Hiking the Superstition Mountains in Arizona for a few hours, a day or via a multi-day backpacking trip is a great way to experience the beauty of the landscape for locals and visitors alike. A large portion of Arizonas history lives within this mysterious mountain range. 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 . The Superstition Mountains are home to some of the most stunning views of the Arizona desert. This will give you a great introductory into these mountains, and then you can go from there! From March 10th - 12th, Superstition Mountain Museum will again host artists from Oaxaca, and Mata Ortiz on our grounds from 9-4pm. Siphon Draw Trail. The park is located at the base of the mountain range and offers plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas. If you like gentle switchbacks, this trail is not for you. While the name has hieroglyphic in it, what you actually will see are petroglyphs carved into the rocks from thousands of years ago. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Youll climb all of the elevation at once to reach the entrance but it isnt anything to strenuous and no scrambling is involved. Rating: Easy to moderate. This 1.2-mile loop winds through the desert and provides a great introduction to the area. You'll find us in the rugged 160,000 acre Superstition Mountain range in the Tonto National Forest in Central Arizona. With some planning and preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience. Use the buddy system and never hike alone. The Apache Leap Trailhead is located at the top of the Superstition Mountains. Know where you are going ahead of time and always have a way to keep yourself on trail. Hieroglyphic Trail #101 is one of the amazing, easy-to-reach trails in the Superstition Mountains that provides the fun family access to climbing and discovery that my kids just love. This cave is well known for its rock formation that resembles a wave. vista del corazon is a gated, custom golf community with a 100 home sites, embraced by the championship dinosaur mountain golf course, voted as one of the top 10 best golf courses in the . MLS # Begin your hikes early to beat the crowds, or strategize and arrive for a sunset hike if the trail permits. The typical itinerary is 2-nights and 3-days, and we do a big loop that links 4 trails together. Finally, take some time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the desert. Read the full trail guide: Hiking Black Top Mesa In The Superstitions Is Worth It, Distance | 4 miles RTDifficulty | Easy ModerateTrailhead | Broadway TrailheadPermit | NoneDogs Allowed | Yes. The ensuing trail can trick hikers into a steep and loose scramble on the right side, so beware of this and remember to stay left and follow cairns. Weaver's Needle is a prominent volcanic plug monolith and perhaps . Overview. This part is all the fun though, so I suggest you leave your furry friend at home. These look like so absolutely stunning hikes. Camping is generally dispersed in the vicinity of flowing springs. As you view down the spine and gasp at where you came from, youll be looking at my favorite views in these mountains. The backdrop of our golf course communities in Arizona was recently recognized asone of the 11 most beautiful hikes in the worldby Architectural Digest. 4.5 Stars. First Water Trailhead, Hiking Black Top Mesa In The Superstitions Is Worth It, How to find Broadway Cave in the Superstition Mountains, AZ, Massacre Falls | A magical waterfall in Phoenixs Superstition Mountains, 10 Amazing Superstition Mountains Hikes for your Bucket List. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. A hiker . Gold Canyon is located at the foot of the mountain. In fact, many people choose this to be their first exposure to backpacking in the Superstition Mountains due to the well-marked and maintained trail. The area gets rugged pretty fast and because of the lack of water sources, which is why prior planning is key to having a positive experience. backpacking traininghiking fitness training, michael young Sat Mar 11 2023 at 07:00 am Hike Superstition Mountain - Apache Junction, AZ. Even if youre not able to time it right for the waterfall, this trail is beautiful during spring bloom! The Superstition Mountains are open and have remained open during the pandemic. Its varied terrain makes it a great spot for hikers of all levels. 10. This is a hike that you can accomplish on your own or with the help of a backpacking guide such as myself. Experts believe the Superstition Mountains were formed more than 18 million years ago by volcanic activity. REI availability good ($149.00), REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 Pack Womens This stunning mountain range located in Arizona is part of the Sonoran Desert, and offers breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and plenty of trails for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Hopefully after reading this post youll be hiking in the Superstition Mountains in no time! Dont forget to bring plenty of water for this exposed trail. Other hikes such as the Wave Cave Trail accessed on the Gold Canyon side offers a nice walk to a cave where the Apache Kid hid out in the old Western days. Saguaro Cactus punctuate the Superstitions landscape. This trail will take you to the top of the mountain, where you can take in the stunning views of the valley below. Rife with otherworldly scenes of desert life in an environment sculpted out of ancient volcanic ash, the areas story arc spools out from violent origins, cataclysmic geological events, erosion and resurgence. If it has rained recently there will be a small waterfall and water trickling down the draw! Beginning at the Peralta Trailhead, the Bluff Springs Trail is 3.5 mile section with about 340 feet of climbing. Here's when it opens, Spicy Phoenix hike is a worthy alternative to Camelback Mountain. beautiful sunsets & city lights in the evenings. As you plan your fall, winter, or spring wilderness getaway, do not overlook the Alps of the Sonoran Desert! administrator 4 January 2023 Distance | 6.5 miles RTDifficulty | DifficultTrailhead | Siphon Draw TrailheadFees | $7 Entry FeeDogs Allowed | Yes, but only the experiencd. Your email address will not be published. The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. Once you make it to the base of the mountain youll have to climb a pretty steep climb up a single boulder. As soon as you enter the mountains from any point whether its via Lost Dutchman State Park, Canyon Lake or the Gold Canyon area you will truly feel like you are in another world! Dogs are able to use this trail but be advised that scrambling is required and there may be a couple areas theyll need a lift up. 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 Siphon Draw trail gains 2,500 feet over 3 miles before it reaches the top of Flat Iron (gulp). Myths and legends run wild in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. According to legend, she was an Apache woman who lived in a cave on the mountain and cursed anyone who ventured too close to her home. Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). The trail swings by the junctions for Black Mesa and Hackberry Spring trails, which may be used to build longer loop hikes. The Wave Cave is a prefect day trip from Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tucson. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The rugged terrain through this mountain range is not to be underestimated. Spectacular hillside lots with views of the Superstition Mountain and desert. Wear appropriate clothing for the climate and time of year, including light layers, a hat, and sunscreen. It does not store any personal data. One of the best ways to truly experience the Superstition Mountains is by foot on its numerous trails. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. Clothing: The temperature in the Superstition Mountains can range from hot to cold. Tagged under: The Superstitions hold some of the most beautiful hikes and I am happy to share them. Food: Bring light and healthy snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars. This post contains affiliate links, which means purchasing through these links I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This loop below shows part of the system we use, the Dutchmans and Terrapin trails. This state park is my favorite vantage point of the range. The mountain is known for its strange appearance, Native American lore, and numerous tales of lost treasure. 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. Treasure Loop begins within Lost Dutchman State Park which charges a $7 entry fee. It is relatively easy, with a gradual climb and many scenic views. Superstition Sunrise is a . Hi there! Youre able to explore the area and climb up to the ledge that sits in the rock wall behind the flowing water. Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. 9. If youre looking for a great beginner hike in the Superstition Mountains, Treasure Loop is a the perfect choice. Respect the environment and keep the area clean by packing out any trash. Other than that there are tons of things to see in and around the Superstition Mountains area. Experienced adventurers are surprised by the areas remoteness, despite close proximity to metropolitan Phoenix. Distance | 3.0 milesDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | Carney Springs TrailheadPermit | $15 AZ State Trust Land PermitDog Friendly | Yes. Most backpackers should be able to get a good fit with these packs. There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. Wow! One of my favorite spots in Arizona is the Superstition Mountains. Here's how to try it, Here's a fun, flower-filled springtime hike near Phoenix that just about anyone can do, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35525, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Our focus is on providing visitors with an experience of the Old West. Superstition Mountain Museum. You might encounter coyotes and . Hiking the Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Ultimate Guide to Hiking Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail, Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle: Arizona Hiking Guide, Weavers Needle Loop Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Hike Battleship Mountain via. Overall this hike is moderate and perfect for beginner hikers, families, Arizona visitors, and even dogs! Id love to return and sleep under the stars here! This well traveled path is a mild hike that allows you to spend more time socializing and less time sucking wind. While some of these stories may be fictitious, the mountain remains an intriguing and mysterious place. With a little bit of preparation, a hike to Superstition Mountain can be a rewarding family experience. At 3,000 feet high, Superstition Mountain seems to stand guard protecting the lore, myths, stories past and the spectacular Superstition Wilderness that still . Flat Iron is one of the must do hikes to establish your clout in the hiking community. Details of my favorite Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary. 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. There are amazing views throughout the Superstitions. It is important to understand the different trails and the terrain, as well as to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable experience. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. 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. The Superstition Mountains (Yavapai: Wi:kchsawa) is a range of mountains in Arizona located to the east of the Phoenix metropolitan area.They are anchored by Superstition Mountain, a large mountain that is a popular recreation destination for residents of the Phoenix, Arizona, area.They are roughly bounded by U.S. Route 60 on the south, Arizona State Route 88 on the northwest, and Arizona . The hike starts out easy but there is a steep incline closer to the summit at the cave. 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. Some say as many as 600 people have died in search of the gold and many have gone missing. The falls tend to dry up in the summer and early fall . Its also situated in the perfect area to add a few more miles with various trails beginning near the Lost Dutchman State Park lot. 4. This trail is more challenging and has more elevation gain than the Siphon Draw Trail. 1. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Read the full trail guide: Weavers Needle Loop Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Distance | 12 milesDifficulty | DifficultTrailhead | Dutchmans TrailheadPermits | NoneDog Friendly | Not advised. Another legend revolves around the Apache Devil, a creature that is said to inhabit the area. 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. Black Top Mesa received its name because of the black basalt lava rocks that reveal themselves at the top. Can you drive to the top of Superstition Mountain? Beautiful hike in the Superstition Mountains, ending with a view that's seldom seen! No matter which trail you choose to explore at Superstition Mountain, it is important to be prepared.