views of the mountains, ghost town and east valley! It’s a wonderful place for photography or just enjoying the grandeur of the Superstitions. The trail will cross or ride through many sandy washes and small foothills. Trails are rated easy to moderate, about 6 -7 miles long.  Trails are not very rocky, but it is recommended have Shoes or boots.

Meals

Lunch will be up at the Mammoth after 1:30 or 2 pm, so bring a snack and enjoy the town in the meantime!

Awards

Beautiful ribbons 1st-6th place Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced!  Plus after the ride awards we will have the 2019 Year End awards and Recognitions!!  ALL riders and Judges are invited to this special celebration!  

ETS Lifetime Awards FOR BOTH EQUINE AND RIDER;  EQUINE CARROT CLUB - Equine earn points; Your equine will earn a beautiful kilt pin adding copper, bronze, silver and golden carrot charms as they progress through the levels. Equine Placement Points accumulate no matter who rides the equine. STAR RIDER CLUB - RIDERS earn points; You will earn a beautiful kilt pin adding copper, bronze, silver and golden star charms as you progress through the levels. This kilt pin will come with an Equine Trail Sports iron on patch to attach it to. Rider Placement Points accumulate no matter which equine is ridden. 

Additional Fees

FEES:  There is a one time $10 Parking/camp/day fee Due at ETS check-in. Includes camping on the WEST side of fence- (past the green gate).  This fee is a one time charge, (you can also stay and ride all weekend).  

Do Not pay THIS fee at Goldfield Train-station and do not park on the east side of the green gate/ fence or you will have to pay twice!  If you do park on the east side of the green gate (in the Goldfield parking lot or camp ground) there will be an additional charge to Goldfield of $10 to $15 depending on whether you park or camp over there.

Our CAMP area is a "dry camp" meaning no hook ups. Water is available near the horse pens. No hookups available through the town of Goldfield or their campground, but the $10 fee will still be due at our ETS check in.  Stalls; Sorry, there are not any stalls available through Goldfield now.  There is room to put up pens or high-line your horse between trailers where we are parking and camping on the west side of the gate and fence. 

Additional Opportunities

Year End Awards and Judges Recognitions after the ride at the Mammoth Steakhouse Patio.  Everyone is invited!!