The San Tan Mountains, a small mountain range located in the East Valley of Arizona, offer beautiful views, great hiking trails, and a habitat for many kinds of southwestern wildlife.

Tens of thousands of people come to hike the trails from all over the state.

But what makes such a small mountain range so desirable?

To begin, the mountains have an interesting history.

Made famous by an Arizona legend named Mansel Carter, who lived in the mountains along with his friend Marion Kennedy for many years while prospecting for gold. Carter eventually lived out his final days after his friend’s death, giving gifts to tourists and locals alike—he went down in Arizona history for making the range famous.

Carter was nicknamed the “Old Man of the Mountain” and became a local celebrity. After Kennedy’s death, Carter continued to live in the area until his own death in 1987

His grave is visible toward the end of one of the many hiking trails.

An often-cited reason as to why the trails are so popular is because of how well they are taken care of. One Queen Creek, Arizona, native, Sam Bucko, told Northeast Valley News that the trails are “Some of the cleanest and most beautiful trails in the state. Even though they are not super difficult or long or high in elevation, it does not take away from the beauty that these mountains have to offer.”

Bucko also praised the park rangers who work tirelessly to keep both humans and wildlife happy in these mountains.

“You just don’t see trash lying around, you know? The trails are always very clean and people know to keep them clean,” Bucko said.

Bucko, 23, is an avid Arizona hiker and Arizona native who has visited many trails across the state.

While he admits he’s no professional, Bucko offered his insight into why the mountains are so appealing.

“The trails offer an opportunity for people to be out and reconnect with nature. Even though civilization is just a stone’s throw away from the mountains, you would never notice it due to the awe-inspiring nature views.”

The mountains are a staple for the East Valley, and while they have remained in pristine condition, it will take continued effort from Maricopa County Parks to maintain the range and make sure the trails stay beautiful for generations to come.