The majestic monolith of Superstition Mountain is the world famous icon that separates urban luxury and wilderness adventure. Local Guide To Wave Cave- The Superstitions Hidden Gem, Toms Thumb Trail in Scottsdale, AZ- all you need to know, Hike Pinnacle Peak Trail in Pinnacle Peak Park, Scottsdale, Ultimate Picacho Peak Hike Guide via The Hunter Trail, Visit the Old West Town of Tortilla Flat, Arizona, 5 Of The Best Sedona Caves And How To Find Them, Hiking with dogs- 10 essentials you should pack, How To See Grand Falls (Chocolate Falls) Flowing, How to Hike to Humphreys Peak- Arizonas Tallest Peak, A Day Trip to the Arizona Meteor Crater National Landmar, Big Horn Canyon in Escalante- a must see dog friendly slot canyon, Hiking Sunrise Mountain Trail in Peoria, AZ, How To Spend One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park, Conquering Three Sisters Summit In The Superstition Mountains. While this history makes for spooky campfire stories, most modern-day adventurers are attracted to backpacking in the Superstition Mountains because of their readily accessible stunning wilderness. One of the easier trails because the surrounding area is so flat, the Treasure Loop Trail is still excellent. Some of them will be returning, some are new to this year's event. My name is Kevin Antol. 5. 8. The map below is the one I use for all Superstition Mountain hiking trails. While hiking in the Superstition Mountains youll experience sharp cliff drop offs, extreme changes in weather, tough route finding, rock scrambling, and lack of water sources. This 2.4 mile round-trip trail features an elevation change of 450 feet and offers some surprising views without the work to ascend the mountainside. You'll find us in the rugged 160,000 acre Superstition Mountain range in the Tonto National Forest in Central Arizona. These are just a few of the legends and superstitions associated with Superstition Mountain. The trails in the Superstition Mountains range from short, easy strolls in the desert to strenuous climbs of some of the most dramatic volcanic peaks and everything in between. What to Pack for a Superstition Mountain Hike, Planning a Family Hike to Superstition Mountain, Exploring the Legends and Superstitions of Superstition Mountain, Navigating the Trails at Superstition Mountain, Where to Find the Best Views of Superstition Mountain, Tips for Safe Hiking at Superstition Mountain, What to See and Do on a Hike at Superstition Mountain, Exploring the Scenic Michelle Obama Hiking Trail: A Perfect Getaway for Nature Lovers. But wait, dont let that stop you! Garden Valley, on the western edge of the 160,200-acre Superstition Wilderness east of Phoenix, is one of those places that sears vivid images into the memories of those who trek through it. Goldfield Ghost Town has mine tours, a zip line and cowboy gunfights everyday during the cooler months. $445,000 Last Sold Price. As you traverse the trails, keep your eyes open for wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, and mule deer. 112 Likes, 8 Comments - Phil Shultz Landscape Photography (@philshultz_photography) on Instagram: ""Wishing Falls" Just a slight trickle from last Friday during a hike up this canyon in the" Superstition Mountain is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the iconic Saguaro cactus. The Superstition Mountains, located east of the Phoenix metropolitan area, are a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. The Apache Leap Trailhead is located at the top of the Superstition Mountains. Ringed by mesas, mountain ranges and bizarre pillars and piles of solidified ash or welded tuff, the yawning basins have settled into a quiet old age marked by a slow-motion epoch of falling apart. Here are a few of the highlights of a hike at Superstition Mountain. If youre looking for a great beginner hike in the Superstition Mountains, Treasure Loop is a the perfect choice. It is relatively easy, with a gradual climb and many scenic views. It was such a great feeling standing at the top above the world and looking down on the valley during sunset! This part is all the fun though, so I suggest you leave your furry friend at home. Superstition Mountain Hiking: Treasure Loop Trail. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". I love them so much that I bought the annual state parks pass to access them from Lost Dutchman State Park at any time. Weve only begun to scratch the surface when it comes to trail options within the Superstition Mountains. I love coming across little nuggets of paradises on the web and learn about them. This well traveled path is a mild hike that allows you to spend more time socializing and less time sucking wind. Beginning at the Peralta Trailhead, the Bluff Springs Trail is 3.5 mile section with about 340 feet of climbing. This trail is perfect for day hikers, as some of the best views are within the first 3 miles! The trail is pretty rocky so I suggest wearing supportive hiking boots and using trekking poles if you need help with balance. 7. Genre. Depending on the season, you'll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun. Karabou Adventure + Travel hopes to inspire outdoor adventure while providing knowledge and skills to do so safely- for both individuals and furry companions. Once downloaded, you can load it into your own trusty device for ease of mind! Here you can see the Superstition Wilderness is located in the Southern part of the Tonto National Forest. The terrain is rocky and can be slippery in some areas. Length: 4.6 mi Est. A 21-year-old man fell to his death while attempting to take a picture during a camping trip at Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona, according to authorities. The hikes each day are a manageable 6-8 miles in length, and while there is a good amount of ascent and descent, it is not crushing. . Enoy the peacful lifestyle that only Gold Canyon can offer with access to some of the best hiking trails in Arizona. Nearby Recently Sold Homes. The trailhead color and location icon color do coordinate with each other. Third, take some time to explore the areas rich history. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If your question is not answered in this post then send me an email. Wake up to DRAMATIC views of the Superstition & the Goldfield mountains SUPERIOR LOCATION: Just 5 minutes from the 202 freeway & numerous shopping opportunities. This route is an excellent moderate, all day hike around the rock formation and a great way to ease yourself deeper into the Superstition Mountains. Kevin Antol grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. It isnt for the faint of heart, though. Siphon Draw TrailNear the Lost Dutchman State Park, the Siphon Draw Trail takes hikers on a six-mile round trip through a wide canyon and up along the western ridge of the mountain. This state park is my favorite vantage point of the range. The trail is located at the base of the mountain range and leads to the Flatiron, a popular destination for hikers. The Boulder Canyon trail offers views of Canyon Lake, Weavers Needle, and Battleship Mountain. But, if you do make it all the way to the other end of Battleship Mountain youll be rewarded with the most stunning views in all of the Superstition Mountains. Getting there: From Phoenix, take U.S. 60 east to Exit 196 for Idaho Road (State Route 88). No matter which trail you choose to explore at Superstition Mountain, it is important to be prepared. Use the buddy system and never hike alone. Now it is time to pick a trail. Of all the Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Flat Iron can be the most demanding in the shortest distance, but also the most rewarding. 9003 E Fox St , Mesa, AZ 85207-5031 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $430,000. More:Spicy Phoenix hike is a worthy alternative to Camelback Mountain. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. The subsequent push upward from the depths of this crater-like formation, combined with other forces of nature, created a wilderness 40 minutes east Phoenix that is just loaded with miles of beautiful trail, unique geological features, and rich human history to boot. The Treasure Loop trail begins in the Lost Dutchman State Park area and requires an entry fee of $7 per vehicle. The mountain is also said to be home to a variety of supernatural creatures and forces, such as the Lost Dutchman, the Apache Devil, and the Witch of the Superstition. Distance- 2,4 Miles (3,86 km) Difficulty Rating- Easy to moderate. Read the full trail guide: Ultimate Guide to Hiking Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail, Distance | 4.7 miles RTDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | Peralta TrailheadPermit | $15 AZ State Trust Land PermitDogs Allowed | Yes. This is a great hike for beginners. Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). Overall the hike is moderate due to the length of it. Plant life grows more robust as the route starts a spiral down into a reedy, damp gorge where it intersects the Boulder Canyon Trail, the turnaround point for this hike. Publication Year. Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Siphon Draw itself is just about a mile in and can be extremely slick, especially during wet conditions. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Superstition Wilderness Trails West: Hikes, Horse Rides, and History at the best online prices at eBay! One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. A hiker . The summer months are not the ideal time to hike in these places but you will be just fine visiting. It is all a wilderness area with no vehicular access. While daytime temperatures are typically comfortable, they can rise to over 90 degrees. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. We hike to Second Water Spring via Dutchmans Trail, Cavalry, and Boulder Creek trails. 2. Distance | 6.5 miles RTDifficulty | DifficultTrailhead | Siphon Draw TrailheadFees | $7 Entry FeeDogs Allowed | Yes, but only the experiencd. This can be customized depending on your appetite for adventure. The kicker- it only appears after rainfall which as we all know is very unpredictable and sparse in the desert. Enjoy! Massacre Falls is a seasonal waterfall in the Superstition Wilderness of Arizona. Other than that there are tons of things to see in and around the Superstition Mountains area. Saguaro cacti and rock formations in the Superstitions along the Bluff Springs trail. 4.5 Stars. Use this list of the best hiking trails in the Superstition Mountains to plan your next journey to what locals call the Supes.. Also in the same area is Hieroglyphic Trail, a short and relatively easy hike towards the base of the mountains with views of Gold Canyon and Native American petroglyphs along the rock walls at the end. Adding to their mystique, is the legend of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Always pack layers! Saw dogs, children and other hiking groups on trail. The draw is right before the scrambling begins so you wont have to worry about any of that. Yes, there's an actual waterfall at the end of Massacre Grounds Trail. Trail Distance: 10.7 miles; Location: Lost Dutchman State Park; Perhaps the hardest and most rewarding spot for hiking in Phoenix is the Superstition Ridgeline Trail, located in Lost Dutchman State Park. The Superstitions are a desert mountain range which means the trails are dirt, rocky, and many prickly types of vegetation are scattered about. Wear appropriate clothing, bring plenty of water, and tell someone where you are going. The grand scale super-volcano activity was like whats incubating beneath Yellowstone National Park right now. If you begin early enough in the day it is possible you'll have . For those of us with a more adventurous spirit, the Sonoran Desert and specifically one of its best kept secrets the Superstition Mountains offers an amazing labyrinth through which to explore mother nature. We are planning for the second week in March. Close by is the, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: An Adventure Playground in SoCal, Best Tours in Belize: Book with Barefoot Services, Book your Adventure Tours in the Balkans with Outdoor Kosovo, Best Adventure Tours in Sardinia: Go Trekking and 44 Off-Roading, Discover the Best Hidden Gems of Montenegro, 10 Hidden Gems in Iceland for Adventure-Seekers. Only let them attempt it if they are experienced, in good shape, and you fully believe in their climbing abilities. Between 25 and 15 million years ago the craggy backcountry was a roiling cauldron of molten rock and white-hot ash that eventually collapsed on itself, forming a series of depressions called calderas. The helicopters are for tours and to look for injured or lost hikers. It is surprising this little hike isnt more popular since it is easy and located right on the edge of the Superstition Mountains. Second, explore a variety of plant and animal life. While it is long in length the elevation gain isnt too much to handle nor is it strenuous. By packing the essentials, you can be sure to have a safe and enjoyable experience while hiking in the Superstition Mountains. Food: Bring light and healthy snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars. Thank you. Hauntings and hidden mines aside, the Superstition Mountains are a tempting yet dangerous location for hikers everywhere.Perhaps it's the rugged land, the hiking difficulty, or the legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine but people every year attempt hiking the area only to require rescuing. Tagged under: There is a Superstition Mountain Museum at 4087 N. Apache Trail, Highway 88 in Apache Junction. Here's how to try it. Elevation Gain- 1000 feet (305 meters) Trail Type- Loop. Pets- Yes. You wont regret the early wakeup call because youll have the perfect view of the sun rising while you sit on the wave. Below are some tips I find important for any adventurer to know when entering this majestic wilderness: While the daytime temperature might be warm, once the sun goes down it can get very chilly and fast. Wave Cave TrailThe Wave Cave Trail treats visitors with views of the Superstition Mountains and ends inside a cave with a wave-like rock formation. The Hieroglyphic Trail provides a chance to witness a piece of Arizonas history! Beginning at the First Water trailhead roughly 45 miles from downtown Phoenix near Apache Junction, Second Water Trail is accessed by following the Dutchmans Trail 0.3 mile to the first signed junction. If you havent become familiar with this prominent rock formation you will after this hike. Fires, rock falls, flood displacements and seasonal transitions are like costume changes in a long-running show with ear worm tunes that hijack the mind but somehow never get old. This post contains affiliate links, which means purchasing through these links I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. PebbleCreek Hiking Club Hike Master List - Area: Superstition Mountains As of: 10/30/2022 DESCRIPTION: HIKE: A Challenge Hike - Superstition Mountains - Bluff Springs Mountain plus return via CrossOver. As you plan your fall, winter, or spring wilderness getaway, do not overlook the Alps of the Sonoran Desert! This trail will take you to the top of the mountain, where you can take in the stunning views of the valley below. 6109 N Apache Trl, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States. Reviews (28,579) . For the majority of the hike youre traveling on pretty level ground, and then once you make it to the base of the mountain it is a steep climb up a small social trail. 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