You can learn more about our editorial policies, 12 Best Hikes in Arizona, From Desert to Tundra, Charlebois Spring (Via Peralta trailhead), Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead), 11 Best Campgrounds in Death Valley National Park, 12 Epic Hiking Camps & Summer Backpacking Trips, 9 of the Best Places to Camp Near Sedona, Arizona, 12 Awe-Inspiring Airbnbs Near Big Bend National Park, Nude Hiking: How to (Legally) Celebrate Naked Hiking Day, 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, The Best Stops on an Epic Dallas to Houston Road Trip. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. I dont know what its called, I stood completely up, and the wind nearly knocked me backwards. At the sign for the Black Mesa Trail is where youll spot the remains of ancient ruins. MaybeCat PeaksTrailin the nearby Usery Mountains is right for you. Good shape. Its easy to miss a turn and to follow the trail along the wash. Ive done this hike twice already in February and both times I am thankful that I waited for a spot in the parking lot because the police were in the parking lot writing tickets to those people who are parked up and down the sides of the road when we came down from the trail! Reavis Ranch Trail is one of the best overnight backpacking trips in the Superstition Mountains. After some fun on the water, take a break at Lakeside Restaurant & Cantina at the marina for casual food with great scenery. Toward the end, the incline straddles the line between easy and moderate. The map is a straight line. You have to walk along houses at the end which is a bummer. It is more of a climb/scramble then a hike. Want to report conditions for this trail? Made for a great hike. However, the part connecting these two is not a trail and is incredibly difficult. Gypsum mine Did this hike yesterday (2/6/22). This hike is shorter than the north side, too, by 3 miles. For Sale: 9800 E Superstition Dr, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 $42,000 MLS# 1052656 An impressive hillside lot (almost 1/2 acre) with outstanding views of state land to the south. . However, its also steeper. The rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden canyons. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for brunch kind of hike you can conquer it within a few hours. 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 Lost Dutchman State Park 6109 N. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85119 480.982.4485 Trip Reports Its not scorching and the apples are in season. Whether youre a zealous desert advocate or simply passing through central California, Death Valley is certainly one of the strangest National Parks out there and well worth a camping trip. These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. 2021Outdoor Project. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. Decades later, Jacob Waltz, aka "the Dutchman," was said to have found the mine, and hid gold in the Superstitions. Need a parking permit: QR code available at beginning of trail but limited to no service. But the worst part is that whoever made the route just drew a straight line over a cliff. Everything else you need to know about Reavis Ranch is in the prior descriptionincluding a lay of the land, some history and pro tips! Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. Why you should go: Get a dose of cave therapy. Why you should go: Conquer the toughest hike on this list. Recommend that you download the map. It was breathtaking from the very beginning. This is a particularly good hike after a rain. I only brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt enough. Beautiful views starting miles back in the car. Archaeologists claim the petroglyphs date back to 900 A.D when the Hohokam people inhabited the area. Hogs & Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm. Look for the hieroglyphs on the left. Going up seems futile to me, I wouldnt try it. The rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden canyons. Whether you come for a weekend or stay for the week, Sedona and the surrounding area boast some great camping opportunities. There is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area. Superstition Mountain itself is the anchor to this strangely beautiful, historically rich wilderness area. Why you should go: An old windmill, an abandoned corral, an oasis in the desert! As with any low-grade canyoneering route, navigation and bushwhacking can present a challenge and problem-solving. Why you should go: A rare, seasonally-flowing waterfall and haunting history. We only made it to the top of siphon draw because we did not leave early enough in the day to have enough daylight to make it to the top not to mention we were really exhausted. Just be prepared for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the creek to get to the waterfall. Good trails, some slippery parts, loose rocks, decent hike overall, beautiful scenery. As I was climbing up the flattened rock area. You can see my stats and route on the Strava link here: https://www.strava.com/activities/8545950069 Much easier. 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. The summer heat is unforgiving and is mercilesson unprepared visitors. Spice things up with these fun stops. We fell a few times even going slow due to darkness. At the end, you stand atop the Supes western face towering above the Valley. Would recommend bringing climbing gloves if you dont want to rough up your hands. Before Waltz died, he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our Scrambling, scree, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus! We found hiking off the Apache trail (highway) more interesting. Why you should go: A potpourri of Superstition grandeur. 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 we left around 11 there was a line of cars waiting to park. Why you should go: An exposed adrenaline rush for adventurous souls. Great trail. If you are going with someone and have two cars, I would park one in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead. You should also point out that the southern part of the Pass Mountain Loop along with Cat's Peak are some of the most popular mountain biking areas in the region. Turn right on Hwy. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. Additional info: Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle. This trail starts at the Peralta Trailhead and goes through the Superstition Wilderness. Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles. Trust me, youll want to stay awhile, so I suggest packing a lunch for this one. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacularviews less than half amileup the trail. The spa offers everything from luxurious detox pedicures to deep tissue massages. This trail, in particular, keeps me humbled and healed. 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. 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. As one of Arizona's most rugged ranges, the Superstitions offer tons of hiking from from Class 2 all the way up to technical rock climbing. Oh, and if you go the way I did and it has rained hard, in one spot youll be climbing up or down a waterfall depending on whether going clockwise or counterclockwise on the loop. Need to Know Bring water. Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. Oak Flat Loop Trail. Superstition Backroads 2.5 A short day close to town. The AllTrails map helped a lot, and there was service most of time. Live out history for yourself in Goldfield Ghost Town. Got lucky and found lot parking but lot was pretty full. 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). There are many spots where you can see both east (towards Four Peaks and Superstition Wilderness) and west (towards Phoenix) and its moments like those that remind you why you're about to hike 20+ miles. Once you are there, relax, marvel at the views and nibble on the snacks you packed. 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. For Rent. 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. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. Luckily there were a bunch of cars parked off to the left, by some rope, and that was how we knew where the start of the trail head was. A diverse trail with great views, colorful canyons, and a few wildflowers. There are some cairns and its nearly impossible to get lost, but we are going to leave it up to our pals over at HikeArizona to do the navigation honors. Updated February 09, 2023. Add another 0.6 miles if you take the spur trail to the Praying Hands formation. It was definitely an adventure for the books. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." A favorite spot in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and prickly pear margaritas! 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. However, in the beginning, my friends and I had no idea what we were in for. One of the hardest treks in the Supes, the Ridgeline isnt for the meek or uninitiated. This was longer then 5.5 miles. Along the way, you'll get to explore the history and natural beauty of the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. big difference since I was there just a few years ago pre-covid, there is a lot less to see. 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. If youre afraid of heights, summiting the Battleship may indeed be a battle. Just a stone's throw from the Phoenix metro area, these trails give hikers a sense of solitude in a relatively remote setting. starting at First Water Trailhead and taking the Dutchmans Trail. The main trail is 2.0. Loose rocks on trail. Ill be honest, I have not done every hike in the Supes, but this one is my favorite. AllTrails says 19.2 miles with 4,767 feet of gain. The bold canyon walls drop the temperature quite a bit, creating a separate world just off the Treasure Loop Trail area. Horses on the side of the road, good parking, very rocky trail, moments of shade. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. 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. Look for a ridgetop slanting downward from left to right at its base and off to the right youll see a small horizontal opening. The Superstition Wilderness is known as a hiding place for secrets. Learn more about our editorial policies here. A bit of trail navigation may be necessary. The trail begins across the street from the Canyon Lake Marina parking. If youre going to the top, plan on being out there a good five hours. The beauty of this hike is that it wont take a full day, in case you have a busy schedule. If you read the previous hike description, youll notice that I did this hike by accident, but I wasnt the least bit disappointed. 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. Its rocky, sharp and unforgiving. For all the Supes veterans, give yourselves a pat on the back, because its rough out there. The AllTrails trail starts at the Flat Iron trailhead. The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, For $7 per vehicle, parking is available at Lost Dutchman State Park. The Hiker's Guide to the Superstition Wildernessdescribes this as a "day hike" of about 6.5 hours in length. Next time I'll try to make it to the waterfall! Crystal Sibson Second Water Trail to Hackberry Springs Loop is a 5.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail in Arizona's Superstition Wilderness. 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. Ready for a hike? When dealing with such a hike, footing can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots. Youll start down Reavis Ranch via 109 North at the Reavis Ranch trailhead. 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. In late February through March, this is one of the best wildflower trails you're likely to come across (dependent on winter rains). Picture 1 of 1. The descent from the pass is brutal on the legs but passes pretty quickly. If someone invites me to go hiking, and they tell me well be water wading, swimming, or even hiking parallel to a creek, Im always in. The hardest part was superstition mountain peak as scrambling and lack of trail in parts made it tough. Maps are supplied at the trailhead, making wayfinding a . Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. If you only have the afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through the rugged trails that lead to Tonto State Forest. Very busy, but fun and just the right amount of challenge. 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. I counted 18 stream crossings to complete the loop. It can be as straightforward or as sporadic as you want. There were also a few muddy spots . Adventure into the mountain via horseback, or join a guided tour of the history of women and their roles in the 1800s. Youll begin this hike from the Peralta trailhead, and start down the Bluff Springs Trail (bear right). The Peralta trail extends for miles beyond the saddle, where many people end their hike after getting the best views of Weaver's Needle, to create longer loops. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Preview trail Backpacking Hiking Views No shade Conditions Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in the Sonoran Desert, at the base of the Superstition Mountains, only 40 miles east of Phoenix. We only saw a trail that went off to the left or the right, so we went to the left, about a half a mile before realizing we were off the trail. Rating: Easy to moderate. Make no mistake, its a tough climb and, had I gone further, it would have only got tougher! We kind of made right a bit to early and ended up on this trail. 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. Was busy the day we visited and parking was a challenge. Muddy trail. Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. Just 15 miles up the trail from Apache Junction, the lake offers scenic red canyons surrounding bright waters, inviting you to boat, ski, fish, or just take it all in. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. The elevation gain is also gradual. latest trail conditions. Like walking into a desert forest. Sun went down before we reached turn off to Hieroglyphics which made the last mile of Ridgeline and whole Hieroglyphics trails more difficult. 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