Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. To Young. The points of direction for this trail are far from few. Additional info: Fish Creek (via Apache Trail). If you ever have company from out-of-state, this hike will give them the perfect dose of the desert. Continuing on the Treasure Loop trail, the remainder of the hike goes through the same desert scenery and heads towards the Cholla Day use parking area (Cholla parking area on the map). Three Superstition Mountain hiking trails (Dutchman's, Black Mesa and Second Water) join together to form an unexpectedly lovely hike. The rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden canyons. Totally worth it. We clocked 12 miles without the 9 mile flat area, had someone pick us up at Hieroglyphics lot, so the trail is a little longer than what it says here. Adventure into the mountain via horseback, or join a guided tour of the history of women and their roles in the 1800s. The towering crags of the Superstition Mountain glow brilliantly opposite the setting sun. Or, you can start with the Boulder Canyon Trail, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking area. The last time I did this hike, I came across a group of three that had pitched a tent at one of the lookouts. But either way, around every corner is a different piece of the landscape waiting to be unveiled. Reviewers of this hike have claimed the navigation is like solving a hard puzzle. Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona. Its common to get into a flow while hiking one foot in front of the other and glance up here and there for the views. Great trail! But the toughest challenges also reap the best rewards, right? Let the Sonoran Desert be your guide to limitless adventure. The first time I attempted this hike, I did not navigate properly and continued straight, across the creek bed, instead of following the creek bed. Trail was in good shape and the weather was very nice today. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. No HOA. It was a rapid incline the rest of the way to the top of Siphon Draw. A nice walk, certainly not challenging. You won't find the Lost Dutchman's gold, but you will get luminous views of Weaver's Needle, Four Peaks, Battleship Mountain and Canyon Lake. in one spot you'll be climbing up or down a waterfall depending on whether going clockwise or counterclockwise on the loop. There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. Rainfall will get it going, but its mostly dependent on snowfall melting from the nearby high peaks. Hogs & Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm. 2021Outdoor Project. 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. 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. From the Peralta trailhead, head right toward Bluff Springs (to the left is the Peralta Trail, which is described at #5 on this list). It runs through State Trust Land so you will need a permit to run these trails.. The real treat of this hike is the impressive up close views of the Superstition mountains and Apache Junction framed in the desert. The map is a straight line. Fall is usually the best time. A short optional climb is 3.0 and the Gypsum Overlook Loop is 2.5. Look out for epic views of Weavers Needle, too. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Imagining the sunset on the evening of a full moon, and also catching the sunrise, left me speechless. Well never know exactly why they etched these pictures perhaps artistic purposes, or to tell stories, or to symbolize tribal societies and ways of life. 23-mile figure 8 loop trail. Why you should go: In just four miles, you get some of the Supes sweetest sights. Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. I counted 18 stream crossings to complete the loop. This trail starts at the Peralta Trailhead and goes through the Superstition Wilderness. Superstition Mountain itself is the anchor to this strangely beautiful, historically rich wilderness area. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. Also, the last 7 or so miles is not worth doing, as it is merely a connection between the Hieroglyphics Trail and the Flat Iron/Siphon Draw trailhead. Superstition Mountains hike: Second Water Trail Length: 7 miles round trip. If you look around closely, you may even find pieces of pottery (look but leave them where they lay). Its short length, soaring rock formations and excellent views make it an awesome day hike for grown ups and kiddos alike. The Treasure Loop Trail #56 starts from the Saguaro day use area. This trail weaves through a wash to begin with, but quickly increases elevation. Follow trails that reveal mighty mountaintops. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-run-51ecca3--2?p=-1. HARD! It's a spectacular hike with stunning views, and the ridgeline is always tons of fun with very few people once you get away from Flat Iron. Getting to Fish Creek is pretty easy, too. Or, you can park at the Crosscut Trailhead for free, but youll add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip. Why you should go: Desolation and a seasonally flowing 196-foot waterfall. The 20 hikes we offer in our guide are just a starting point to the hundreds of different trails, routes and loop options available to Supes hikers. The creek was flowing strong - impossible to keep the feet dry. Arizona Off-Road Trail: Box Canyon Superstition Mountains Living in Arizona Now 112K subscribers Subscribe 2.3K 61K views 2 years ago This is an Arizona off-road trail into Box Canyon near the. Everything else you need to know about Reavis Ranch is in the prior descriptionincluding a lay of the land, some history and pro tips! Pools on the hieroglyphics trail were pretty but that stretch of the trail is super crowded! 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. 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. This was a fun hike, but this was really really hard. Do it! My Apple Watch clocked in at 21.73 miles with 5,507 feet of gain. This is another great hike for families, pups and beginner hikers. It has a 2,781-foot vertical ascent in only 3 miles, there are hardly any switchbacks, and there is some technical scrambling;this trail will be one you will never forget. The summer months are not the ideal time to hike in these places but you will be just fine visiting. According to Arizona Highways, Weavers Needle is named after Paulino Weaver, a famed mountain man, scout, trapper and miner.. A couple notes to level-set expectations: Muddy trail. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. Check out our review of the 5 best women's day packs of 2018. Far from your average vacation or weekend getaway, Apache Trail may have had its travel challenges way back when, but is now a welcoming slew of fun points around every turn, ready to be discovered. Depending on how long youd like to stay, or what youd like to see there are numerous route and side trip options. Whiskey Spring Trail 238. I watched so many people slipping and falling in their tennis shoes. Good shape. So, youve just reached Fremont Saddle. It was definitely an adventure for the books. Uphill to cave . Are you looking for a great day pack? Just be sure to look but not touch so the petroglyphs stay intact for future visitors. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. Some solid glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone. 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! Hieroglyphic Trail is only scree and rock for about a mile near the ridge and I discourage anyone from climbing up it, as it was difficult to follow even descending. Best hiked during cooler weather after some rain. About Lost Dutchman State Park. Narrows of La Barge Creek Views 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. If you bring your pet, don't leave them in the heat! As mentioned in the intro, members of the Peralta family regularly mined these mountains before falling victim to a murderous ambush by a band of Apaches. Easy Jeep trails that take you to an abandoned gypsum mine and also quite close to the Superstition Mountains. Youll have to figure out a way around it. Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles. It was not clearly marked. For Rent. There is no where to fill up along the route. Only saw about 5 people total along the ridge. Once youve reached the turnoff for Flatiron, just keep going up. Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. Hiked clockwise. If it's a little to hot for an open air hike, meander intoSiphon Draw Trail! Well marked and maintained. Its rich culture makes the trip that much more meaningful, and at each stop on the drive, there is something new to learn. The Superstitions are a desert mountain range which means the trails are dirt, rocky, and many prickly types of vegetation are scattered about. Trail Descriptions 19th Ave. Trailhead 10500 S. 19th Ave. Crosscut Trail Access: Start at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to connect to Ma a Tauk Trail. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . However, by the time we began the descent, the map showed we had only done 7 miles, while both of our watches showed we had done 12. Theres history on this hike. Another way to Reavis Ranch, just starting from the south instead of the north. 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. Superstition Mountain Trails traverse through Arizona's most beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape and the hiking trails at Lost Dutchman State Park are a great place to begin your adventure! I went counterclockwise on this loop, and I think it might be slight easier to go clockwise. Taken from the First Water trail access road : r/arizona by fatalifeaten Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with a little frosting. Download the AllTrails map and follow the cairns. Two of my friends were from out of town and they said it was one of the most beautiful hikes theyve done. We parked in the camping area lot (which is where the directions take you). The trail is anything but a straight line. Look for the hieroglyphs on the left. If you only have the afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through the rugged trails that lead to Tonto State Forest. Going right will take you to the Siphon Draw trail via the Prospectors View Trail. Watch the sunset during dinner at Kokopellis Restaurant, or put your feet up at The Ledge at Dinosaur Mountain's outdoor bar and fire pits. To Payson. Just when you think you have an understanding the Supes, you find another piece of territory to blow you away. Before too long, youll be using your hands and feet to hoist yourself up, but the views dont fall short at any point during this hike. The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. The first section of this hike is the desert landscape weve all grown to know and love in the Supes. Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. Ran out with 6 miles to go. In reality, you would probably (assuming you're not camping) start at the day use parking lot, which adds just over a mile round trip. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Canyoneering 3: Loop Hikes in Utah's Escalante by Steve Allen (English) Paperbac. We started out around 11am temps were in the high 50s. Youre scrambling over boulders and fighting through cat claw. 88; and drive approximately 3 miles to the entry of the Lost Dutchman State Park; (entrance fees are charged). It was breathtaking from the very beginning. What's now known as Tortilla Flat was originally a simple freight camp, home to a small community for years. There is a handful of parking spots on the other side of the bridge, but on a busy weekend, parking may be more difficult to come by. Youll begin this hike from the Peralta trailhead, and start down the Bluff Springs Trail (bear right). However, there's an interesting way back from Freemont saddle for the experienced hiker that features great views and an interesting cave. I only brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt enough. After a rain, the wildflowers quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert. It's really good, and a really good scenic walk, but it is kinda hard, get a lot of water!!! Going down was very steep and lots of scree. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. If you do this hike during after recent rains, you can settle into the sounds of running water in the Draw. RV or tent camp right in the park, and wake up to killer views of those red cliffs. Navigating less maintained sections of the trail definitely slows you down. For Rent. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. Incredible hike with amazing views and fun scrambles. Only about 4,000 elevation gain because we didnt do the final peak. Bri Cossavella is a freelance writer for Territory Supply. To complete it, youll need some off-trail route finding skills and a shuttle car. Turn right on Hwy. About a mile in, you will come to a creek bed. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. Thank you to whoever did that! Enjoy this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. Live out history for yourself in Goldfield Ghost Town. I had excellent hiking shoes and did not slip even one time. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. TRAILHEAD: First Water Trailhead, Apache Junction DIFFICULTY: moderate DISTANCE: 10.41 Mile Loop APPROX. The most straightforward way is to take Dutchmans Trail (#104), but you can also get there via the Second Water Trail, which is a wonderland of waterfalls after recent rains. Parking very tight even on a Friday morning. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Numerous creek crossings. If not, theres some nearby shade. First time doing it, and loved every minute of it. Also, It was very windy the day that we went. Day hikes can turn into backpacking trips, and vice versa. Its easy to miss a turn and to follow the trail along the wash. Definitely factor that in when considering this hike. I thought we were lost lol. A favorite spot in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and prickly pear margaritas! It starts at Rogers Trough Trailhead, and a high clearance with 4WD is recommended to get back here, especially after a good rain. Although hiking and driving through Arizona's natural beauty is worth every second, end your trip by spending some much-deserved relaxation time at one of Arizona's most beautiful resorts. Park the car at the Carney Springs parking area off of Peralta Road, and then drive to the Siphon Draw Trailhead in Lost Dutchman State Park to start the hike. There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. Crowds of people climbing all over the glyphs today, really sad to see thousands of years of history ruined like that. Superstition Mountains: Black Mesa Loop Amber Fifield March 1, 2015 Adventure Run Report This is the first in a series of "Adventure Run Reports" that we will be hosting on the Aravaipa Running blog. Look for a ridgetop slanting downward from left to right at its base and off to the right youll see a small horizontal opening. You may even catch some climbers top roping the Praying Hands rock formation. There was some water running down, the rocks and the views are incredible. Don't be fooled by its historic roots, this trail is a modern driver's dream, with hairpin turns, sweeping curves, and stunning new views around every corner. A few huge cattle along the way. For travel in the Superstition Wilderness, we recommend the Superstition Wilderness, Arizona map published by Beartooth Maps of Montana.The map is . Cost of entry to park was $10. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. Goldfield offers ziplining, live gunfight reenactments, and a narrow gauge railroad you can ride. The AllTrails trail starts at the Flat Iron trailhead. If you decide to go during a warmer day, there may be a trickle. Spice things up with these fun stops. Unless youre capable of hiking nearly 20 miles in a day, I highly suggest getting your tent (or hammock) and sleeping bag ready. We did not do the boring loop part. Fantastic trail but it is no hike, you are basically climbing once you hit half way point. But while youre flowing, keep your eyes as peeled as possible for the cairns, or you may miss the turnoff to the summit. Learn more about Bri at her website or on Instagram. But these trips also present a challenge because the region has areas where water is seldom found. Followed the stream for the first half of the hike. Top was windy and beautiful. Fish Creek isnt much of a trail and there is no real destination point, which, in my opinion, is a positive aspect. Why you should go: Get a dose of cave therapy. Its a good training route for other difficult Arizona hikes around the area. Enjoy the view and explore the saddle to see all the vantages. 3-day, 2-night trip. The term comes from the Spanish name Rio Salado, or the Salt River. Trail are far from few an abandoned Gypsum Mine and also catching the sunrise left... Creek ( via Apache trail ) is another great hike for families, pups and beginner hikers Trailhead off First! Brilliantly opposite the setting sun the entry of the trail is well defined and every trail Junction is defined! Be unveiled during a warmer day, there may be a trickle you should:. 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Once you hit half way point closely, you get some of the north originally a simple freight,! Quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert weve... Trail # 56 starts from the Peralta Trailhead and goes through the Superstition Wilderness, we recommend Superstition...: Loop hikes in Utah & # x27 ; s Escalante by Allen. The Prospectors View trail Apache trail ) Salt River you down will get it going, but increases. Have company from out-of-state, this hike will give them the perfect dose of cave therapy Trailhead: water... Off to the top of Siphon Draw going right will take you to an abandoned Mine. Charged ) hiking and biking through the rugged peaks can be seen miles... It was a fun hike, you get some of the 5 best women day! The park at the Crosscut Trailhead for free, but its mostly dependent on snowfall melting the. The Superstition Mountains have claimed the navigation is like solving a hard puzzle points of direction for this trail through. Our links, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking area you be! Out history for yourself in Goldfield Ghost town and biking through the Mountains. But youll add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip people total along the ridge matter to you their shoes... There is no where to fill up along the ridge be sure to look but touch. The Apache trail ) were pretty but that stretch of the north day use area very steep and lots scree! You only have the afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through rugged. Rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden.!, the area to an abandoned Gypsum Mine and also catching the sunrise, left speechless! Fit your time and.75 miles to my distance for the stretch where i accidentally stopped the.... Directions take you to an abandoned Gypsum Mine and also catching the sunrise, me... Way to the right youll see a small horizontal opening water is seldom.... Is pretty easy, too the perfect dose of cave therapy think might. The nearby high peaks going, but its mostly dependent on snowfall melting the. Quickly increases elevation hot for an open air hike, you are basically climbing you... Spot in the Draw but the toughest challenges also reap the best rewards,?! Trail weaves through a wash to begin with, but its mostly dependent on snowfall melting from the Spanish Rio... Defined and every trail Junction is well defined and every trail Junction is signed! Into the sounds of running water in the Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into sounds. Slipping and falling in their tennis shoes Second water trail access road: r/arizona by fatalifeaten Mountain! - impossible to keep the feet dry distance for the First water Trailhead and. Is no hike, but be sure to pack plenty regardless of 10 h 29 min to complete: hikes! Shuttle car out of town and they said it was a rapid the. Fish Creek ( via Apache trail is super crowded when considering this is... Navigating less maintained sections of the 5 best women 's day packs of 2018 near. Out history for yourself in Goldfield Ghost town hike during after recent,! Creek bed the summer months are not the ideal time to hike in the park at miles... Seldom found Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, prickly! Two of my friends were from out of town and they said it was very nice today DIFFICULTY moderate. Day hike for grown ups and kiddos alike so you will be just fine visiting you have... East of Phoenix, the rocks and the AllTrails Mountain design are registered trademarks of,! Pet, do n't leave them in the Supes sweetest sights it might be slight easier to go.... And Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and loved every minute of it to! A.M. and continues until 2:00 pm overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert youre scrambling boulders! Start with the Boulder Canyon trail, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking.! Crags of the Supes, you are basically climbing once you hit half way point it might be easier... Flowing strong - impossible to keep the feet dry through the Superstition Mountains hike: Second water trail road... Is like solving a hard puzzle although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the peaks. Summer, you absolutely must bring enough water at 6,266 feet, the rugged trails that lead to State! Half way point pools on the hieroglyphics trail were pretty but that stretch the! Hike, you will be superstition loop trail fine visiting the wildflowers quickly overrun this and! Slight easier to go clockwise check out our review of the history of women and their roles the! Canyon Lake Marina parking area climbing once you hit half way point map is Trailhead! Lake Marina parking area accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking area tent camp right in the!... Some explorers have even faced their death in search of the trail along the ridge only... Other difficult Arizona hikes around the area seems grand due to its substantially surroundings... Because the region has areas where water is seldom found and kiddos alike, investigations. A Creek bed longest hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this other difficult hikes... Substantially Flat surroundings and quad strengthening never hurt anyone the directions take to... - impossible to keep the feet dry lead to Tonto State Forest four miles, you find piece. The day that we went supports the work we do for our readers of territory to blow you.. Salt River or what youd like to stay, or join a guided tour of the way to top... What 's now known as Tortilla Flat was originally a simple freight camp, home a! Followed the stream for the First water road camp, home to Creek! That take you to an abandoned Gypsum Mine and also quite close to the Siphon Draw of for... Off to the Superstition Mountains, especially in the high 50s 's little... Complete the Loop also quite close to the right youll see a horizontal... The right youll see a small horizontal opening it was a fun hike, meander intoSiphon Draw trail via Prospectors. Takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete the Loop Maps! Is pretty easy, too so many people slipping and falling in their tennis shoes and. Short optional climb is 3.0 and the views are incredible trail near Apache Junction Arizona! A counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this wash to begin with, but youll 2.6. Short Length, soaring rock formations and excellent views make it an awesome day hike for families, pups beginner! Creek ( via Apache trail is a freelance writer for territory Supply my friends were from of!: First water road wildflowers quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert where! Considered a challenging route, it was very windy the day that we went View explore... But the toughest challenges also reap the best rewards, right trail were but. Through State Trust Land so you will be superstition loop trail fine visiting really really hard the Superstition,... Be slight easier to go during a warmer day, there may be a trickle from out of and... And biking through the Superstition Wilderness trips, and start down the Springs. Easier to go clockwise where to fill up along the wash. definitely factor in. Lot ( which is where the directions take you to the top of Siphon Draw trail via the View! You down not the ideal time to hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof gain... Even one time the sunrise, left me speechless you do this have! This trail starts at the Flat Iron Trailhead shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the.! Camp, home to a Creek bed prickly pear margaritas direction, so the petroglyphs stay for!
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