You can see my stats and route on the Strava link here: https://www.strava.com/activities/8545950069 Others have noted that as you continue on the north side of First Water Creek, a tunnel that leads to an old mine operation. This is just one option. This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. Do it! Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Part of this hike follows a road through a neighborhood, so expect that when planning your route. Hitting the road from Dallas to Houston, or vice versa? The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. TheTreasure Loop Trailis a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. The savviest of hikers will make this a loop. Try this one out. From the Peralta trailhead, head right toward Bluff Springs (to the left is the Peralta Trail, which is described at #5 on this list). Depending on how long youd like to stay, or what youd like to see there are numerous route and side trip options. But still worth the hike! With incredible landmarks such asWeaver's Needle, years of fascinating history abouthidden treasure, lost mines, death, and new development,this area has attracted visitors from all over the worldfor centuries. There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page. Picture Information. Best hiked during cooler weather after some rain. Only saw about 5 people total along the ridge. I believe in you. From LDSP, the trail begins flat and slowly starts to rise. This stop on the Apache gives you a breath of a fresh air in a wide open and beautiful area. The views at the top are monumental! Why you should go: Conquer the toughest hike on this list. It may even inspire you to take in as much history as possible and find some answers during your trip along the trail. Boulder Canyon Trail is a treasure-chest of a hike in the Superstition Mountains. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via Peralta trailhead). A four mile mountain bike loop trail has opened at the park - this is a great way to enjoy the park's beauty while experiencing the famed Superstition Mountains! The trail up to the ridge is a great scramble, the ridge views are amazing and hopping down flat iron is grade A fun! This hike took about 2 hours with a detour to the Praying hands climbing area. Hopefully, its enough to cool you off a bit. Underneath the bridge is Fish Creek. Hes also the one who planted the apple orchard. Follow white arrows. Mostly easygoing until about the end where its straight up and through boulders. Either way, its a fruitful hike all around but you could say that about every Supes hike! No matter your ability, the Superstition Wilderness has a day hike for you! 2. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. Its rich culture makes the trip that much more meaningful, and at each stop on the drive, there is something new to learn. The summer months are not the ideal time to hike in these places but you will be just fine visiting. Look for a ridgetop slanting downward from left to right at its base and off to the right youll see a small horizontal opening. Why you should go: In just four miles, you get some of the Supes sweetest sights. Of course, you can choose to merely drive along the loop, and maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the Longhorn cattle belonging to a local rancher. There's no better way to appreciate nature than being fully immersed in it for days and weeks on end. Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. As with any low-grade canyoneering route, navigation and bushwhacking can present a challenge and problem-solving. 2021Outdoor Project. Similar to Battleship Mountain, navigation gets a little finicky in the river bed, so watch for cairns. The route you choose will also determine the difficulty and length. The trail starts off with an easy approach towards the vertical cliffs of the Superstition Mountains. The last 8 miles were pretty flat and blah to me a few of the miles were on roads and not pretty! Awesome hike with varied terrain and views. Superstition Harley-Davidson provides free hot dogs and sodas. Add another 0.6 miles if you take the spur trail to the Praying Hands formation. Why you should go: Springtime wildflowers and craggy rock formations. First time doing it, and loved every minute of it. Ready for a hike? The self-guided tour is rewarded by great views of the basin and Theodore Roosevelt Lake, and you can see dozens of local plants and animals, including different kinds of those distinctive cacti. Lost Dutchman State Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users and RV campers as well aspicnic areas for day use visitors. One of the hardest treks in the Supes, the Ridgeline isnt for the meek or uninitiated. Most of this trail is relatively flat and easy. But, its also humbling. Always remember that you should try to stay left when possible going up as it is the often the route with less exposure. The bold canyon walls drop the temperature quite a bit, creating a separate world just off the Treasure Loop Trail area. TheFlatiron Trailis not for the faint of heart. The descent from the pass is brutal on the legs but passes pretty quickly. This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. If you decide to go during a warmer day, there may be a trickle. Superstition Mountain itself is the anchor to this strangely beautiful, historically rich wilderness area. 1367 S Country Club Dr UNIT 1193, Mesa, AZ 85210. Here's how to make 'em work together. However, for accuracy sake there are dozens of maintained trails in the Sups longer than the Pass Mountain loop, which along with Cat's Peak, is actually in Usery Park. We chose a loop trail approximately 14 miles in length, beginning at Peralta Trailhead and following Bluff Spring Trail, camping at Charlebois Spring and returning via Terrapin Trail. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. The slick rock can be a bit tricky even when it's dry. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles up the trail. Views are spectacular, start early like 4:30am or do a 2 day. This is also the point in which fear of heights might kick in, but you can do it. You can simply go back the way you came, or you can tackle the Cave Trail. As the story goes, the family was ambushed by Apaches while on a gold expedition, leaving all but one or two family members left for dead. It was definitely an adventure for the books. Barriers have been placed at any confluences to ensure introduced fish do not hybridize with this native species. This was a fun hike, but this was really really hard. Taken from the First Water trail access road : r/arizona by fatalifeaten Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with a little frosting. It was named the Apache Trail after the Native American Indians who originally used this trail to migrate through the Superstition Mountains for over 1,000 years. To stay on this loop hike, go left here. The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . Here are some pro tips for this backpacking trek: Additional info: Reavis Ranch Via 109 North. Amazing view at the top, truly unforgettable. Just remember, this is the desert. For time reasons, we didnt do the final peak since wed have to backtrack to get back to the loop. To Young. Petrified Forest National Part and North Eastern AZ, Granite Mountain (McDowell Sonoran Preserve), Box Canyon (Christopher Creek- *Technical), San Tan Regional Park - San Tan trail loops, Petrified Forest National Park and North Eastern AZ. For every moment you push yourself on this hike, youll have another moment soaking up spectacular views. Why you should go: The more scenic way to Reavis, and you can still get apples. Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. harder than they say go slow- follow the white arrows painted on the rocks! We did our best to provide you with the best directions from HikeArizona. Superstition Mountains hike: Second Water Trail Length: 7 miles round trip. The Peralta trail is a popular way to get to Freemont saddle and a great view of Weaver's Needle. Visit Dinosaur Mountain, experience a three-story waterfall, learn about the native peoples of Arizona, pan for gold, and see a live Gila monster, all in one place! latest trail conditions. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our 3. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. Everything else you need to know about Reavis Ranch is in the prior descriptionincluding a lay of the land, some history and pro tips! Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacularviews less than half amileup the trail. The term comes from the Spanish name Rio Salado, or the Salt River. This is a counterclockwise loop that meanders around a formation known as the Miners Needle in the Superstition Wilderness, with views of mountains and Sonoran desert. This creek bed turns into the trail going south. However, in the beginning, my friends and I had no idea what we were in for. Do recommend. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. I would also suggest taking shelter or a bag to sleep under the stars and doing the whole thing over two days if you arent one of those hikers who can do Flatiron in an hour. AllTrails says 19.2 miles with 4,767 feet of gain. Learn More . A short optional climb is 3.0 and the Gypsum Overlook Loop is 2.5. I thought we were lost lol. Keep going another .7 miles to the higher pass. So, lets say you dont want to go as far as Charlebois Springs (previous hike) and youd like to bring the kids along, but you still want to explore the wonders of the western Supes. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. A trip to Hackberry Spring is enough to prove otherwise. At the end, you stand atop the Supes western face towering above the Valley. Conditions were cool & dry. Top was windy and beautiful. It runs through State Trust Land so you will need a permit to run these trails.. In case you want to crank up the heat while youre out there, there are several trails that shoot off from the loop trail and up toward the base of the mountains. After a wet winter, the deserts thirst is quenched and truly begins to blossom. According to the legend, Waltz and his partner successfully extracted gold and supposedly hid a stash somewhere in the Superstition Mountains. Get the Superstition Loop trail guide with: Check out a nearby All-Access Preview trail guide: Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail Theres something about excursions with running water, like Fish Creek, that feel like home in our most natural state. Whether you come for a weekend or stay for the week, Sedona and the surrounding area boast some great camping opportunities. There was some water running down, the rocks and the views are incredible. This was an epic, long hike that I thoroughly enjoyed. Slightly more difficult but even better 360 degree views! Make sure to wear shoes with good traction. However, there's an interesting way back from Freemont saddle for the experienced hiker that features great views and an interesting cave. And there is nary a crowd to be found. Why you should go: A potpourri of Superstition grandeur. 88; and drive approximately 3 miles to the entry of the Lost Dutchman State Park; (entrance fees are charged). Recommend that you download the map. Great trail. Up to 24 inches deep at the crossings! Its now on my to-do list. In a work on the superstition of Werewolves, I have entered into this subject with some fulness, and am quite prepared to admit the premises upon which mythologists . Then, after a few switchbacks, youre there. However, they said it was the last time they would allow me to pick the trail. We anticipated doing 4 miles and once we realized we were on the wrong trail, we werent sure how many more miles we had to go. This route has it all a variety of cacti, Native American petroglyphs, gorgeous rock formations, expansive views and during the rainy season you may find seasonal cascades and pools of water. No one really knows the source of the carvings, but its still a magnificent piece of history and a memory to take home. Ready to get out there? Its easy to mistake the small drainage at bottom as your destination, so be sure to continue another half-mile over the next hill to Reavis Creek. Sun went down before we reached turn off to Hieroglyphics which made the last mile of Ridgeline and whole Hieroglyphics trails more difficult. It was a rapid incline the rest of the way to the top of Siphon Draw. Canyoneering 3: Loop Hikes in Utah's Escalante by Steve Allen (English) Paperbac. Keep in mind that this is not an official trail, but it begins at the Carney Springs Trailhead. Lots of wet muddy spots throughout trail today. Park location and driving directions for Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, AZ (85119). Beautiful trail, but a lot of the hieroglyphs have been destroyed by people climbing on them. Spice things up with these fun stops. This melting pot eventually grew into what archeologists now call the Salado culture. Once in the canyon, this is where navigation gets complex. The Wave was cool to see. Decades later, Jacob Waltz, aka "the Dutchman," was said to have found the mine, and hid gold in the Superstitions. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Going down was very steep and lots of scree. Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for an early dinner kind of hike, or at least that was my experience the first time I summited Flatiron. The Apache Trail attracts adventurers from all around, and offers a number of activities for the hiker, biker, photographer, and professional relaxer in all of us. Gypsum mine Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. You may even catch some live music during your stay! Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. The elevation gain is also gradual. Tons off cactus needles in me. RV or tent camp right in the park, and wake up to killer views of those red cliffs. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." Superstition Backroads 2.5 A short day close to town. You will pass Jacob's Crosscut trail #58 (JCT 1ST on the map), continue on the Treasure Loop trail by going straight. Gateway Loop Trail is equestrian and dog friendly. This was an awesome hike that took us about 2.5 hour because we missed the trail leading into the wave cave area. Thats the cave! Expansive views, canyon walls, valley floors, switchbacks, desert trees, and a saguaro forest. Treasure Loop Trail #56: This 2.4-mile loop gives you a nice overview of the area by looping through the foothills at the base of the mountains. The area is filled with some of the most challenging and scenic hiking on the planet. Additional info: Fish Creek (via Apache Trail). Strenuous - 2 miles round trip The Oak Flat Loop Trail (built by Student Conservation Association volunteers) offers variety to the hiker who would like to explore below the rim without taking on the challenge of hiking to the river. It starts at Rogers Trough Trailhead, and a high clearance with 4WD is recommended to get back here, especially after a good rain. Stopped for lunch near the wave cave. Here are sixof our favorite hikes! Also, It was very windy the day that we went. Yes, this excruciatingly steep hike is a heart-pumper, but its rewarding as can be and still worthwhile if you choose to only go to the end of the Siphon Draw Trail section. Legend has it the Peralta family originally from northern Mexico came to these mountains in search of gold in the 1840s. Getting to Fish Creek is pretty easy, too. Horses on the side of the road, good parking, very rocky trail, moments of shade. This hike offersspectacular scenery andmoderate difficulty for a great day hike option during the fall, winter, and spring months. Why you should go: Sip fresh spring water and enjoy some petroglyphs. The slickrock surface is fun to walk (or crawl) across, and is incredibly scenic. From an easy family hike before lunchtostrenuous summits, there is something for everyone. If you are going with someone and have two cars, I would park one in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead. This was a beautiful but very challenging hike! . Pay attention to the cairns and don't get confused by the wash- you should be on a real trail for most of the way down. It was not clearly marked. Its rocky, sharp and unforgiving. Archaeologists claim the petroglyphs date back to 900 A.D when the Hohokam people inhabited the area. Superstition Peak 5024 via Siphon Draw Trail, Discovery Trail and Lost Dutchman State Park, Treasure Trail, Prospector View, and Crosscut Trail, Treasure Loop Trail via Jacob's Crosscut Trail, Cross Cut, Prospector and Jacob's Trail #58 Loop, Mountain Bike Loop at Lost Dutchman State Park, Native Plant Trail at Lost Dutchman State Park. A few huge cattle along the way. This trek starts at First Water trailhead, where youll catch the Second Water trail, and then into Boulder Canyon. This160,200-acre wilderness area was established as a pre-wilderness areain 1939, but it wasexpanded to its current size in 1964 when it was designated as an official wilderness area. When in solitude, the desert speaks. I hate it when that happens. Rating: Easy to moderate. There is a creek, too, mind you. Scrambling, scree, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus! Let the Sonoran Desert be your guide to limitless adventure. The hardest part was superstition mountain peak as scrambling and lack of trail in parts made it tough. I recommend lacing up your boots in the springtime for this one. I decided just to crawl up that rock flat rock area the rest of the way on all 4s. And two, a grand waterfall is the destination. HARD! Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. Once you get past the turnoff to Flat Iron (Siphon Draw), the trail is virtually empty and you have the whole ridge to yourself. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. To start this trek, youll park at First Water trailhead. The magistrates were now so far satisfied as to agree that Jacques Aymar should be authorized to follow the trail of the murderers, and have a company of archers to follow him. To get to this hideaway, youll start at the First Water Trailhead off of AZ 88, like some of the other great hikes on this list. Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles. The ranch has a variety of dispersed camping, so take your pick. If you look around closely, you may even find pieces of pottery (look but leave them where they lay). Learn what makes these mountains so superstitious, all while enjoying some of the lighter exhibits as well. Need a parking permit: QR code available at beginning of trail but limited to no service. However, the part connecting these two is not a trail and is incredibly difficult. Could have done without them, but needed the miles for R3 training. Youll still get a good 11+ miles in. Easy Jeep trails that take you to an abandoned gypsum mine and also quite close to the Superstition Mountains. Do keep in mind that it gets very steep towards the top and I wouldnt consider this an easy hike. Not enough time to do a 7-mile loop? The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. Covering over 160,000 acres, the Superstition Wilderness contains an abundance of cactus, wildflowers, and perennial water sources interwoven with the soaring mountain tops of granite, basalt and dacite. Trust me, youll want to stay awhile, so I suggest packing a lunch for this one. You also agree to the storing of cookies on To complete it, youll need some off-trail route finding skills and a shuttle car. Trail was in good shape and the weather was very nice today. Learn more about our editorial policies here. The views up top are incredible, but dont sleep on the traverse through Siphon Draw. Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. Along the way, youll come to sign labeled Plow Saddle which is the start to an alternative. It's rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. If you have enough time, stay two nights. Make the right turn, plan it after a recent rain, and youll experience some of the finest pools and pour-offs in the Supes. The trail winds its way through the desert landscape with an unobstructed view of the mountains and has some wonderful campsites to pitch a tent for a night or even more. The lower dwelling is open to the public, half a mile up a steep path, while the upper cliff can be accessed via guided tour only. To get to the ranch via Trail 109s northern terminus, youll start at the Reavis Ranch trailhead. Only after a few weeks of consistent winter storms will the waterfall be roaring. Went around 2pm on a weekend. This route is longer than the hike via 109 South by roughly 3 miles (covered in the following section) but its also less strenuous on your legs and your vehicle. Just at the edge of Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains offer a jaw-droppingly rugged landscape. The climbing will peak at Green Boulder where it splits to the left or right (JCT 2L on the map). At the southwest end of the foothills of the mountains, the Superstition Mountain Museum offers exhibits that educate folks about the rich history of Arizona, starting with the story of the Apaches. Anyone who has hiked in the Supes knows that the terrain is unique in a harsh way. It's a bit anticlimactic but you get out of that section pretty quickly. The summer heat is unforgiving and is mercilesson unprepared visitors. Typical desert plants of Saguaro, prickly pear, and Cholla are seen here. I strongly recommend doing it as a point-to-point where you start at Flat Iron and end at the Hieroglyphics trailhead. I was fine because I hydrated in advance and it was a cool day, but definitely recommend bringing plenty with you to prevent running out. Preview trail Backpacking Hiking Views No shade Conditions Climbing along the ridge was awesome, though everything was pretty overgrown so we did lose the trail a few times. This was longer then 5.5 miles. Lots of scrambling. Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the trees. Turn right on Hwy. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. We parked in the camping area lot (which is where the directions take you). But when the timing is right almost any given winter or early spring day the Supes satisfy nearly any craving for adventure and solitude. Timing is everything. Awesome hieroglyphs at the end and a small waterfall. These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. Its about nourishment and learning. The Superstition Wilderness is known as a hiding place for secrets. We fell a few times even going slow due to darkness. Some explorers have even faced their death in search of The Lost Mine. So while we dont recommend looking for gold yourself, you are certain to find the promised land here in youre looking for a great hike. Tonto National Monument is a great afternoon stop off the trail-- that provides for educational outdoor Arizona experiences. Superstition Wilderness Mesa Ranger District 5140 E. Ingram St. Mesa, Arizona 85205 480.610.3300 Monday-Friday: 8 am - noon | 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Trip Reports "This is a great alternative to hiking back on the Peralta Trail and I recommend it if you have the time. Hiking in a clockwise direction means an uphill start and downhill finish but travelling in either direction is permitted. Unless youre capable of hiking nearly 20 miles in a day, I highly suggest getting your tent (or hammock) and sleeping bag ready. Muddy trail. It should be noted, though, that this is more of an unmaintained route than a trail. You can spend day two exploring some one-off trails and enjoying the creek. Incredible hike with amazing views and fun scrambles. I suggest doing this trail as one-way, and youll need to hike up the Peralta Trail before giving it a whirl. After youve parked, cross the bridge again, and youll notice an entry point on the south side of the canyon wall. That was good for the calf muscles. My phone died with 3 miles to go but completed around 20 miles in around 10 hours. View 10291 E Rimrock Loop, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 property records for FREE including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. The map is a straight line. From Ma Ha Tauk Trail, turn left to proceed to Crosscut Trail. Rental homes, B&Bs and hotels, are readily available in Mesa. Starting at the Pass Mountain Trailhead, head east on the trail for 0.6 miles, then follow the Cat Peaks junction right. Give yourself plenty of time, have fun, and stay safe. Another way to Reavis Ranch, just starting from the south instead of the north. Picture 1 of 1. Youre scrambling over boulders and fighting through cat claw. To U.S. 60. guide, Start a 7-Day Free Trial of All-Access Membership, 11 community trail reviews with the Parking, very rocky trail, but a lot of the Greater Phoenix remember! Suggest packing a lunch for this backpacking trek: additional info: Fish creek ( Via trailhead! 2 day more of an unmaintained route than a trail and is mercilesson unprepared visitors still a piece... Slickrock surface is fun to walk ( or crawl ) across, and.! 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Fresh spring Water and enjoy some petroglyphs spur trail to the Superstition Mountains Mountains offer a rugged...