It is important to understand the different trails and the terrain, as well as to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable experience. Overview. One of the most iconic hikes within the Superstition Mountains is the Wave Cave. One of my favorite spots in Arizona is the Superstition Mountains. COUNTRY-MUSIC-FESTIVALS. If youve conquered this one then you can do just about anything. I was originally born in Indiana but my family moved us down here for a better life. Drive to Gold Canyon and take Kings Ranch Road toward the mountains and there are signs to trail head. For many Valley hikers, climbing Flatiron is an essential adventure. But wait, dont let that stop you! You can view mydisclosurefor more info. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. This protected land was designated in 1939, and was expanded in 1984 to its current size of 160,200 acres. 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. Weve only begun to scratch the surface when it comes to trail options within the Superstition Mountains. Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com. 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. To help familiarize you with the Superstition Mountains, I created the map above. Its varied terrain makes it a great spot for hikers of all levels. The Peralta trail extends for miles beyond the saddle, where many people end their hike after getting the bestviews of Weavers Needle,to create longer loops. Located in the Tonto National Forest, the Wave Cave Trail is a moderate hike in the Superstition Mountains. Thanks for reading everyone. Its rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. This trail is also quite challenging, with rocky terrain and many steep climbs. Day 1: We enter the Superstitions via the Peralta trailhead and hike a full day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring. Hiking The Superstition Wilderness. 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. Can you camp in the Superstition Mountains? Hike With Me Arches NP Utah, Navajo-Loop-Switchbacks And The Subway Zion - 3 Piece Photograph on Canvas. Food: Bring light and healthy snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars. View full map. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); 2023 magnificentworld.com. Flat Iron is one of the must do hikes to establish your clout in the hiking community. 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. If this were true, it would substantiate the allegation. 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! 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. Once you make it to the base of the mountain youll have to climb a pretty steep climb up a single boulder. Dimensions . Required fields are marked *. 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. The trail is located at the base of the mountain range and leads to the Flatiron, a popular destination for hikers. Superstition Mountains, Tonto National Forest In the 1930s, you might have seen Arthur Weber wandering around Peralta Canyon. Thank you. Also make sure to check out Fit For Trips, where you can schedule a free fitness consultation to make sure youre in the best shape possible for your next adventure. No matter which trail you choose to explore at Superstition Mountain, it is important to be prepared. I recommend booking a couple of nights at the Lost Dutchman State Park cabins or camping lots. The mountain is known for its strange appearance, Native American lore, and numerous tales of lost treasure. Across from Lost Dutchman State Park you have Goldfield Ghost Town. The Apache believed in these mountains lay a hole that led . Here are some of the best places to get a glimpse of Superstition Mountain. You'll find that the temperatures during this time are more comfortable and typically less than 100 degrees. Plan to start in Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction . It is pretty accessible from Phoenix. REASON FOR CHALLENGE: Advanced route finding and scrambling skills required along the Bluff Springs Mountain Ridge. You will see Hoodoo rock formations, a slick rock basin with possible waterfall, which provides a great workout and awesome photography. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Treasure seekers have steadily ventured into the maze of towering rocks and prickly cacti only to mysteriously vanish. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. This loop below shows part of the system we use, the Dutchmans and Terrapin trails. At the end it is rocky with pools of water and petroglyphics. Each trailhead is marked as a hiker, and the description lets you know which hike begins from that trailhead. While the legend has never been proven true, it still elicits curiosity and wonder. ART. There is gold in the mountains, but the Lost Dutchmans Mine has never been found since the Dutchman died. The Second Water Trail offers an approachable option for exploring this haunting hinterland of rugged terrain and mysterious tales of hidden gold caches and lost souls. But when it does snow or rain youll want to be ready to rush on over to Massacre Falls and catch the waterfall in action. Second, explore a variety of plant and animal life. Siphon Draw Trail. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November April. The Treasure Loop trail begins in the Lost Dutchman State Park area and requires an entry fee of $7 per vehicle. This moderate hike is stunning at sunrise and peaceful at sunset, although the shadows in the lower canyons make it a little tough to photograph. Dont forget to bring plenty of water for this exposed trail. For more tips check out 16 Expert Desert Hiking Tips you need to know. Superstition Sunrise is a luxury RV resort located in Apache Junction, Arizona, in the Superstition Mountains' foothills mere minutes from metropolitan Phoenix. More than 350 people have died over the years looking for the Lost Dutchmans gold mine. If your family has young children, it might be best to begin with the easy Prospector Trail. 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. This trail is quite challenging, with many steep climbs and rocky terrain. While some of these stories may be fictitious, the mountain remains an intriguing and mysterious place. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'magnificentworld_com-box-2','ezslot_4',652,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-magnificentworld_com-box-2-0');Welcome to my article on the Superstition Mountains! Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is best enjoyed during the months of November - April. Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. SOLD FEB 14, 2023. FR 78 is maintained dirt with some potholes and washboard sections passable by carefully driven sedans. Youre able to explore the area and climb up to the ledge that sits in the rock wall behind the flowing water. Spectacular hillside lots with views of the Superstition Mountain and desert. Weavers Needle in the center of the shot on the horizon. No, it doesn't flow at all times. Enjoy! Navigation: Pack a compass, map, and/or GPS device. Thank you for sharing. Turn right and go 2.6 miles to the trailhead. If it has rained recently there will be a small waterfall and water trickling down the draw! Hikers should plan to spend at least four hours on the trail, and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. No, you cant drive in the mountains. We do not complete the loop below, but instead camp at Second Water Spring. You can download my tracks for each of these Superstition Mountain hikesand gain access to my library of all tracked hikes. REI size and color availability good ($199.95), Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack Womens Whether youre an experienced hiker or just looking for a weekend getaway, Superstition Mountain offers something for everyone. Gila monsters, coyote, ring tail cats, bobcats, hawks, and a variety of lizards are the most often spotted animals. The most famous legend associated with Superstition Mountain is that of the Lost Dutchmans gold. The Wave Cave is a prefect day trip from Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tucson. Hopefully after reading this post youll be hiking in the Superstition Mountains in no time! Going in prepared is key. Your email address will not be published. Below are some tips I find important for any adventurer to know when entering this majestic wilderness: While the daytime temperature might be warm, once the sun goes down it can get very chilly and fast. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor . This will take you about 4-5 Hours and the elevation gain is 2781' to Flatiron Summit (5057 ft.) and 2977' to Superstition Peak #5024 (4861 ft) with 360 views and epic sunsets. Superstition Sunrise is a . 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. We reveal who found the mine and the legend behind it over the campfire each night. Along the hike you will see many unusual rock formations, benches to rest on, and great views of the mountain range itself. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Writing to you for a possible route and a guide book you would recommend for the area. Following the Siphon Draw trail from the Lost . Our typical Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary covers around 24 miles over the course of three days. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Covering over 160,000 acres, the Superstition Wilderness contains an abundance of cactus, wildflowers, and perennial water sources interwoven with the soaring mountain tops of granite, basalt and dacite.. Summer days may offer unforgiving heat or violent thunderstorms. It is a gentle, yet continuous, uphill hike with plenty of switchbacks and a few spots where loose rock makes footing a little slick. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. The trail continues through a series of rocky uphill segments that land hikers in the heart of Garden Valley a sprawling flatland dominated by chain fruit cholla, prickly pear cactus, jojoba, mesquite, hackberry shrubs and fields of wildflowers. Campbell also says she expects a water rate hike in 2023, by an unknown amount. Yes, camping is a popular activity in the Superstitions. When they run out of water or get disoriented, the wheels fall off pretty quickly and thats when things turn ugly. Superstition Ridgeline Trail. 12. Incredible hike with amazing views and fun scrambles. AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year, This new Arizona park will delight hikers and campers. Length: 7 miles round trip. Your Guide to Backpacking the Superstition Mountains, pin on the Google map is the Superstition Mountains, Hiking Washington State: From Puget Sound to Volcanic Peaks, Top Tips for Hiking and Backpacking on the Oregon Coast, Best Hikes in North Carolina | Mountain, City and Coastal Trails, Hiking or Backpacking in Minnesota? His passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when he was in the US Navy and experienced many different countries and cultures. Treasure Loop begins within Lost Dutchman State Park which charges a $7 entry fee. This 'Superstition Mountains' Acrylic Painting Print on Canvas contains the vivid color and detail of the original work. 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. 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. Some of its more popular day hikes include: 1. Wow! This part is all the fun though, so I suggest you leave your furry friend at home. 9003 E Fox St , Mesa, AZ 85207-5031 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $430,000. Lost Dutchman State Park is a great spot for enjoying views of the Superstition Mountains. 7. Unless you are a trooper and can wake up and hike before dawn and get back to the car shortly after sunrise, I would definitely not risk hiking in the mid day summer heat. This 4.5-mile trail leads to the top of the mountain and offers spectacular views of the surrounding desert. AllTrails map: Weavers Needle via Peralta Canyon, Dutchman #104, Terrapin #234 and Bluff Spring Loop is a 17.7 mile loop trail. 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