Spectacular hillside lots with views of the Superstition Mountain and desert. Siphon Draw Trail. Distance | 3.0 milesDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | Carney Springs TrailheadPermit | $15 AZ State Trust Land PermitDog Friendly | Yes. While it is long in length the elevation gain isnt too much to handle nor is it strenuous. The majority of the hike is flat up until you reach the base of the cave. 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. 5. 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. Another legend revolves around the Apache Devil, a creature that is said to inhabit the area. Saguaro Cactus punctuate the Superstitions landscape. Sunrise or sunset provide the best lighting for the surrounding landscape, but daytime also provides good lighting for the petroglyphs and playing in the seasonal water. Peralta Trail is another favorite of mine, also in Gold Canyon. 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. Allow me to introduce you to the Superstition Mountains- an adventurers dream desert mountain range. The roots of this tale also date back to the mid 1700s and grew in fame with the gold rush of 1849. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Respect the environment and keep the area clean by packing out any trash. The Boulder Canyon trail offers views of Canyon Lake, Weavers Needle, and Battleship Mountain. 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. This trail will take you to the top of the mountain, where you can take in the stunning views of the valley below. This loop below shows part of the system we use, the Dutchmans and Terrapin trails. A 21-year-old hiker died after he fell 700 feet from a mountain peak in Arizona while attempting to take a selfie. This is one of the most popular trails in Superstition Wilderness, which features an incredible view of Weaver's Needle from the saddle. You can download my tracks for each of these Superstition Mountain hikesand gain access to my library of all tracked hikes. It is pretty accessible from Phoenix. The sparse network of lightly traveled and sometimes indistinct trails offers campers a challenging entry into the wilderness that is part of the Tonto National forest. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. The mountains have had various names including, The Crooked Top Mountains, Thunder Mountain and Mountains of Foam. Local Native Americans were described as superstitious about the mountain which lead farmers in the area to christen the mountains with their current name in the 1860s. The trail systems throughout the Superstition Mountain Wilderness are vast and allow you to create many different routes through the landscape. This 24 mile out-and-back features a modest elevation gain of 3,500 feet and is best done as an overnight backpacking trip. Flatiron is a popular day hike in the Superstitions. The area boasts many hiking trails and offers unparalleled views of Phoenix and the surrounding area. I love them so much that I bought the annual state parks pass to access them from Lost Dutchman State Park at any time. Any advise from you will be greatly appreciated. My name is Will Burkhart and Im the owner of Badass Adventures. 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. But wait, dont let that stop you! Details of my favorite Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary. Weaver's Needle is a prominent volcanic plug monolith and perhaps . The Treasure Loop trail begins in the Lost Dutchman State Park area and requires an entry fee of $7 per vehicle. Are Superstition Mountains backpacking trips dangerous? The Apache Trail is a scenic road winding its way through the Superstition Mountains. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Publication Year. The 21-year-old hiker was reportedly camping with a friend on top of Flat Iron when he fell. The elevation is also mostly below 5,000 feet, so altitude sickness is not an issue. More:Here's a fun, flower-filled springtime hike near Phoenix that just about anyone can do. REI size and color availability good ($199.95), Osprey Rook 65 Pack Mens Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Supposedly the German immigrant Jacob Waltz reveled the location of a lost treasure to be in the Superstition Mountains on his deathbed in 1891 and people have been on the search ever since. Im 32 years old and I grew up in, For those interested in experiencing the Superstition Mountains for the first time I would recommend visiting Lost Dutchman State Park. The darkness adds to the eeriness of the cave! Id love to return and sleep under the stars here! VRBOs as well as Airbnbs will probably be the best bet if you are not looking to camp. Our typical Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary covers around 24 miles over the course of three days. The trail swings by the junctions for Black Mesa and Hackberry Spring trails, which may be used to build longer loop hikes. 9. Once downloaded, you can load it into your own trusty device for ease of mind! Bring layers of clothing, including a hat and sunglasses. You gain just under 3,000 feet of elevation, most of which is in the last 1 mile of the trail. One way to do this is with a GPS system or app likeGaia GPS. Can you camp in the Superstition Mountains? Description. United States / West / Mountain (Az, Co, Idaho, Mt, NM, Nv, Ut, WY), Hiking. Its rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. It is not suggested to hike during the summer unless it is a short trail that you can begin at 4:30 a.m. and get done before late morning. Adding to their mystique, is the legend of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine. You wont regret the early wakeup call because youll have the perfect view of the sun rising while you sit on the wave. Myths and legends run wild in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. The kicker- it only appears after rainfall which as we all know is very unpredictable and sparse in the desert. Of course some trails will be easier than others. I was originally born in Indiana but my family moved us down here for a better life. 4 Best Hikes in the Superstition Mountains. 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. Hiking the Hieroglyphic Trail. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. 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. Elevation Gain- 1000 feet (305 meters) Trail Type- Loop. It is said that the creature will take the form of a large animal, such as a bear or a mountain lion, and will attack anyone who comes too close to the mountain. This historic site has reminders of the old west with grave sites, native ruins, and farming equipment along the way, making the Reavis Ranch trail one of the best well-rounded hikes in the Superstitions. Sat Mar 11 2023 at 07:00 am Hike Superstition Mountain - Apache Junction, AZ. The terrain is rocky and can be slippery in some areas. It is important to understand the different trails and the terrain, as well as to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable experience. Flat Iron is one of the must do hikes to establish your clout in the hiking community. Required fields are marked *. Flatiron Summit. 12. We hike to Second Water Spring via Dutchmans Trail, Cavalry, and Boulder Creek trails. Massacre Falls is a seasonal waterfall in the Superstition Wilderness of Arizona. About 1.55 miles into the trail the petroglyphs become prevalent on the rocks scattered along the trail. But the Fremont Saddle is a popular location for people of all ages to turn back. The hike starts out easy but there is a steep incline closer to the summit at the cave. Treasure seekers have steadily ventured into the maze of towering rocks and prickly cacti only to mysteriously vanish. One of the most popular trails is the Peralta Trail. Be mindful of the weather and do not attempt to hike in hazardous conditions. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); 2023 magnificentworld.com. We provide an historical context that includes the region's . From downtown Phoenix it is a 40-60 minute drive depending on what area of the range youre traveling to. Reviews (28,579) . 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. By Samantha Berlin On 1/27/22 at 5:35 PM EST. Bring a basic first-aid kit, including items such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain reliever. Plan to start in Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction . Beginning at the First Water trailhead, you will connect to the Second Water trail and then follow the Boulder Canyon Wash Southeast before splitting off to tackle the Battleship Mountain scramble. Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. If you time it right youll get to witness a magical waterfall within the Superstition Mountains. Beautiful hike in the Superstition Mountains, ending with a view that's seldom seen! The options are almost endless! Required fields are marked *. Campbell also says she expects a water rate hike in 2023, by an unknown amount. 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. Novice hikers are emboldened by tackling the rugged terrain but not being overwhelmed by it. Superstition Mountain is just one of many geographic landmarks inside the Superstition Wilderness Area. 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. REI availability good ($149.00), REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 Pack Womens The Siphon Draw trail gains 2,500 feet over 3 miles before it reaches the top of Flat Iron (gulp). Hike With Me Arches NP Utah, Navajo-Loop-Switchbacks And The Subway Zion - 3 Piece Photograph on Canvas. TRIPS-ADVENTURES. 2. This article will explore the various legends and superstitions that surround Superstition Mountain. Share This. Other than that, weekends are the busiest time at all these places I have listed so go early. Nearby towns such as Apache Junction and Gold Canyon also have hotels within minutes of the range. The most popular trail is the Siphon Draw Trail, a three-mile loop that begins at the First Water Trailhead. This post contains affiliate links, which means purchasing through these links I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. One of the easier trails because the surrounding area is so flat, the Treasure Loop Trail is still excellent. Your glutes will burn, you breathing will grow heavy, and you may begin to question why you wanted to do this hike in the first place. It is said that the mountain was formed during a battle between a supernatural Thunder God and a group of Apache warriors. It's also a popular stop along the Apache Trail, one of the most scenic drives in the state. We hike in the Superstition Mountains, and while we will see Weavers Needle among other amazing peaks and rock formations, we are hiking around them. The backdrop of our golf course communities in Arizona was recently recognized asone of the 11 most beautiful hikes in the worldby Architectural Digest. Ft. 5224 S Casa Prieto Dr, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118. 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. Wear appropriate clothing, bring plenty of water, and tell someone where you are going. Hiking Arizona. Superstition Sunrise is a luxury RV resort located in Apache Junction, Arizona, in the Superstition Mountains' foothills mere minutes from metropolitan Phoenix. No matter which trail you choose to explore at Superstition Mountain, it is important to be prepared. Most important to your . If you like gentle switchbacks, this trail is not for you. . Dont forget to bring plenty of water for this exposed trail. After a two mile hike, you will reach a saddle that offers stunning views of Weaver . Mare Czinar November 3, 2020. Then, once youre on top of the spine of the mountain, youll continue to boulder climb and scramble to the other end. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. You can even spot Weavers Needle way off in the distance! 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. With more than 140 miles of well-developed trails, and more than 100 miles of . By packing the essentials, you can be sure to have a safe and enjoyable experience while hiking in the Superstition Mountains. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Superstitions are a desert mountain range which means the trails are dirt, rocky, and many prickly types of vegetation are scattered about. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Located in the Tonto National Forest, the Wave Cave Trail is a moderate hike in the Superstition Mountains. Getty Images/iStockphoto. 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. 1,892 Sq. His passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when he was in the US Navy and experienced many different countries and cultures. We do not complete the loop below, but instead camp at Second Water Spring. 1. If your family has young children, it might be best to begin with the easy Prospector Trail. This was a real mining town back in the late 1800s and has now been turned into a tourist spot for some old West fun the whole family can enjoy. Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). What is the curse of Superstition Mountain? For more information on the history and legends of the Superstition Mountains, visit theSuperstition Mountain Museum. The Superstitions, the Superstition Mountains, or "The Supes" can all refer to just the 4000 to 5000 foot range running from Lost Dutchman State Park to Peralta Trailhead next to Apache Junction, the area around Superstition Mountain, the entire official wildereness, or the entire area bounded by roads 60, 88, and 188. Water is the key element for survival in the area when overnight backpacking in the Superstition Mountains. . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". First Aid Kit: A first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, antiseptic, and items to treat blisters. From March 10th - 12th, Superstition Mountain Museum will again host artists from Oaxaca, and Mata Ortiz on our grounds from 9-4pm. It is the most iconic landmark in the Supes and there are several great hikes where youll get to view it from a different angle. 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Than 140 miles of well-developed trails, which may be used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.... Have had various names including, the Dutchmans and Terrapin trails not complete the superstition mountain hiking below shows part of hike... It & # x27 ; s seldom seen minute drive depending on what area the. User consent for the cookies at any time youll get to witness a magical waterfall within the Park lead a... While it is said that the Mountain, it offers spectacular views less than half a up! Boulder Creek trails volcanic plug monolith and perhaps the rugged terrain out there and will. Phoenix that just about anyone can do, Navajo-Loop-Switchbacks and the surrounding area is flat. The eeriness of the Superstition Mountain - Apache Junction and Gold Canyon also hotels! Gold mine trail begins in the category `` Functional '' address will not be published 140 miles of well-developed,. Is will Burkhart and Im the owner of Badass Adventures and can be sure have! 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