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. One of the easier trails because the surrounding area is so flat, the Treasure Loop Trail is still excellent. For reference- if it is 85 degrees or hotter, I would be extremely cautious about embarking on an all day hike. 10. Hike With Me Arches NP Utah, Navajo-Loop-Switchbacks And The Subway Zion - 3 Piece Photograph on Canvas. Third, take some time to explore the areas rich history. Nearby homes similar to 6816 E Hacienda LA Noria Ln have recently sold between $445K to $560K at an average of $270 per square foot. Its a moderate hike with plenty of incline leads to the Fremont Saddle which overlooks Weavers Needle truly a unique sight to see! Hi there! hiking & golf out your door here! Do not disturb any of the wildlife, as some of the animals in this area are protected by law. REI size and color availability good ($199.95), Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack Womens As I adventure around the Southwest I aim to inspire you to get outdoors while sharing knowledge and skills to do so safely! While it is long in length the elevation gain isnt too much to handle nor is it strenuous. Our focus is on providing visitors with an experience of the Old West. 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. What is the curse of Superstition Mountain? It is a gentle, yet continuous, uphill hike with plenty of switchbacks and a few spots where loose rock makes footing a little slick. Day hikes are the most common activity, but for the more adventurous, backpacking and camping are preferred. Food: Bring light and healthy snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars. Read the full trail guide: Hike Battleship Mountain via. There is a Superstition Mountain Museum at 4087 N. Apache Trail, Highway 88 in Apache Junction. The trail systems throughout the Superstition Mountain Wilderness are vast and allow you to create many different routes through the landscape. Hiking. 2h 44m. The helicopters are for tours and to look for injured or lost hikers. The most popular trail is the Siphon Draw Trail, a three-mile loop that begins at the First Water Trailhead. 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. About 1.55 miles into the trail the petroglyphs become prevalent on the rocks scattered along the trail. Turn left and follow Idaho to SR 88, turn right and continue to First Water Road (Forest Road 78), which is about a half mile past the entrance to Lost Dutchman State Park and is signed for First Water Trailhead. A large portion of Arizonas history lives within this mysterious mountain 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! I have been adventuring in the Superstition Mountains for about five years now after I moved to Mesa, Arizona. It is important to understand the different trails and the terrain, as well as to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable experience. Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots. Just before the top you face a 12-foot vertical section, but with care and maybe a hand from a fellow hiker, you can find a safe way to the most spectacular views overlooking all of the East Valley. We provide an historical context that includes the region's . It is surprising this little hike isnt more popular since it is easy and located right on the edge of the Superstition Mountains. Bring layers of clothing, including a hat and sunglasses. It was such a great feeling standing at the top above the world and looking down on the valley during sunset! Carry at least two (2) liters of water with you for the duration of your hike, and plan for additional hydration breaks if necessary. Its rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. Welcome to my article on the Superstition Mountains! Battleship Mountain is my favorite hike in the Superstition Mountains because it is an all day adventure with a high reward. They are within the Tonto National Forest and are largely designated as a wilderness area. Hopefully after reading this post youll be hiking in the Superstition Mountains in no time! Some of its more popular day hikes include: 1. Superstition Sunrise is a luxury RV resort located in Apache Junction, Arizona, in the Superstition Mountains' foothills mere minutes from metropolitan Phoenix. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. REI availability good ($149.oo). The Superstition Mountains, located east of the Phoenix metropolitan area, are a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. Battleship mountain may be named for its resemblance to an ocean vessel, but the climb can be described as a battle of its own. Petroglyphs at Hieroglyphic Canyon in the Superstition Mountains. What is dispersed campingSuperstition Mountains? Its also situated in the perfect area to add a few more miles with various trails beginning near the Lost Dutchman State Park lot. Are you familiar with Weavers Needle yet? 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. 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! Another legend revolves around the Apache Devil, a creature that is said to inhabit the area. January 22, 2023 at 1:53 pm AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year, This new Arizona park will delight hikers and campers. backpacking traininghiking fitness training, michael young View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. . . 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. Once you get to the base of the main cliffs, and the trail starts to veer to the right, this is where you branch off. Superstition Sunrise is a . Teddy Bear Cholla cactus as well as some Ocotillo in bloom. How long is the Superstition Mountains hike? The iconic Saguaro Cactus punctuates the mountain slopes as do a cornucopia of other succulents. More than 350 people have died over the years looking for the Lost Dutchmans gold mine. Rating: Easy to moderate. 4 Best Hikes in the Superstition Mountains. 9. While the trail may be short I promise it doesnt sacrifice on views. To help familiarize you with the Superstition Mountains, I created the map above. Official Osprey site ($165.00), Osprey Renn 65 Pack Womens Fri Mar 10 2023 at 07:00 pm Golden Vista Resort . To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest a regular training regimen at least 2-3 months prior to departure. This cave is well known for its rock formation that resembles a wave. For those of us with a more adventurous spirit, the Sonoran Desert and specifically one of its best kept secrets the Superstition Mountains offers an amazing labyrinth through which to explore mother nature. 1. This hike is for those looking to test their comfort with heights, wayfinding skills, and sheer physical ability. Dont forget to bring plenty of water for this exposed trail. great views of superstition mountain & the lush green fairways & desert. 4.5 Stars. 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. No, it doesn't flow at all times. The area boasts many hiking trails and offers unparalleled views of Phoenix and the surrounding area. Towering cliffs and giant hoodoos on the ridge line almost look like landscapes from the Lord of the Rings movies. 2009-2022 Fit For Trips . 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. Other than that, weekends are the busiest time at all these places I have listed so go early. What to Pack for a Superstition Mountain Hike, Planning a Family Hike to Superstition Mountain, Exploring the Legends and Superstitions of Superstition Mountain, Navigating the Trails at Superstition Mountain, Where to Find the Best Views of Superstition Mountain, Tips for Safe Hiking at Superstition Mountain, What to See and Do on a Hike at Superstition Mountain, Exploring the Scenic Michelle Obama Hiking Trail: A Perfect Getaway for Nature Lovers. I encourage you to add backpacking the Superstition Mountains to your bucket list. This 24 mile out-and-back features a modest elevation gain of 3,500 feet and is best done as an overnight backpacking trip. 2. United States / West / Mountain (Az, Co, Idaho, Mt, NM, Nv, Ut, WY), Hiking. Superstition Mountain also encompasses a guard-gated master-planned community with custom home lots, elegant estates, and luxury villas. Experts believe the Superstition Mountains were formed more than 18 million years ago by volcanic activity. The Treasure Loop Trail is a short, beautiful loop hike through the desert landscape of the Superstition Mountains. 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. Heading out from Gold Canyon, you slowly climb along a ridgeline until you enter a steep valley hiding away a creek, ancient rockflows, and best of all . Many of the lots have views . The trail swings by the junctions for Black Mesa and Hackberry Spring trails, which may be used to build longer loop hikes. The roots of this tale also date back to the mid 1700s and grew in fame with the gold rush of 1849. Second, explore a variety of plant and animal life. Weve only begun to scratch the surface when it comes to trail options within the Superstition Mountains. From here it is a series of cairn finding exercises to guide you to some of the most impressive 360 degree views in the Superstition Wilderness. 416 Pages. After a two mile hike, you will reach a saddle that offers stunning views of Weaver . Nearby towns such as Apache Junction and Gold Canyon also have hotels within minutes of the range. 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 . Required fields are marked *. But wait, don't let that stop you! Its varied terrain makes it a great spot for hikers of all levels. Length: 4.6 mi Est. The draw is right before the scrambling begins so you wont have to worry about any of that. 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. Quick tips for hiking Massacre Grounds Trail to the waterfall. From March 10th - 12th, Superstition Mountain Museum will again host artists from Oaxaca, and Mata Ortiz on our grounds from 9-4pm. No official designated camp sites exist. VRBOs as well as Airbnbs will probably be the best bet if you are not looking to camp. Depending on the time of year, temperatures can range from mild to extreme. This post contains affiliate links, which means purchasing through these links I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Enoy the peacful lifestyle that only Gold Canyon can offer with access to some of the best hiking trails in Arizona. Youre able to explore the area and climb up to the ledge that sits in the rock wall behind the flowing water. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Now it is time to pick a trail. Always pack layers! 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. Any advise from you will be greatly appreciated. It is all a wilderness area with no vehicular access. Recent wildfire damage has left spots of charred cholla and scarred saguaros, but expansive views of the Goldfield Mountains, Superstition ridgeline, the Flatiron and iconic Weavers Needle remain as breathtaking as ever. Superstition Mountain is a great place to go hiking and explore. With Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. This trail will take you to the top of the mountain, where you can take in the stunning views of the valley below. Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is a fantastic activity. Bring a basic first-aid kit, including items such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain reliever. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Its a lengthy story with many players stretched over 250 years. Check the weather forecast, as the conditions can often change quickly in the desert. 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 . With more than 140 miles of well-developed trails, and more than 100 miles of unmarked trails, the Superstition Wilderness Area is a hikers dream. 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. As you view down the spine and gasp at where you came from, youll be looking at my favorite views in these mountains. Arizona has been a long-time winter destination for snowbirds descending to the Valley of the Sun to escape the cold. 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. AllTrails map: Dutchman Trail #104 and Cavalry Trail #239 Loop is a 17.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail. If you're looking for an adventure that will challenge you and reward you with stunning views and a unique experience, then you've come to the right place. Drive to Gold Canyon and take Kings Ranch Road toward the mountains and there are signs to trail head. From old mines, tales of lost gold, petroglyphs, and ancient ruins, you just may stumble upon something fascinating. This trail is quite challenging, with many steep climbs and rocky terrain. If you are looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure for the whole family, then consider a hike to Superstition Mountain. The grand scale super-volcano activity was like whats incubating beneath Yellowstone National Park right now. Depending on the time of day you begin your hike there may be zero shade. A total of 23 custom home sites make up Montana Dorada which is located adjacent to the Superstition Mountain Country Club. However, we continue on to Charlebois Spring as there is better camping there. The 21-year-old hiker was reportedly camping with a friend on top of Flat Iron when he fell. Of course, Salt River is close by as well and offers an extraordinary time as you can kayak or float down the river during the summer and witness the wild horses that live in the area. Dimensions . 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. Required fields are marked *. Gold Canyon is located at the foot of the mountain. Click on it to get it for yourself! 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. From Fremont Saddle you can connect to different trails and extend your hike if you wish. First, the mountain itself is mysterious and has an intriguing history. The terrain is rocky and can be slippery in some areas. With its stunning views, rich history, and abundant wildlife, its an ideal destination for hikers of all ages. Sat Mar 11 2023 at 07:00 am Hike Superstition Mountain - Apache Junction, AZ. Genre. Know your limitations and do not push yourself beyond your physical capability. More:Here's a fun, flower-filled springtime hike near Phoenix that just about anyone can do. Additionally, there are extraordinary views from the top of the surrounding mountains. The mountains were once part of a large caldera (a volcanic feature formed by the collapse of a volcano into itself, making it a large crater) which resurged to form a massive mountain. 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. But in this post were going to highlight 10 of the best Superstition Mountain hikes as well as important tips for a safe adventure. The Treasure Loop Trail is a three-mile loop that begins at the Boulder Canyon Trailhead. Can you camp in the Superstition Mountains? I love them so much that I bought the annual state parks pass to access them from Lost Dutchman State Park at any time. 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! Superstition Mountains, Tonto National Forest In the 1930s, you might have seen Arthur Weber wandering around Peralta Canyon. Is there gold in the Superstition Mountains? Use the buddy system and never hike alone. These are just a few of the legends and superstitions associated with Superstition Mountain. Know where you are going ahead of time and always have a way to keep yourself on trail. It all depends on how deep you plan on exploring. Since the Superstition Mountains are in the Sonoran Desert, finding water is one of the key challenges during a hike. Superstition Ridgeline Trail. Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). REASON FOR CHALLENGE: Advanced route finding and scrambling skills required along the Bluff Springs Mountain Ridge. ART. Hi Lauren! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hiking The Superstition Wilderness. 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 . Kevin Antol grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. This trail is also quite challenging, with rocky terrain and many steep climbs. Golden Vista Resort. The hike starts out easy but there is a steep incline closer to the summit at the cave. You gain just under 3,000 feet of elevation, most of which is in the last 1 mile of the trail. Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun. Once downloaded, you can load it into your own trusty device for ease of mind! Even if youre not able to time it right for the waterfall, this trail is beautiful during spring bloom! If youre looking for a base camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot ahead of time here. While daytime temperatures are typically comfortable, they can rise to over 90 degrees. The Superstition Mountains are public lands. One of the most iconic hikes within the Superstition Mountains is the Wave Cave. Karabou Adventure + Travel is a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Fires, rock falls, flood displacements and seasonal transitions are like costume changes in a long-running show with ear worm tunes that hijack the mind but somehow never get old. Your email address will not be published. Completing the Bluff Springs trail as an out and back is the perfect alternative to the Peralta and Dutchmans trails, that might see more people on a busy weekend. When Spanish settlers first came to the area in the mid 1700s looking for the lost city of gold, they sent scouting parties into the rugged terrain and often, the men were never heard from nor seen again. Superstition Mountain Museum is located in an area full of legend, history and intrigue. Superstition Mountain is home to a long-standing Native American legend, which tells of a lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden in the mountain. 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. Whether you enjoy golfing or shopping or hiking or wandering around museums - there's something for everyone at our RV resort! My name is Kevin Antol. This absolutely . Details of my favorite Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary. Although no one has ever found the gold, people still search for it and believe that it is still hidden somewhere on the mountain. Are the Superstition Mountains open for backpacking during the COVID-19 pandemic? This well traveled path is a mild hike that allows you to spend more time socializing and less time sucking wind. SOLD FEB 14, 2023. PLUS, Usery Pass Regional Park & many hiking trails are within walking distance, adventure awaits! Unlock your dream home - Contact our real estate team TODAY! Im 32 years old and I grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. 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. This loop below shows part of the system we use, the Dutchmans and Terrapin trails. Each location icon marks the destination (if available). Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. Incredible hike with amazing views and fun scrambles. The Siphon Draw trail gains 2,500 feet over 3 miles before it reaches the top of Flat Iron (gulp). The falls got their name from the massacre of the Peralta family by the Apache in the mid-1800s. Here are some of the best places to get a glimpse of Superstition Mountain. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I picked 3 quality brands with 100% guaranteed packs at moderate price points that come with a manufacturers warranty. Today, I love nothing more than exploring and capturing all the beautiful places in Arizona. Details to Explore Your Way, Yellowstones Best Trails and Advice for Hiking and Backpacking. Wear appropriate clothing, bring plenty of water, and tell someone where you are going. From Fremont Saddle (the hike listed above) you can continue along Peralta Trail to connect other trails and create an entire loop around Weavers Needle which I like to call Weavers Needle Loop. Visiting different countries was an awesome experience that I wanted to document through photography. Wow! Then, once youre on top of the spine of the mountain, youll continue to boulder climb and scramble to the other end. Also in the same area is Hieroglyphic Trail, a short and relatively easy hike towards the base of the mountains with views of Gold Canyon and Native American petroglyphs along the rock walls at the end. Lost Dutchman State Park is a great spot for enjoying views of the Superstition Mountains. This is one of the most popular trails in Superstition Wilderness, which features an incredible view of Weaver's Needle from the saddle. We do not complete the loop below, but instead camp at Second Water Spring. Flat Iron is one of the "must do" hikes to establish your "clout" in the hiking community. Tagged under: The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. 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. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November April. How do you get to the top of Superstition Mountain? With its dramatic landscape, beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, Superstition Mountain is truly an amazing place to explore. We backpack on nearly all the trails in the image below. By Samantha Berlin On 1/27/22 at 5:35 PM EST. Going in the cooler and wetter winter months also makes for a much more pleasant experience; October thru April is recommended. I recommend booking a couple of nights at the Lost Dutchman State Park cabins or camping lots. The kicker- it only appears after rainfall which as we all know is very unpredictable and sparse in the desert. Overview. There also are a ton of great backpacking spots at the bottom of the canyon if that is your thing. Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com. All this, together with many indoor and outdoor recreational pursuits, serves as an invitation for you and your family to enjoy a fulfilling and rich resort experience in some of Arizona's prime golf course . TRIPS-ADVENTURES. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This list varies from easy to difficult and cover some of the most popular, diverse hikes available. A hiker camping on a peak in the Superstition Mountains east of metro Phoenix was found dead after apparently slipping while taking a selfie and falling hundreds of feet, authorities said . Day 1: We enter the Superstitions via the Peralta trailhead and hike a full day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring. Also, bring rain gear in case of inclement weather. We hike from Second Water back to Peralta trailhead. Read the full trail guide: Ultimate Guide to Hiking Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail, Distance | 4.7 miles RTDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | Peralta TrailheadPermit | $15 AZ State Trust Land PermitDogs Allowed | Yes. Overall this hike is moderate and perfect for beginner hikers, families, Arizona visitors, and even dogs! 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. Superstition Mountain Hiking: Treasure Loop Trail. Flatiron Summit. So, a mountain hike to a cave is a pretty cool hike to do in Arizona. We reveal who found the mine and the legend behind it over the campfire each night. So grab your gear and get ready to tackle this rugged and rewarding mountain, and discover why so many people come back to Superstition Mountain time and time again. There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. Once you make it to the base of the mountain youll have to climb a pretty steep climb up a single boulder. A hiker . I couldnt believe how deep it goes back and was surprised to find it is home for several bats. This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Tips for Hiking Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains. 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. Most of the elevation is towards the end. Youll climb all of the elevation at once to reach the entrance but it isnt anything to strenuous and no scrambling is involved. You can also take a guided tour of the area and learn about the history and geology of the Superstition Mountains. Flatiron is a popular day hike in the Superstitions. Free shipping. Day 1: We enter the Superstitions via the Peralta trailhead and hike a full day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring.
