Ready to get out there? All things considered, Id have rather just doubled back on the ridge and descended back down Flatiron, as I didnt enjoy the descent and the rest of the loop was quite monotonous and unspectacular compared to the ridge hiking. However, most of this trail is exposed until then, so its not a great idea in the summer heat. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for brunch kind of hike you can conquer it within a few hours. Pools on the hieroglyphics trail were pretty but that stretch of the trail is super crowded! Cost of entry to park was $10. Muddy trail. There is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area. Gateway Loop Trail is equestrian and dog friendly. Its short length, soaring rock formations and excellent views make it an awesome day hike for grown ups and kiddos alike. Ran out with 6 miles to go. Look for the hieroglyphs on the left. But so worth it. Youre scrambling over boulders and fighting through cat claw. Learn more about our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. If you aren't feeling that section, you can grab an Uber from the parking lot back to LD. Over the next century, his confidant and thousands of other determined parties have searched for the gold only to come up empty. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for SUPERSTITION WILDERNESS TRAILS WEST: HIKES, HORSE RIDES, By Jack Carlson NEW at the best online prices at eBay! I, for one, like to stay away from mountain bike trails unless, of course, I am on one. Top was windy and beautiful. When is the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park? Hiked clockwise. Summer days may offer unforgiving heat or violent thunderstorms. Worth a trip! Typical desert plants of Saguaro, prickly pear, and Cholla are seen here. Let the Sonoran Desert be your guide to limitless adventure. Got there around 830 or 9 on a friday, there were a few people when we started, not too bad though. Definitely factor that in when considering this hike. No HOA. As other said, the parking lot fills up really fast so you will need to get there early to get a spot or just be patient and wait people come and go all the time. Wear hiking books. Preview trail Backpacking Hiking Views No shade Conditions Youll be fine! Explore this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. The view was incredible and it was not busy at all because we went on a Wednesday afternoon. Don't be fooled by its historic roots, this trail is a modern driver's dream, with hairpin turns, sweeping curves, and stunning new views around every corner. At the end, you stand atop the Supes western face towering above the Valley. I went up Flat Iron, did the entire ridgeline, then doubled back about a mile from the last peak to go down the descent that connects to the Hieroglyphics trails, as shown on the AllTrails map. This stop on the Apache gives you a breath of a fresh air in a wide open and beautiful area. Rental homes, B&Bs and hotels, are readily available in Mesa. Ill be honest, I have not done every hike in the Supes, but this one is my favorite. Amazing amazing amazing though scary at some points but worth it. The hike runs parallel to the Superstition Mountains for a while, then starts to lose elevation. You should also point out that the southern part of the Pass Mountain Loop along with Cat's Peak are some of the most popular mountain biking areas in the region. First time doing it, and loved every minute of it. It is full of history and tales of gold, as well as 100-year-old saguaro cacti, vista views, and wildlife. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. If you ever have company from out-of-state, this hike will give them the perfect dose of the desert. 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! There are many spots where you can see both east (towards Four Peaks and Superstition Wilderness) and west (towards Phoenix) and its moments like those that remind you why you're about to hike 20+ miles. If you get going early enough, youll be home in time for lunch! Three Superstition Mountain hiking trails (Dutchman's, Black Mesa and Second Water) join together to form an unexpectedly lovely hike. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. Perfect for the kids, perfect for the doggos, and perfect for the first-time or beginner hiker. Make sure to wear shoes with good traction. Some solid glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone. Treasure Loop Trail #56: This 2.4-mile loop gives you a nice overview of the area by looping through the foothills at the base of the mountains. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. You may even catch some live music during your stay! But either way, around every corner is a different piece of the landscape waiting to be unveiled. For all the Supes veterans, give yourselves a pat on the back, because its rough out there. The summer heat is unforgiving and is mercilesson unprepared visitors. To complete it, youll need some off-trail route finding skills and a shuttle car. It may be wise to have a map and GPS as well. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our The Superstition Wilderness is known as a hiding place for secrets. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Just be sure to look but not touch so the petroglyphs stay intact for future visitors. Turn right on Hwy. If you only have the afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through the rugged trails that lead to Tonto State Forest. From the Cholla parking area, it is a short walk to the Saguaro parking area to complete the loop. Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. Loreah Winlow Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. Anyone who has hiked in the Supes knows that the terrain is unique in a harsh way. With gorgeous views and hospitable staff ready to make your day, Gold Canyon is a great getaway you won't find anywhere else. The area is filled with some of the most challenging and scenic hiking on the planet. Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. To Young. Want to report conditions for this trail? Hitting the road from Dallas to Houston, or vice versa? Very muddy and the creek is higher than expected with recent rains. About 3.5 miles in, a trail enters from the east this is the turnoff. And there is nary a crowd to be found. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." Only about 4,000 elevation gain because we didnt do the final peak. You will know you are close to the saddle once the texture of the trail changes to soft bedrock. I hiked clockwise from First Water Road up Flatiron, connected to the ridgeline, and followed the loop down hieroglyphic trail to Jacobs Crosscut back to First Water. This trail has a magnetic pull because of the cave at the end, so I recommend the early start if you want to avoid the masses. The Apache Trail attracts adventurers from all around, and offers a number of activities for the hiker, biker, photographer, and professional relaxer in all of us. The creek was flowing strong - impossible to keep the feet dry. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. This hike dubs its name from a huge, wave-shaped boulder projecting out of the cave floor. Watch the sunset during dinner at Kokopellis Restaurant, or put your feet up at The Ledge at Dinosaur Mountain's outdoor bar and fire pits. Superstition Mountain itself is the anchor to this strangely beautiful, historically rich wilderness area. Toward the end, the incline straddles the line between easy and moderate. For travel in the Superstition Wilderness, we recommend the Superstition Wilderness, Arizona map published by Beartooth Maps of Montana.The map is . The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . Additional info: Fish Creek (via Apache Trail). The desert turns surprisingly green and the wildflowers abound. As mentioned in the intro, members of the Peralta family regularly mined these mountains before falling victim to a murderous ambush by a band of Apaches. Like walking into a desert forest. When we left around 11 there was a line of cars waiting to park. Its a good training route for other difficult Arizona hikes around the area. Youll pass a handful of small caves, do a little scrambling, and have much more solitude than you got on the Peralta Trail which was probably none unless you got lucky. The rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden canyons. Beautiful views everywhere, except the south part of the trail, which was burned and boring. Add another 0.6 miles if you take the spur trail to the Praying Hands formation. If Flatiron isnt enough for you, weve got you covered with this hike. Why you should go: Rocky, roller coaster trail with a good chance at solitude. Its rich culture makes the trip that much more meaningful, and at each stop on the drive, there is something new to learn. 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. You may even catch some climbers top roping the Praying Hands rock formation. Far from your average vacation or weekend getaway, Apache Trail may have had its travel challenges way back when, but is now a welcoming slew of fun points around every turn, ready to be discovered. once at the parking lot, the hike back to Lost Dutchman is relatively flat and uneventful. The first section will get your blood flowing, but the views of the east side of the mountains will motivate you. And once youve reached Fremont Saddle, you can marvel at Weavers Needle. Once youve reached the turnoff for Flatiron, just keep going up. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. Eventually, youll descend into the riverbed (keep in mind that during the rainy season, or during storms, there is a high chance for flooding). The summer months are not the ideal time to hike in these places but you will be just fine visiting. Elevation gain-3,000ft. For Rent. Quite a big difference if you ask me, so dont make the same mistake I did. At the end of their final expedition in 1848 as the Peraltas prepared to take home their gold a band of Apaches attacked. It felt like Picketpost sometimes. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles up the trail. A 2.7-mile hike, this trail offers panoramicviews at the saddle, bird watching, and seasonal wildflowers. Did this hike yesterday (2/6/22). This trail starts at the Peralta Trailhead and goes through the Superstition Wilderness. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. Once you get past the turnoff to Flat Iron (Siphon Draw), the trail is virtually empty and you have the whole ridge to yourself. To get to this hideaway, youll start at the First Water Trailhead off of AZ 88, like some of the other great hikes on this list. You can do this the other way around, too. Why you should go: Get a dose of cave therapy. There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. Why you should go: Sip fresh spring water and enjoy some petroglyphs. Maybe Im late in the game, but I was very impressed with this idea. But its nice and easy and the end view is beautiful. In the 1840s, the Peralta family of Mexico discovered gold near Apache Junction and continuously made trips to bring it back to Mexico. Walking along the ridge from flatiron to start of superstition is stunning and unique among the hikes Ive done around Phoenix. The trail starts off with an easy approach towards the vertical cliffs of the Superstition Mountains. We went down it at night because the hike took us about 12 hours, and it wasn't tons of fun with head lamps. This was an epic, long hike that I thoroughly enjoyed. This was a fun hike, but this was really really hard. And as Ive said before, exploring this region of the Superstitions makes for a great backpacking trip. The loop described here is a Easy hike. Is the Dutchmans Lost Gold Mine real? This hike is reserved for the most experienced hikers physically and navigationally speaking. I hate it when that happens. Awesome hieroglyphs at the end and a small waterfall. Much easier. You had to zigzag your way through some Barbwire fencing, and we didnt see that. It is flat and boring. I had excellent hiking shoes and did not slip even one time. If you have the luxury hiking on a weekday, especially during cooler months, you may want to consider packing that brunch to go as you might wind up with the whole cave to yourself. The towering crags of the Superstition Mountain glow brilliantly opposite the setting sun. Why you should go: An old windmill, an abandoned corral, an oasis in the desert! Hard on the knees coming down. There are some cairns and its nearly impossible to get lost, but we are going to leave it up to our pals over at HikeArizona to do the navigation honors. Also, I had no idea that Peralta Road turned into a dirt road. This is possibly the most popular hike in the Superstitions, and for good reason. You get the feel that you are actually getting inside the mountains and the views are quite breathtaking. If you read the previous hike description, youll notice that I did this hike by accident, but I wasnt the least bit disappointed. Keep your eyes peeled during your visit, and you may even catch sight of a picturesque bighorn sheep perched atop the canyon! Download the AllTrails map and follow the cairns. Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. The trail begins across the street from the Canyon Lake Marina parking. 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 . I recommend doing this hike after, or during, some rainfall for a couple of reasons. Without further ado, our favorite hikes in the Superstitions. Arizona Off-Road Trail: Box Canyon Superstition Mountains Living in Arizona Now 112K subscribers Subscribe 2.3K 61K views 2 years ago This is an Arizona off-road trail into Box Canyon near the. My Apple Watch clocked in at 21.73 miles with 5,507 feet of gain. Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page. For $7 per vehicle, parking is available at Lost Dutchman State Park. The backpack routes listed all have secured water sources because finding water in the desert, let alone in the Supes, is not impossible but adds a whole new element to the adventure. But youll need to manage a handful of moves on your way up. You quickly come up on the First Water trailhead and there will likely be a lot of people from here to the parking lot. This is a family friendly hike. Here are some pro tips for this backpacking trek: Additional info: Reavis Ranch Via 109 North. Before too long, youll be using your hands and feet to hoist yourself up, but the views dont fall short at any point during this hike. Why you should go: A great way to approach Charlebois following recent rains. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. I tracked my hike on Garmin, not AllTrails, so my map and stats dont show on here. We've got hundreds of well documented Arizona hikes. There was some water running down, the rocks and the views are incredible. Went around 2pm on a weekend. There were also a few muddy spots . Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. When he died, he took the location of the mine to his grave. Scenic views small cave and stream at the top! Just a stone's throw from the Phoenix metro area, these trails give hikers a sense of solitude in a relatively remote setting. 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. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-run-51ecca3--2?p=-1. It is family andpet friendly, incredibly scenic, and rich with gold-mining history and the Lost Dutchman's Buried Treasure. Taken from the First Water trail access road Vote 0 Arizona United States of America North America Place 0 comments Best Add a Comment More posts you may like If you have 4WD locked and loaded and dont mind more of an uphill climb, than this path has your name all over it. This hike offersspectacular scenery andmoderate difficulty for a great day hike option during the fall, winter, and spring months. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Day hikes can turn into backpacking trips, and vice versa. Its rocky, sharp and unforgiving. There is a creek, too, mind you. The 360-degree view at the top is differently a bucket-list item and should not be missed. Additional info: Reavis Ranch (Via 109 South). Incredible hike with amazing views and fun scrambles. Amazing view at the top, truly unforgettable. The most straightforward way is to take Dutchmans Trail (#104), but you can also get there via the Second Water Trail, which is a wonderland of waterfalls after recent rains. No one really knows the source of the carvings, but its still a magnificent piece of history and a memory to take home. The Cupertino City Council gave the go-ahead Sept. 17, 2019 for the design of the Regnart Creek Trail, allocating $2.1 million for the trail's design, plus $150,000 for landscaping and/or . . The AllTrails trail starts at the Flat Iron trailhead. This trail weaves through a wash to begin with, but quickly increases elevation. Great trail! There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. I will say, though, that its not far from Charlebois Spring with a Forest Service sign next to it. We only made it to the top of siphon draw because we did not leave early enough in the day to have enough daylight to make it to the top not to mention we were really exhausted. Our first comes from Aravaipa Ambassador Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote mountains and canyons across Arizona. The first time I attempted this hike, I did not navigate properly and continued straight, across the creek bed, instead of following the creek bed. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. Updated February 09, 2023. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. Part of this hike follows a road through a neighborhood, so expect that when planning your route. This is a counterclockwise loop that meanders around a formation known as the Miners Needle in the Superstition Wilderness, with views of mountains and Sonoran desert. It was a rapid incline the rest of the way to the top of Siphon Draw. It was breathtaking from the very beginning. $37.13. Once in the canyon, this is where navigation gets complex. Along the way, you'll get to explore the history and natural beauty of the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with a little frosting. The elevation gain is also gradual. Loose rocks on trail. The payoff at the end was okay. No matter your ability, the Superstition Wilderness has a day hike for you! You can see my stats and route on the Strava link here: https://www.strava.com/activities/8545950069 . Why you should go: In just four miles, you get some of the Supes sweetest sights. But still worth the hike! Youll have to figure out a way around it. This is just one option. Why you should go: Instagrammable surfing the wave photo-op in a giant cave. 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