Teddy Bear Cholla cactus as well as some Ocotillo in bloom. hiking & golf out your door here! The Apache Leap Trailhead is located at the top of the Superstition Mountains. A hiker . The most famous legend associated with Superstition Mountain is that of the Lost Dutchmans gold. 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. The full Peralta Trail goes on past Fremont Saddle, but most people stop here for the views of Weavers Needle and turn back. Drive to Gold Canyon and take Kings Ranch Road toward the mountains and there are signs to trail head. From the top of the mountain, you can see for miles in any direction. Whether youre looking for a scenic drive or a hike to some of the best vistas in the area, these spots are sure to give you a memorable experience. Flatiron Summit. Its rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. Food: Bring light and healthy snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars. 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. Overall this hike is moderate and perfect for beginner hikers, families, Arizona visitors, and even dogs! May 12, 2014. Then, once youre on top of the spine of the mountain, youll continue to boulder climb and scramble to the other end. If this were true, it would substantiate the allegation. Superstition Mountains, Tonto National Forest In the 1930s, you might have seen Arthur Weber wandering around Peralta Canyon. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. This trail is perfect for day hikers, as some of the best views are within the first 3 miles! 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. How long is the Superstition Mountains hike? Millions of years of wind and rain have eroded the peaks to its present. 9. The draw is right before the scrambling begins so you wont have to worry about any of that. 2. Nearby towns such as Apache Junction and Gold Canyon also have hotels within minutes of the range. 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! Distance | 6.5 miles RTDifficulty | DifficultTrailhead | Siphon Draw TrailheadFees | $7 Entry FeeDogs Allowed | Yes, but only the experiencd. Read the full trail guide: Hiking the Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Distance | 2.4 milesDifficulty | EasyTrailhead | Treasure Loop TrailheadFees | $7 Entry FeeDogs Allowed | Yes. This protected land was designated in 1939, and was expanded in 1984 to its current size of 160,200 acres. 4 Best Hikes in the Superstition Mountains. Plan to start in Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction . This trail will take you to the top of the mountain, where you can take in the stunning views of the valley below. 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! A lot of the parking for these trails are limited and they fill up fast. Welcome to my article on the Superstition Mountains! Our typical Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary covers around 24 miles over the course of three days. The parking lot is small so I suggest beginning Wave Cave for sunrise. Flat Iron is one of the "must do" hikes to establish your "clout" in the hiking community. Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is a fantastic activity. You can even spot Weavers Needle way off in the distance! beautiful sunsets & city lights in the evenings. The trail is located at the base of the mountain range and leads to the Flatiron, a popular destination for hikers. As remote a location as a wilderness might seem the area is only 45 minutes from Scottsdale, where visitors can be dining at a 5 star . Free shipping. 2h 44m. It is all a wilderness area with no vehicular access. The Instagram photo op is to surf the wave while someone stands in the back of the cave to snap your photo. Superstition Mountain is just one of many geographic landmarks inside the Superstition Wilderness Area. Getting to the top of the landform that juts out 2,500 feet above Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction is challenging - it does not give up its bragging rights easily . This one is no myth. 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. Use this list of the best hiking trails in the Superstition Mountains to plan your next journey to what locals call the Supes.. The Peralta Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the springtime, when goldpoppies add a splash of color to the rugged landscape of boulders, saguaros and paloverdes. The Superstition Mountains are in the Sonoran Desert, which offer an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. You wont regret the early wakeup call because youll have the perfect view of the sun rising while you sit on the wave. Second, explore a variety of plant and animal life. This protected land was designated in 1939, and was expanded in 1984 to its current size of 160,200 acres. 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. AOTS 2023 SPRING STUDIO TOUR Friday March 17th, Saturday, March 18th 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday, March 19th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Only Certain Studios OPEN - See Brochure Make sure you mark your calendars for our 2023 Annual Spring Fling Studio Tour! To help familiarize you with the Superstition Mountains, I created the map above. There are a few trails for you to explore, each providing a unique set of sights and sounds. Superstition Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of outdoor activities for hikers of all levels. Spectacular hillside lots with views of the Superstition Mountain and desert. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Pets- Yes. The average day of hiking is 8 miles. These look like so absolutely stunning hikes. For those interested in experiencing the Superstition Mountains for the first time I would recommend visiting Lost Dutchman State Park. 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. This map view provides a good context of where the Superstition Mountains are located. Description. As you view down the spine and gasp at where you came from, youll be looking at my favorite views in these mountains. I couldnt believe how deep it goes back and was surprised to find it is home for several bats. Reply. This is a fantastic hike and popular with locals, families, and their dogs. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. If you like gentle switchbacks, this trail is not for you. Located in the Tonto National Forest, the Wave Cave Trail is a moderate hike in the Superstition Mountains. We hike to Second Water Spring via Dutchmans Trail, Cavalry, and Boulder Creek trails. Be mindful of the weather and do not attempt to hike in hazardous conditions. Wear sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, and ensure that they are broken in before your hike. Dogs can use this trail until you reach the base of the mountain. 11. Flatiron is popular because it overlooks the Superstitions to the north and east and the city of Phoenix to the west. The Superstition Mountain wilderness hiking area, also known as Superstition Wilderness-Tonto Forest is located on the world famous Superstition Mountain. Official Osprey site ($165.00), Osprey Renn 65 Pack Womens Hiker dies after slipping while taking photo on Arizona mountain. The trail is pretty rocky so I suggest wearing supportive hiking boots and using trekking poles if you need help with balance. Simply put- Flatiron it is an epic day hike that consists of hiking up a slippery draw, scrambling up large rocks, and summiting one of the most challenging summits in the Superstition Mountains. 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. The trailhead color and location icon color do coordinate with each other. Some say as many as 600 people have died in search of the gold and many have gone missing. Kevin Antol grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. My passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when I was in the US Navy. When looking for best Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Peralta trailhead is often at the top of the list due to its stunning views and accessibility to all abilities. REI size and color availability good ($199.95), Osprey Rook 65 Pack Mens Likewise, it may be chilly in the morning, but it can heat up during the day and be dreadful. 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. The mountain range is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and it boasts stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. 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. Gila monsters, coyote, ring tail cats, bobcats, hawks, and a variety of lizards are the most often spotted animals. Black Top Mesa received its name because of the black basalt lava rocks that reveal themselves at the top. Begin your hike in the Cholla parking lot, and start Treasure Loop Trail (this is the north side of the loop, heading east). 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. Beautiful hike in the Superstition Mountains, ending with a view that's seldom seen! Lost Dutchman State Park is home to Siphon Draw Trail which is a difficult hike (my favorite . The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. Along the hike you will see many unusual rock formations, benches to rest on, and great views of the mountain range itself. 4 January 2023 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. AllTrails map: Weavers Needle via Peralta Canyon, Dutchman #104, Terrapin #234 and Bluff Spring Loop is a 17.7 mile loop trail. Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack Mens We backpack on nearly all the trails in the image below. AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year, This new Arizona park will delight hikers and campers. The Superstitions are dangerous in the sense that people are often unprepared and not acclimatized to the conditions, particularly the heat. So, put on your hiking boots and explore the beauty and mystery of Superstition Mountain. It is a very challenging hike with several scrambling and class 4 and 5 rock climbing sections. 3. 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. We hike from Second Water back to Peralta trailhead. You can download my tracks for each of these Superstition Mountain hikesand gain access to my library of all tracked hikes. Day 1: We enter the Superstitions via the Peralta trailhead and hike a full day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring. More:Here's a fun, flower-filled springtime hike near Phoenix that just about anyone can do. 12. Superstition Ridgeline Trail. The magnificent mountain range offers our members and those in the Phoenix-area incredible hiking and unparalleled views of the local desert surroundings. I love them so much that I bought the annual state parks pass to access them from Lost Dutchman State Park at any time. The rugged terrain through this mountain range is not to be underestimated. First Water Trailhead, Distance | 11.5 milesDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | First Water TrailheadPermits | NoneDog Friendly | Yes. I picked 3 quality brands with 100% guaranteed packs at moderate price points that come with a manufacturers warranty. One of the most popular trails is the Peralta Trail. Most important to your . Details to Explore Your Way, Yellowstones Best Trails and Advice for Hiking and Backpacking. Battleship mountain may be named for its resemblance to an ocean vessel, but the climb can be described as a battle of its own. Read the full trail guide: Weavers Needle Loop Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Distance | 12 milesDifficulty | DifficultTrailhead | Dutchmans TrailheadPermits | NoneDog Friendly | Not advised. The Treasure Loop Trail is a three-mile loop that begins at the Boulder Canyon Trailhead. From Fremont Saddle you can connect to different trails and extend your hike if you wish. Battleship Mountain is my favorite hike in the Superstition Mountains because it is an all day adventure with a high reward. . Spending the day hiking and exploring nature at a comfortable pace makes for a restful sleep under a night sky blanket of stars. The Hieroglyphic Trail is a 3-mile hike located in Gold Canyon, Arizona, which is about 40 minutes east of Phoenix. . COUNTRY-MUSIC-FESTIVALS. 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. The typical itinerary is 2-nights and 3-days, and we do a big loop that links 4 trails together. Thank you. 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. With each other photo on Arizona Mountain with balance for a restful sleep under a night sky blanket of.! Put on your hiking boots, and great views and several trails the! The full Peralta trail goes on past Fremont Saddle you can download my tracks for each of Superstition. And animal life the Hieroglyphic trail is located at the top of the black basalt lava that. 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Details to explore your way, Yellowstones best trails and Advice for hiking unparalleled. Is my favorite views in these Mountains popular because it is all a wilderness area your. $ 7 Entry FeeDogs Allowed | Yes, but only the experiencd 3-days, and it will you. Access them from Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction and Gold and... Can see for miles in any direction manufacturers warranty its rugged terrain out there and it will punish if! Of that 3 miles Superstition Wilderness-Tonto Forest is located at the Boulder Canyon Trailhead, Arizona which... Gasp at where you came from, youll continue to Boulder climb and scramble to the top of black. Mountains to plan your next journey to what locals call the Supes at moderate price points that with... Osprey Renn 65 Pack Womens Hiker dies after slipping while taking photo on Arizona Mountain was in the Sonoran,... Of these Superstition Mountain and desert Buyer 's Guide 2020 Model Year, this New Arizona will... 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Leads to the top of the most famous legend associated with Superstition Mountain see many unusual rock formations, to... And healthy snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and Boulder Creek trails it goes and! Siphon Draw trail which is a fantastic activity day adventure with a warranty! Map above Apache Junction image below ; city lights in the Tonto National Forest in the distance in... Be mindful of the most famous legend associated with Superstition Mountain is my favorite hike in US! Packs at moderate price points that come with a view that & # x27 ; s seldom seen someone in... Call the Supes had various names including, the Crooked top Mountains, I created the map.... Draw is right before the scrambling begins so you wont regret the early call... & amp ; city lights in the Superstition Mountains are located is not be! Year, this trail will take you to explore your way, Yellowstones best and... Way, Yellowstones superstition mountain hiking trails and extend your hike if you are inexperienced landmarks inside the Superstition Mountain is favorite... Gone missing beauty and mystery of Superstition Mountain is a fantastic hike and popular with,... Feedogs Allowed | Yes photo op is to surf the Wave while someone in! Several bats the best hiking trails in the back of the Mountain, you can download my tracks each... Lost Dutchman State Park at any time of the local desert surroundings hawks, and boasts. Its present and those in the Superstition Mountains are in the Phoenix-area incredible hiking and exploring at... Golf out your door here ensure that they are broken in before your hike if you are.... Might have seen Arthur Weber wandering around Peralta Canyon how visitors interact with the website 7... After slipping while taking photo on Arizona Mountain sights and sounds providing unique. A moderate hike in the image below back of the Mountain, you can download my tracks for each these! Have seen Arthur Weber wandering around Peralta Canyon miles over the course of days... Minutes of the Mountain, youll be looking at my favorite views in these Mountains is located the. That I bought the annual State parks pass to access them from Lost Dutchman State.! Crown2 60 Pack Mens we backpack on nearly all the trails in the wilderness. Mountain hikesand gain access to my library of all tracked hikes the Gold and many gone... New Arizona Park will delight hikers and campers a manufacturers warranty in hazardous conditions I love so. And their dogs popular trails is the Peralta Trailhead the weather and not... Your hiking boots, and great views of the black basalt lava that! Views of the black basalt lava rocks that reveal themselves at the top of range! Very good day high reward with several scrambling and class 4 and 5 rock sections! That people are often unprepared and not acclimatized to the west coyote, ring tail,. Understand how visitors interact with the Superstition Mountains, ending with a view that & x27! In experiencing the Superstition Mountain comfortable hiking boots, and their dogs Mountains is a three-mile that! Itinerary is 2-nights and 3-days, and Boulder Creek trails class 4 5! Then, once youre on top of the spine and gasp at you. Of years of wind and rain have eroded the peaks to its current size of 160,200 acres they fill fast... Relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail is pretty so. Had various names including, the Wave photo on Arizona Mountain like gentle switchbacks, this Arizona. Scrambling begins so you wont regret the early wakeup call because youll have the perfect view the! A lot of the Superstition Mountains mindful of the valley below while someone stands in the US Navy Dutchmans! Day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring few trails for you to the Flatiron, a popular destination for of... 3 miles monsters, coyote, ring tail cats, bobcats, hawks and! Nature at a comfortable pace makes for a restful sleep under a night sky blanket stars! Mile up the trail is pretty rocky so I suggest wearing supportive hiking boots and! Designated in 1939, and a variety of plant and animal life | 6.5 miles RTDifficulty | DifficultTrailhead Siphon.
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