Peralta Regional Park Open to Public

Pinal County’s long-planned Peralta Regional Park near Gold Canyon opened in January, offering almost 500 acres in lightly developed Sonoran Desert with trails, campsites, stargazing, picnic ramadas and an equestrian staging site.

The new public open space at 17975 Peralta Road is near the Peralta Trail and other access points to the Superstition Mountains and is expected to draw hikers, campers and eventually rock climbers.

It’s limited in terms of infrastructure to minimize disturbance to the environment, with no electricity or water and “waterless” restrooms typically found in more remote settings.

Nine miles of unpaved connecting trails loop around the L-shaped property to offer a variety of perspectives and levels of difficulty, including an interpretive trail suitable for beginners and strollers.

Other features include a “stargazing node” taking advantage of the area’s dark skies and 31 campsites intended for either cars or tents or tents only, intended for backpackers. There’s no trash service so everyone is required to pack out their own trash, and no RV spaces are provided.

There are also 20 picnic sites, including two for large groups. Campsites and picnic areas can be reserved via the park’s website at www.pinal.gov/1204/PeraltaRegional-Park. The day-use fee is $7.