Superstition Mountain is just one of many geographic landmarks inside the Superstition Wilderness Area. Across from Lost Dutchman State Park you have Goldfield Ghost Town. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I love coming across little nuggets of paradises on the web and learn about them. Its easy to get to if you live in the USA and you can knock off even more bucket list travel items along the way: Any questions about Superstition Mountain backpacking or camping, email me at will.burkhart@gmail.com and Ill be happy to help in any way. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. AllTrails map: Weavers Needle via Peralta Canyon, Dutchman #104, Terrapin #234 and Bluff Spring Loop is a 17.7 mile loop trail. You can download my tracks for each of these Superstition Mountain hikesand gain access to my library of all tracked hikes. The area boasts many hiking trails and offers unparalleled views of Phoenix and the surrounding area. It is best practice to also carry a paper map of the area youre hiking in. This is a great hike for beginners. The mountain has a long history of superstition and myth, making it a fascinating place to explore. 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.. The trail is relatively easy and offers some of the best views of the area. From downtown Phoenix it is a 40-60 minute drive depending on what area of the range youre traveling to. Also, bring rain gear in case of inclement weather. 1,892 Sq. Turn right and go 2.6 miles to the trailhead. The terrain is rocky and can be slippery in some areas. But the Fremont Saddle is a popular location for people of all ages to turn back. Can you camp in the Superstition Mountains? The parking lot is small so I suggest beginning Wave Cave for sunrise. It is said that a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz discovered a vast amount of gold in the area and buried it in the mountain somewhere. AllTrails map: Dutchman Trail #104 and Cavalry Trail #239 Loop is a 17.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail. It is a gentle, yet continuous, uphill hike with plenty of switchbacks and a few spots where loose rock makes footing a little slick. This will give you a great introductory into these mountains, and then you can go from there! I have been adventuring in the Superstition Mountains for about five years now after I moved to Mesa, Arizona. Hieroglyphic TrailBeginning at the end of a residential street north of Gold Canyon, this 1.5-mile path leads up Hieroglyphic Canyon to a group of petroglyphs beside some seasonal pools. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The trail is rated as moderate and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. It is all a wilderness area with no vehicular access. We hike to Second Water Spring via Dutchmans Trail, Cavalry, and Boulder Creek trails. There is a Superstition Mountain Museum at 4087 N. Apache Trail, Highway 88 in Apache Junction. 416 Pages. The Wave Cave is a prefect day trip from Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tucson. The iconic Saguaro Cactus punctuates the mountain slopes as do a cornucopia of other succulents. Superstition Mountain is a popular destination for hikers, offering a variety of trails with something for everyone. What is the curse of Superstition Mountain? Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. What is dispersed campingSuperstition Mountains? Sat Mar 11 2023 at 07:00 am Hike Superstition Mountain - Apache Junction, AZ. While some of these stories may be fictitious, the mountain remains an intriguing and mysterious place. Although treasure hunters still comb the wilderness looking for the Lost Dutchman's gold mine, most visitors come to hike or mountain bike the park's trails, camp at the base of the Superstition Mountains and photograph wildflowers in the spring. Superstition Mountain is a great place to go hiking and explore. We do not climb Superstition Mountain. You might encounter coyotes and . Check the weather forecast, as the conditions can often change quickly in the desert. Superstition Mountain is just one of many geographic landmarks inside the Superstition Wilderness Area. We hike from Second Water back to Peralta trailhead. From then on, I highly advise to not attempt making them climb up the base of the mountain and down the spine. So, a mountain hike to a cave is a pretty cool hike to do in Arizona. . . One of the most popular trails is the Peralta Trail. The mountain range is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and it boasts stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. 3 Popular Superstition Mountain Hiking Trails . Stay on the marked trails and avoid taking shortcuts. 2. Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun. Some of its more popular day hikes include: 1. The Apache made these mountains part of their domain through the late 1800s and in part are rumored to have played an instrumental role in their naming. SOLD FEB 14, 2023. Here are a few of the highlights of a hike at Superstition Mountain. Finally, in no certain order, are 10 incredible hikes you wont want to miss in the Superstition Mountains! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Superstition Ridgeline Trail. Since the Superstition Mountains are in the Sonoran Desert, finding water is one of the key challenges during a hike. Yes, camping is a popular activity in the Superstitions. It is a very challenging hike with several scrambling and class 4 and 5 rock climbing sections. Richard . Food: Bring light and healthy snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars. However, we continue on to Charlebois Spring as there is better camping there. This 4.5-mile trail leads to the top of the mountain and offers spectacular views of the surrounding desert. The Apache Leap Trailhead is located at the top of the Superstition Mountains. Most backpackers should be able to get a good fit with these packs. 2 Baths. More:This new Arizona park will delight hikers and campers. Reply. AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year, This new Arizona park will delight hikers and campers. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. The Superstition Mountains are open and have remained open during the pandemic. The highlight of the hike is at the top of the ridge known as Flat Iron, offering views of the rest of the mountain range, local desert and on clear days, views of Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix. Lost Dutchman State Park is home to Siphon Draw Trail which is a difficult hike (my favorite) that takes you to the top of what is known as Flatiron Peak. 10. Required fields are marked *. Going in prepared is key. Along the hike you will see many unusual rock formations, benches to rest on, and great views of the mountain range itself. There are a few trails for you to explore, each providing a unique set of sights and sounds. 3 Beds. Peralta Trail is another favorite of mine, also in Gold Canyon. This trail loops around the foothills of the Superstitions without getting into anything crazy, but still provides you with some beautiful desert views. Day 1: We enter the Superstitions via the Peralta trailhead and hike a full day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring. By Samantha Berlin On 1/27/22 at 5:35 PM EST. A major geological upheaval notwithstanding, the slow-burn erosion and superficial smudges incurred regularly on the Second Water Trail are barely perceivable over a single human lifetime. It also means that you will rarely have access to water sources or shade. The popular 3.5-mile-long hike is easy to follow and due to the uniqueness of the cave and its rock formations, the trail is heavily trafficked by guests. Overall the hike is moderate due to the length of it. 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. Read the full trail guide: Weavers Needle Loop Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Distance | 12 milesDifficulty | DifficultTrailhead | Dutchmans TrailheadPermits | NoneDog Friendly | Not advised. Other than that, weekends are the busiest time at all these places I have listed so go early. Getting to the top of the landform that juts out 2,500 feet above Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction is challenging - it does not give up its bragging rights easily . For reference- if it is 85 degrees or hotter, I would be extremely cautious about embarking on an all day hike. Your email address will not be published. You gain just under 3,000 feet of elevation, most of which is in the last 1 mile of the trail. Superstition Mountain Apache Junction AZ. Campbell also says she expects a water rate hike in 2023, by an unknown amount. While the trail may be short I promise it doesnt sacrifice on views. While daytime temperatures are typically comfortable, they can rise to over 90 degrees. Details: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35525. Some say as many as 600 people have died in search of the gold and many have gone missing. 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. DESCRIPTION: This hike is a 14.1 mile counter clockwise loop hike with an . Superstition Mountain Hiking: Treasure Loop Trail. In addition, be aware of any desert hazards, such as cacti and rattlesnakes. It is said that the mountain was formed during a battle between a supernatural Thunder God and a group of Apache warriors. The trail is pretty rocky so I suggest wearing supportive hiking boots and using trekking poles if you need help with balance. Whether you enjoy golfing or shopping or hiking or wandering around museums - there's something for everyone at our RV resort! One of the best ways to truly experience the Superstition Mountains is by foot on its numerous trails. 9003 E Fox St , Mesa, AZ 85207-5031 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $430,000. The 21-year-old hiker was reportedly camping with a friend on top of Flat Iron when he fell. 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 magnificent mountain range offers our members and those in the Phoenix-area incredible hiking and unparalleled views of the local desert surroundings. This hike is for those looking to test their comfort with heights, wayfinding skills, and sheer physical ability. Along this route, you can get some of the most breathtaking views of the mountain range. This 24 mile out-and-back features a modest elevation gain of 3,500 feet and is best done as an overnight backpacking trip. The Superstition Mountains were once a series of volcanoes that collapsed into themselves, and after years of erosion and natural elements theyve become what we see today. Reviews (28,579) . Superstition Mountain also encompasses a guard-gated master-planned community with custom home lots, elegant estates, and luxury villas. Be mindful of the weather and do not attempt to hike in hazardous conditions. If you want to begin hiking into the Superstition Mountains this trail is a great introductory one because it gives you a great view into just how vast the range is. His passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when he was in the US Navy and experienced many different countries and cultures. Legend tells of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the "Superstition Mountains." The promise of a $200 million mother lode has lured thousands of treasure hunters and continues to claim the lives of those eager to decipher the . All this, together with many indoor and outdoor recreational pursuits, serves as an invitation for you and your family to enjoy a fulfilling and rich resort experience in some of Arizona's prime golf course . Read the full trail guide: How to find Broadway Cave in the Superstition Mountains, AZ, Distance | 5.6 miles RTDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | Massacre Grounds TrailheadPermit | NoneDog Friendly | Yes. If youre looking for a base camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot ahead of time here. With a round-trip distance just shy of 12 miles and an elevation gain of about 1,800 feet this trip requires an early start especially in the warmer late spring and summer months. If it has rained recently there will be a small waterfall and water trickling down the draw! Details to Explore Your Way, Yellowstones Best Trails and Advice for Hiking and Backpacking. Free shipping. Mare Czinar November 3, 2020. Navigation: Pack a compass, map, and/or GPS device. Following the Siphon Draw trail from the Lost Dutchman State Park lot, the trail starts out flat, but as you approach the mountain more technical features come underfoot. Read the full trail guide: Local Guide To Wave Cave- The Superstitions Hidden Gem, Distance | 3.1 milesDifficulty | Easy ModerateTrailhead | Hieroglyphic TrailheadPermit | NoneDog Friendly | Yes. PLUS, Usery Pass Regional Park & many hiking trails are within walking distance, adventure awaits! Unlock your dream home - Contact our real estate team TODAY! Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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