Here are some of the best places to get a glimpse of Superstition Mountain. 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! The round trip from the trailhead to Fremont Saddle and back is just over 5 miles, and there is a climb (I think the elevation change was somewhere around 1300 . As I adventure around the Southwest I aim to inspire you to get outdoors while sharing knowledge and skills to do so safely! The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Ill always suggest this one to Arizona visitors! Siphon Draw Trail. 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. 6109 N Apache Trl, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States. The trailhead is accessible via the Apache Trail and offers plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning views of the mountain range. Whether you take a picnic lunch, or just find a comfortable spot to sit and soak in the scenery, Superstition Mountain is a great place to spend an afternoon. But wait, don't let that stop you! A small pool of water is created at the base of the falls and is extremely cold but refreshing! Hikers should plan to spend at least two hours on the trail and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. If youve conquered this one then you can do just about anything. As an area with a rich (pun intended) mining history, you'll also see an old mine shaft en route to the falls. You wont regret the early wakeup call because youll have the perfect view of the sun rising while you sit on the wave. Campbell also says she expects a water rate hike in 2023, by an unknown amount. Writing to you for a possible route and a guide book you would recommend for the area. It was such a great feeling standing at the top above the world and looking down on the valley during sunset! Depending on the season, you'll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. Number of Pages. You can create a great silhouette photo here! It is pretty accessible from Phoenix. First Aid Kit: A first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, antiseptic, and items to treat blisters. Overall the hike is moderate due to the length of it. We provide an historical context that includes the region's . Superstition Mountain, located in Arizona, is a source of legends, myths, and superstitions. The options are almost endless! The 1,599 sq. This once botanically lush plateau took a major wildfire hit, but many survivor specimens and green sprouts pushing out from deadwood hint at recovery. Another legend revolves around the Apache Devil, a creature that is said to inhabit the area. Carry at least two (2) liters of water with you for the duration of your hike, and plan for additional hydration breaks if necessary. 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. Novice hikers are emboldened by tackling the rugged terrain but not being overwhelmed by it. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. This will give you a great introductory into these mountains, and then you can go from there! 4. It is a little further drive, located just east of Phoenix, but the drive is so worth it! 1,892 Sq. Commonly referred to as the Superstitions or the Supes, this mountain range is located on the far East side of the Phoenix valley near the cities of Apache Junction and Gold Canyon. Learn more about this Arizona landmark and top hikes that helped it make the list. 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. Finally, take some time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the desert. This is one of the most popular trails in Superstition Wilderness, which features an incredible view of Weaver's Needle from the saddle. Canyon Lake is close by and offers a scenic mountain drive along the Apache Trail which leads to Tortilla Flat, an old ghost town near the lake. More:Here's a fun, flower-filled springtime hike near Phoenix that just about anyone can do. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We hike to Second Water Spring via Dutchmans Trail, Cavalry, and Boulder Creek trails. Towering cliffs and giant hoodoos on the ridge line almost look like landscapes from the Lord of the Rings movies. You cant choose wrong! More than 350 people have died over the years looking for the Lost Dutchmans gold mine. Superstition Mountain is located in the Superstition Wilderness of the Tonto National Forest in Arizona, and is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state. 2. The road offers several pull-off points where you can stop and take in the beauty of the Superstition Mountains. So, put on your hiking boots and explore the beauty and mystery of Superstition Mountain. FR 78 is maintained dirt with some potholes and washboard sections passable by carefully driven sedans. Day 1: We enter the Superstitions via the Peralta trailhead and hike a full day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring. If youre looking for an adventure that will challenge you and reward you with stunning views and a unique experience, then youve come to the right place. If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. Its also situated in the perfect area to add a few more miles with various trails beginning near the Lost Dutchman State Park lot. Weavers Needle in the center of the shot on the horizon. Along the hike you will see many unusual rock formations, benches to rest on, and great views of the mountain range itself. We reveal who found the mine and the legend behind it over the campfire each night. . Your email address will not be published. . Then, once youre on top of the spine of the mountain, youll continue to boulder climb and scramble to the other end. While this is speculation and not necessarily factual, there was a report released indicating that in 1912, some lucky persons discovered $18,000 worth of gold ore in the general vicinity where the alleged murders happened. This trail will take you to the top of the mountain, where you can take in the stunning views of the valley below. My passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when I was in the US Navy. 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. Finally, in no certain order, are 10 incredible hikes you wont want to miss in the Superstition Mountains! As you traverse the trails, keep your eyes open for wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, and mule deer. Its rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. Broadway Cave features a massive entrance that opens up to the valley beyond. The wilderness is vast and has many different routes you can piece together for both day hikes or a backpacking trip. Length: 7 miles round trip. Other than that there are tons of things to see in and around the Superstition Mountains area. The mountains are located less than an hour's drive away from both Phoenix and Scottsdale. 2012. Superstition Mountain also encompasses a guard-gated master-planned community with custom home lots, elegant estates, and luxury villas. From the top of the mountain, you can see for miles in any direction. Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is a fantastic activity. 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 21-year-old hiker was reportedly camping with a friend on top of Flat Iron when he fell. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. Bring layers of clothing, including a hat and sunglasses. Also, bring rain gear in case of inclement weather. You will see Hoodoo rock formations, a slick rock basin with possible waterfall, which provides a great workout and awesome photography. One of the most popular trails is the Peralta Trail. Read the full trail guide: Massacre Falls | A magical waterfall in Phoenixs Superstition Mountains. Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. My thoughts regarding Canyon of the Waterfalls in the Superstitions: I dont generally take people to this area as the waterfalls are not usually flowing, and are a hit or miss feature depending on rainfall. Its a moderate hike with plenty of incline leads to the Fremont Saddle which overlooks Weavers Needle truly a unique sight to see! 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. 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. While the legend has never been proven true, it still elicits curiosity and wonder. May 12, 2014. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. . Its varied terrain makes it a great spot for hikers of all levels. I know a ton about backpacking the Superstition Mountains in Arizona and I hope to inspire you to check them out. This part is all the fun though, so I suggest you leave your furry friend at home. Getting there: From Phoenix, take U.S. 60 east to Exit 196 for Idaho Road (State Route 88). Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. These look like so absolutely stunning hikes. Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). Beautiful hike in the Superstition Mountains, ending with a view that's seldom seen! Massacre Falls is a seasonal waterfall in the Superstition Wilderness of Arizona. A lot of the parking for these trails are limited and they fill up fast. Only let them attempt it if they are experienced, in good shape, and you fully believe in their climbing abilities. Hi there! Enoy the peacful lifestyle that only Gold Canyon can offer with access to some of the best hiking trails in Arizona. Superstition Mountain Museum. 9. A large portion of Arizonas history lives within this mysterious mountain range. Superstition Mountain is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the iconic Saguaro cactus. 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