This 20 mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 2,749 feet takes you to a unique destination: An apple orchid in an old Ranch site. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. To U.S. 60. Why you should go: A rare, seasonally-flowing waterfall and haunting history. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The friendly and informative staff makes you feel as if you really are in a Wild West town, perfect for the curious traveler and families of all ages! Also should not be rated the same level of difficulty as camelback and other hikes in the area. Why you should go: Fresh apple picking and a refreshing pine forest. The route is very clearly marked with signage throughout. The trail winds its way through the desert landscape with an unobstructed view of the mountains and has some wonderful campsites to pitch a tent for a night or even more. $2,495. There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. 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. This being said, the narrow and rugged route requires attention while driving, and offers endlessly unique views. Rental homes, B&Bs and hotels, are readily available in Mesa. Yes, this excruciatingly steep hike is a heart-pumper, but its rewarding as can be and still worthwhile if you choose to only go to the end of the Siphon Draw Trail section. This was an epic, long hike that I thoroughly enjoyed. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Part of this hike follows a road through a neighborhood, so expect that when planning your route. Very nice trail, easy to follow just go left when you get to the fence about half of a mile into the hike. But still worth the hike! Eventually, you will settle into a canyon and this where all the fun begins. Its a good training route for other difficult Arizona hikes around the area. The creek was flowing strong - impossible to keep the feet dry. Looking for a fairly gentle hike just a bit of umph? TheTreasure Loop Trailis a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Just past the springs, there are also some pools of water, and camping spots are scattered at the base of Charlebois Canyon. Its not scorching and the apples are in season. Navigating less maintained sections of the trail definitely slows you down. This means the hike is 24 miles, not 19, so be careful of that. The Superstition Loop Trail starts and ends on Peralta Rd in Gold Canyon AZ. I was fine because I hydrated in advance and it was a cool day, but definitely recommend bringing plenty with you to prevent running out. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. This was longer then 5.5 miles. Seen in: Arizona, Arizona Hiking, Hike, Southwest. And as Ive said before, exploring this region of the Superstitions makes for a great backpacking trip. Need to Know Bring water. Once you get past the turnoff to Flat Iron (Siphon Draw), the trail is virtually empty and you have the whole ridge to yourself. Additional info: Fish Creek (via Apache Trail). The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. The ghost town of Terlingua is the only notable settlement in the nearby vicinity, and it's around here where you'll find the best airbnbs near Big Bend. It presents an adventure for rock climbers, too, some of which have even camped out at the top. The lower dwelling is open to the public, half a mile up a steep path, while the upper cliff can be accessed via guided tour only. Dont worry, you are still going the right way to the trail head. I suggest doing this trail as one-way, and youll need to hike up the Peralta Trail before giving it a whirl. The views at the top are monumental! Expect to share this trail with 30-50 other hikers. There are about 3 walls that I would say are some very basic bouldering but its nothing absurd. Rating: Easy to moderate. It may seem like youre lost in suburbia, but youll get there eventually. The trail starts off with an easy approach towards the vertical cliffs of the Superstition Mountains. Youll start down Reavis Ranch via 109 North at the Reavis Ranch trailhead. I hate it when that happens. You may even catch some climbers top roping the Praying Hands rock formation. Tons off cactus needles in me. 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. Picture Information. Two Bar Ridge Trail 119. Hiking is fun. Just a stone's throw from the Phoenix metro area, these trails give hikers a sense of solitude in a relatively remote setting. Either way, its a fruitful hike all around but you could say that about every Supes hike! HARD! The payoff at the end was okay. Maybe Im late in the game, but I was very impressed with this idea. Be careful, I had good tread and still slipped a few times. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. It's rated as moderate and gains 500 feet in elevation. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. It is flat and boring. 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. Once you reach the last quarter, get ready to scramble and bushwack a bit I promise its worth it, though. 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. The ranch has a variety of dispersed camping, so take your pick. 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 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. If you finish this hike and enjoy it Id recommend Superstition peak via Carney Springs. This was a fun hike, but this was really really hard. Carry ample waterthis is the desert, after all. Learn more about Bri at her website or on Instagram. Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. Awesome hike with varied terrain and views. But, its also humbling. A favorite spot in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and prickly pear margaritas! Stopped for lunch near the wave cave. The elevation gain is also gradual. And if youre considering the hike any other time of year, catching the sunset is the next best alternative. It's beautiful, but can get boring at times. For $7 per vehicle, parking is available at Lost Dutchman State Park. To Superior. Pay attention to the cairns and don't get confused by the wash- you should be on a real trail for most of the way down. Ran out with 6 miles to go. The Wave was cool to see. Oak Flat Loop Trail. 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. Parking very tight even on a Friday morning. However, they said it was the last time they would allow me to pick the trail. With lower congestion than some of the shorter, easier hikes in the area, you can get a quiet experience in this beautiful desert landscape. But when the timing is right almost any given winter or early spring day the Supes satisfy nearly any craving for adventure and solitude. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. If you do this hike during after recent rains, you can settle into the sounds of running water in the Draw. Really fun route. The main trail is 2.0. The trail begins across the street from the Canyon Lake Marina parking. Bri Cossavella is a freelance writer for Territory Supply. The area is known for lore about lost mines and ghost towns, and the museum will spark more curiosity about these mysteries. To Payson. This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. This is just one option. The AllTrails map helped a lot, and there was service most of time. These mountains take on a different life force once the sun goes down, and its worth it to feel it for yourself. The elevation gain is also gradual. An anecdote about Fish Creek is that it is a source of native fish the Apache Trout. Explore Superstition Mountain Trails - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. Hard on the knees coming down. The spa offers everything from luxurious detox pedicures to deep tissue massages. The trail is anything but a straight line. From Ma Ha Tauk Trail, turn left to proceed to Crosscut Trail. Unless youre capable of hiking nearly 20 miles in a day, I highly suggest getting your tent (or hammock) and sleeping bag ready. But the toughest challenges also reap the best rewards, right? Crystal Sibson Second Water Trail to Hackberry Springs Loop is a 5.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail in Arizona's Superstition Wilderness. Great short hike. Very busy, but fun and just the right amount of challenge. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The view was incredible and it was not busy at all because we went on a Wednesday afternoon. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. I would highly highly recommend wearing proper footwear for this. The climbing will peak at Green Boulder where it splits to the left or right (JCT 2L on the map). Do recommend. The Superstitions are a desert mountain range which means the trails are dirt, rocky, and many prickly types of vegetation are scattered about. Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. For Rent. This trail lifts you high above the rugged mountains of the Supes. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. Prepare to get wet. Wear hiking books. About Lost Dutchman State Park. If you get going early enough, youll be home in time for lunch! This is also the point in which fear of heights might kick in, but you can do it. It also means that you will rarely have access to water sources or shade. It is full of history and tales of gold, as well as 100-year-old saguaro cacti, vista views, and wildlife. Shared By: Hiking Project Staff Full Details Trail Ratings 4.5 from 4 votes Trail Rankings #3 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. Its about nourishment and learning. What's now known as Tortilla Flat was originally a simple freight camp, home to a small community for years. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. Additional info: Superstition Ridgeline Trail. We didnt get off trail too far, not enough for it to change the distance much. Before Waltz died, he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location. when you get to get to the barbered wire- theres a way thru that.. totally worth pictures on the wave rock! At Gold Canyon, resort packages of all kinds are available to meet any kind of needs, including plenty of golf. Well never know exactly why they etched these pictures perhaps artistic purposes, or to tell stories, or to symbolize tribal societies and ways of life. 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. Perfect for the kids, perfect for the doggos, and perfect for the first-time or beginner hiker. Whether you're curious about the tales of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine and want to see the mysterious lands for yourself, or simply just want to take in some of the most gorgeous sections of the Superstitious Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park has you covered. Beautiful views starting miles back in the car. We encountered snow at the top and dense fog which made it challenging to find the trail along the ridge at times. The Cave Trail-Peralta Loop is a moderately strenuous day hike through some of the most spectacular and best-known terrain of Arizona's Superstition Wilderness. Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). Distance: 0.5 mi Elevation Change: 220 ft. Ma Ha Tauk Trail Difficulty: Difficult AllTrails says 19.2 miles with 4,767 feet of gain. Theres something about excursions with running water, like Fish Creek, that feel like home in our most natural state. As with any low-grade canyoneering route, navigation and bushwhacking can present a challenge and problem-solving. Worth a trip! Once in the canyon, this is where navigation gets complex. A trip to Hackberry Spring is enough to prove otherwise. The Peralta trail is a popular way to get to Freemont saddle and a great view of Weaver's Needle. Our first comes from Aravaipa Ambassador Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote mountains and canyons across Arizona. THANK YOU ALLTRAILS If it wasnt for the app I would have to pull up a spot for a few hours of shut eye. Get a permit to be here! I recommend lacing up your boots in the springtime for this one. The summer months are not the ideal time to hike in these places but you will be just fine visiting. RV or tent camp right in the park, and wake up to killer views of those red cliffs. Trail was in good shape and the weather was very nice today. The marina at Canyon Lake will take care of all of your boating needs, and additionally has a campground for lodging! The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. I thought we were lost lol. Here, you have the chance to tour the authentic gold mine and the town that once boomed before it sadly died out when the mine dried up. Three Superstition Mountain hiking trails (Dutchman's, Black Mesa and Second Water) join together to form an unexpectedly lovely hike. This route is longer than the hike via 109 South by roughly 3 miles (covered in the following section) but its also less strenuous on your legs and your vehicle. 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 . Elevation gain-3,000ft. Only a small part of the town remains, but what's left is distinctly authentic Old West. Trail Descriptions 19th Ave. Trailhead 10500 S. 19th Ave. Crosscut Trail Access: Start at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to connect to Ma a Tauk Trail. 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! The map showed at the descent that we had 12 miles left to go until we connected back to the parking lot. A GPS download and a map will come in handy. Try this one out. Just at the edge of Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains offer a jaw-droppingly rugged landscape. site is used. Ready for a hike? But dont let that turn you off from this hike you will most definitely get an incredible return on your investment. The trail slowly gains elevation as it heads directly towards the Superstition Mountains. Indeed, their mining expeditions reaped prosperity. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. Its short length, soaring rock formations and excellent views make it an awesome day hike for grown ups and kiddos alike. This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. Thats how I felt during this trek. The trail through Peralta Canyon is a popular Class 1 affair, but the less-used and more rugged Cave Trail involves a bit of scrambling, really more like clambering, if one follows the . Going up seems futile to me, I wouldnt try it. The towering crags of the Superstition Mountain glow brilliantly opposite the setting sun. 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: Conquer the toughest hike on this list. Pretty populated with people. Get the Superstition Loop trail guide with: Check out a nearby All-Access Preview trail guide: Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail The loop described here is a Easy hike. The Arizona Museum of Natural History is the only natural history museum you'll find in the Phoenix area, which is why it is home to some amazing artifacts! This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. Regardless, theyre gorgeous and well worth the effort. It is agreat place to escape in the Superstition Wilderness! Eventually, you will reach a saddle, but this isnt Parker Pass. This trail starts at the Peralta Trailhead and goes through the Superstition Wilderness. 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! If you do take this trail, a good spot to turn around is the saddle between the spires. The Treasure Loop Trail #56 starts from the Saguaro day use area. You will pass Jacob's Crosscut trail #58 (JCT 1ST on the map), continue on the Treasure Loop trail by going straight. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. Just pace yourself and watch your step and youll do well. Just when you think you have an understanding the Supes, you find another piece of territory to blow you away. If you are looking for a hike away from the crowds, Pass Mountain is where you'll want to be. 3. It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. I only brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt enough. I did this at the beginning of Feb and it was a lovely and challenging day hike!! This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. Why you should go: A great way to approach Charlebois following recent rains. Also, I had no idea that Peralta Road turned into a dirt road. West Pinto Trail 212. Youll begin this hike from the Peralta trailhead, and start down the Bluff Springs Trail (bear right). Park location and driving directions for Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, AZ (85119). These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. Always remember that you should try to stay left when possible going up as it is the often the route with less exposure. With gorgeous views and hospitable staff ready to make your day, Gold Canyon is a great getaway you won't find anywhere else. If you have enough time, stay two nights. Was incredible and it wasnt enough great way to approach Charlebois following recent rains, you are looking a! 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