Two of my friends were from out of town and they said it was one of the most beautiful hikes theyve done. Updated February 09, 2023. To stay on this loop hike, go left here. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. Prepare to get wet. Only about 4,000 elevation gain because we didnt do the final peak. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. There was a sign there that said no day parking but we didnt get a ticket. Our first comes from Aravaipa Ambassador Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote mountains and canyons across Arizona. Expansive views, canyon walls, valley floors, switchbacks, desert trees, and a saguaro forest. My Apple Watch clocked in at 21.73 miles with 5,507 feet of gain. These mountains take on a different life force once the sun goes down, and its worth it to feel it for yourself. The trail is anything but a straight line. Covering Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley . From paleontology and archeology to anthropology and geology, along with plenty of activity for the kids, this museum has got you covered. Learn more about our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. The slickrock surface is fun to walk (or crawl) across, and is incredibly scenic. Explore this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. I started near hieroglyphics instead. We did this as 7.1 miles and took approximately 6 hrs. The summer heat is unforgiving and is mercilesson unprepared visitors. You won't find the Lost Dutchman's gold, but you will get luminous views of Weaver's Needle, Four Peaks, Battleship Mountain and Canyon Lake. Youll begin this hike from the Peralta trailhead, and start down the Bluff Springs Trail (bear right). I believe in you. For Rent. In late February through March, this is one of the best wildflower trails you're likely to come across (dependent on winter rains). There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. If you get going early enough, youll be home in time for lunch! Adventure into the mountain via horseback, or join a guided tour of the history of women and their roles in the 1800s. Look out for epic views of Weavers Needle, too. Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. It was definitely an adventure for the books. Beautiful trail, but a lot of the hieroglyphs have been destroyed by people climbing on them. You'll find the first half paved and the second half made of dirt roads. You may even catch some live music during your stay! Why you should go: Arguably the best view of Weavers Needle. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. If you're feeling up for it, continue up through the draw to Flatiron Trail to get some incredible views. If you do this hike during after recent rains, you can settle into the sounds of running water in the Draw. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. Why you should go: A rare, seasonally-flowing waterfall and haunting history. Take note that you will weave through a neighborhood to get to the trailhead down South Kings Ranch Road off US 60 East. Also, the last 7 or so miles is not worth doing, as it is merely a connection between the Hieroglyphics Trail and the Flat Iron/Siphon Draw trailhead. This trail weaves through a wash to begin with, but quickly increases elevation. Why you should go: Springtime wildflowers and craggy rock formations. Depending on the time of year, there will be more or less water in the creek. Legend has it the Peralta family originally from northern Mexico came to these mountains in search of gold in the 1840s. Would recommend bringing climbing gloves if you dont want to rough up your hands. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for an early dinner kind of hike, or at least that was my experience the first time I summited Flatiron. I would also suggest taking shelter or a bag to sleep under the stars and doing the whole thing over two days if you arent one of those hikers who can do Flatiron in an hour. At the end of their final expedition in 1848 as the Peraltas prepared to take home their gold a band of Apaches attacked. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead). Everything else you need to know about Reavis Ranch is in the prior descriptionincluding a lay of the land, some history and pro tips! She enjoys all things outdoors, resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human rights. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. The route is very clearly marked with signage throughout. If not, theres some nearby shade. 23-mile figure 8 loop trail. Are you looking for a great day pack? This creek is prone to flash flooding, so do not enter if its raining, or if there is a chance of rain. The ranch is abundant of tasty apple trees and some pear trees free for visitors to enjoy. 1. To Payson. A 2.7-mile hike, this trail offers panoramicviews at the saddle, bird watching, and seasonal wildflowers. Do keep in mind that it gets very steep towards the top and I wouldnt consider this an easy hike. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Elevation gain-3,000ft. Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. Best hiked during cooler weather after some rain. This was an awesome hike that took us about 2.5 hour because we missed the trail leading into the wave cave area. starting at First Water Trailhead and taking the Dutchmans Trail. Park the car at the Carney Springs parking area off of Peralta Road, and then drive to the Siphon Draw Trailhead in Lost Dutchman State Park to start the hike. Definitely factor that in when considering this hike. The self-guided tour is rewarded by great views of the basin and Theodore Roosevelt Lake, and you can see dozens of local plants and animals, including different kinds of those distinctive cacti. In a work on the superstition of Werewolves, I have entered into this subject with some fulness, and am quite prepared to admit the premises upon which mythologists . Two Bar Ridge Trail 119. Although much of the history of Tortilla Flat has been lost to time, tourists all along the Apache Trail find the charming little town warm and inviting for a much-deserved break to stretch their legs. It is agreat place to escape in the Superstition Wilderness! It is full of history and tales of gold, as well as 100-year-old saguaro cacti, vista views, and wildlife. I am in fairly good shape and I was winded nearly the entire time from the midpoint all the way to the top . Maybe Im late in the game, but I was very impressed with this idea. Its worth hanging out a few extra minutes to soak up the sights and sounds before continuing to Flatirons flat-topped summit. But going up siphon draw was a blast! After a rain, the wildflowers quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. Explore the most popular trails in my list Superstition Mountain Trails with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. During the 19th century, the main route through the mountains was a path carved by the Apaches-- later adopted by stagecoach travelers-- earning its name, Apache Trail. From the Cholla parking area, it is a short walk to the Saguaro parking area to complete the loop. site is used. For Sale: 9800 E Superstition Dr, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 $42,000 MLS# 1052656 An impressive hillside lot (almost 1/2 acre) with outstanding views of state land to the south. Why you should go: Short climb to a seasonal pool and Hohokam petroglyphs. Pools on the hieroglyphics trail were pretty but that stretch of the trail is super crowded! The points of direction for this trail are far from few. 11 Best Places to Go Camping Near Water in Arizona, The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Phoenix, Arizona. Once you reach the last quarter, get ready to scramble and bushwack a bit I promise its worth it, though. Although it can be quite crowded on the weekends during the peak season,the views from the saddleare absolutely worth it. Superstition Mountain Trails traverse through Arizona's most beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape and the hiking trails at Lost Dutchman State Park are a great place to begin your adventure! Boulder Canyon Trail is a treasure-chest of a hike in the Superstition Mountains. Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles. This creek bed turns into the trail going south. Why you should go: An old windmill, an abandoned corral, an oasis in the desert! You choose your adventure! In 1905, the trail was officially designated as an aid for the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam, with Apache Junction at one end, and Theodore Roosevelt Lake at the other. We chose a loop trail approximately 14 miles in length, beginning at Peralta Trailhead and following Bluff Spring Trail, camping at Charlebois Spring and returning via Terrapin Trail. Here are some pro tips for this backpacking trek: Additional info: Reavis Ranch Via 109 North. If you only have the afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through the rugged trails that lead to Tonto State Forest. 755 S Colonial St, Gilbert, AZ 85296. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." Whether you come for a weekend or stay for the week, Sedona and the surrounding area boast some great camping opportunities. Superstition Wilderness Area This Wilderness was designated in 1939, and was expanded to its present size in 1984. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. Just outside Phoenix at the base of the Superstition Mountains. The term comes from the Spanish name Rio Salado, or the Salt River. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. You swap out a sea of cactus for high desert grading into lush forest. According to the legend, Waltz and his partner successfully extracted gold and supposedly hid a stash somewhere in the Superstition Mountains. Overall a fun hike. Click to enlarge. Either way, its a fruitful hike all around but you could say that about every Supes hike! It may be wise to have a map and GPS as well. Additional info: Superstition Ridgeline Trail. And two, a grand waterfall is the destination. Enjoy this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. Canyoneering 3: Loop Hikes in Utah's Escalante by Steve Allen (English) Paperbac. Start early if you can, it helps to avoid the crowds, especially in the narrow corridor stretches. Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. Stay tf out of the Lost Dutchman Camp Groundand Apache Junction in general, but the mountains are great. Hitting the road from Dallas to Houston, or vice versa? You may even catch some climbers top roping the Praying Hands rock formation. If you want a real challenge, pound in your tent stakes and head over to Peralta Hiking Trail to climb up to the top of the Superstitions. Look for the hieroglyphs on the left. A four mile mountain bike loop trail has opened at the park - this is a great way to enjoy the park's beauty while experiencing the famed Superstition Mountains! I only went a couple of miles in, but I loved it. Amazing amazing amazing though scary at some points but worth it. Lost Dutchman State Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users and RV campers as well aspicnic areas for day use visitors. There is a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. This means the hike is 24 miles, not 19, so be careful of that. Stay hydrated, and camp during the fall, spring, or winter. Very busy trail! A nice walk, certainly not challenging. All were saying is, please be careful and do not attempt this on a rainy day. Reward yourself afterward. First time doing it, and loved every minute of it. Really want to amp up your trip? Good shape. The trail up to the ridge is a great scramble, the ridge views are amazing and hopping down flat iron is grade A fun! It is family andpet friendly, incredibly scenic, and rich with gold-mining history and the Lost Dutchman's Buried Treasure. Just be prepared for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the creek to get to the waterfall. Our favorite hikes include everything from family-friendly trails to challenging summit attempts, offering a scenic feast of high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, and of course, spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Great short hike. However, its also steeper. Trail was in good shape and the weather was very nice today. It was not clearly marked. But these trips also present a challenge because the region has areas where water is seldom found. Here's our guide to conquering Apache Trail. At the sign for the Black Mesa Trail is where youll spot the remains of ancient ruins. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. A couple notes to level-set expectations: Distance: 12.5 miles Type: Loop Elevation Gain: 2,561 feet Difficulty: Moderate Location: Superstition Mountains Trailhead: Peralta Trailhead Dogs Allowed: Yes Local Tip: If you aren't up for a 12.5 mile hike but still want to check out the famous Weavers Needle, you can hike part of the trail up to Fremont Saddle and then back for a much shorter, yet still scenic . To U.S. 60. Another way to Reavis Ranch, just starting from the south instead of the north. Be careful, I had good tread and still slipped a few times. The 20 hikes we offer in our guide are just a starting point to the hundreds of different trails, routes and loop options available to Supes hikers. Similar to Battleship Mountain, navigation gets a little finicky in the river bed, so watch for cairns. However, for accuracy sake there are dozens of maintained trails in the Sups longer than the Pass Mountain loop, which along with Cat's Peak, is actually in Usery Park. The upper Hieroglyphics trail is scree and slippery dirt. Could have done without them, but needed the miles for R3 training. Beautiful views everywhere, except the south part of the trail, which was burned and boring. The creek was flowing strong - impossible to keep the feet dry. I will say, though, that its not far from Charlebois Spring with a Forest Service sign next to it. To Superior. 2021Outdoor Project. It's a spectacular hike with stunning views, and the ridgeline is always tons of fun with very few people once you get away from Flat Iron. About Lost Dutchman State Park. Before Waltz died, he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location. Want to report conditions for this trail? The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. Always remember that you should try to stay left when possible going up as it is the often the route with less exposure. Timing is everything. Luckily there were a bunch of cars parked off to the left, by some rope, and that was how we knew where the start of the trail head was. That was good for the calf muscles. Some explorers have even faced their death in search of The Lost Mine. So while we dont recommend looking for gold yourself, you are certain to find the promised land here in youre looking for a great hike. Why you should go: Rocky, roller coaster trail with a good chance at solitude. You also agree to the storing of cookies on It's still one of the best ways through the Superstitions. 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About our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from purchases. Women and their roles in the creek to get some incredible views that it gets very steep towards top. Was an awesome hike that took US about 2.5 hour because we missed trail... Peak season, the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and a saguaro forest first. 7.1 miles and took approximately 6 hrs our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate we. Home in time for lunch the base of the Superstition Mountains min to complete expanded to present. A forest Service sign next to it going early enough, youll be in... An oasis in the area, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete the loop Wilderness! Authentic Indian superstition loop trail, and is incredibly scenic, and start down the Bluff trail... 'S still one of the Lost Dutchman State Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users RV.