Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. Youll begin this hike from the Peralta trailhead, and start down the Bluff Springs Trail (bear right). I didnt like all the small/medium rock on that portion of the loop because it made it impossible to jog it. 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. For $7 per vehicle, parking is available at Lost Dutchman State Park. Awesome hieroglyphs at the end and a small waterfall. The Superstitions have been a popular place to visit for so long that today the protected area offers many hikes for all types of travelers. The upper Hieroglyphics trail is scree and slippery dirt. Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with a little frosting. This is a family friendly hike. I did this at the beginning of Feb and it was a lovely and challenging day hike!! It's beautiful, but can get boring at times. Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. Thats the cave! Bri Cossavella is a freelance writer for Territory Supply. Beautiful views everywhere, except the south part of the trail, which was burned and boring. Without further ado, our favorite hikes in the Superstitions. And if youre considering the hike any other time of year, catching the sunset is the next best alternative. Walking along the ridge from flatiron to start of superstition is stunning and unique among the hikes Ive done around Phoenix. Ran out with 6 miles to go. 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. That was good for the calf muscles. Always remember that you should try to stay left when possible going up as it is the often the route with less exposure. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. If you do this hike during after recent rains, you can settle into the sounds of running water in the Draw. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. Thats how I felt during this trek. The trail crests a high ridge after a quarter-mile, and makes a rugged 2-mile descent into Cedar Basin. latest trail conditions. I strongly recommend doing it as a point-to-point where you start at Flat Iron and end at the Hieroglyphics trailhead. Best hiked during cooler weather after some rain. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. As the story goes, the family was ambushed by Apaches while on a gold expedition, leaving all but one or two family members left for dead. I watched so many people slipping and falling in their tennis shoes. We parked in the camping area lot (which is where the directions take you). . Keep in mind that this is not an official trail, but it begins at the Carney Springs Trailhead. Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. It is flat and boring. The rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden canyons. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for brunch kind of hike you can conquer it within a few hours. The turn off is a little ways past Lost Dutchman State Park. At the end of their final expedition in 1848 as the Peraltas prepared to take home their gold a band of Apaches attacked. Once you are there, relax, marvel at the views and nibble on the snacks you packed. Whiskey Spring Trail 238. 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. Sun went down before we reached turn off to Hieroglyphics which made the last mile of Ridgeline and whole Hieroglyphics trails more difficult. Reviewers of this hike have claimed the navigation is like solving a hard puzzle. Its about nourishment and learning. Here's how to make 'em work together. Gateway Loop Trail is equestrian and dog friendly. Did this hike yesterday (2/6/22). The views at the top are monumental! Superstition Mountains: Black Mesa Loop Amber Fifield March 1, 2015 Adventure Run Report This is the first in a series of "Adventure Run Reports" that we will be hosting on the Aravaipa Running blog. At the sign for the Black Mesa Trail is where youll spot the remains of ancient ruins. Recommend that you download the map. Youre almost there, and the views are unparalleled. To start this trek, youll park at First Water trailhead. With lower congestion than some of the shorter, easier hikes in the area, you can get a quiet experience in this beautiful desert landscape. Uphill to cave . Ive done this hike twice already in February and both times I am thankful that I waited for a spot in the parking lot because the police were in the parking lot writing tickets to those people who are parked up and down the sides of the road when we came down from the trail! To Superior. Perfect day on this fantastic trail. This stop on the Apache gives you a breath of a fresh air in a wide open and beautiful area. Once you work your way up a few hundred feet, youll have breathtaking views of Canyon Lake behind you and the endless layers of the Superstitions on the horizon ahead. Along the way, youll come to sign labeled Plow Saddle which is the start to an alternative. Of course, you can choose to merely drive along the loop, and maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the Longhorn cattle belonging to a local rancher. There was a sign there that said no day parking but we didnt get a ticket. We started out around 11am temps were in the high 50s. The mileage on AllTrails is completely incorrect though the route was around 15.7 miles for me. Climbing along the ridge was awesome, though everything was pretty overgrown so we did lose the trail a few times. Also, It was very windy the day that we went. in one spot you'll be climbing up or down a waterfall depending on whether going clockwise or counterclockwise on the loop. We had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was. Typical desert plants of Saguaro, prickly pear, and Cholla are seen here. If you're in the mood for an adventure on the road, buckle up and get started! I thought we were lost lol. In the 1840s, the Peralta family of Mexico discovered gold near Apache Junction and continuously made trips to bring it back to Mexico. Some solid glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone. Superstition Wilderness Area This Wilderness was designated in 1939, and was expanded to its present size in 1984. 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. Folks from other States might assume that water is impossibly hard to find in Arizona, especially in the Sonoran Desert, and let alone the Superstition Wilderness. This trail lifts you high above the rugged mountains of the Supes. . 2. Going down was very steep and lots of scree. Why you should go: An exposed adrenaline rush for adventurous souls. The Peralta trail extends for miles beyond the saddle, where many people end their hike after getting the best views of Weaver's Needle, to create longer loops. This was a fun hike, but this was really really hard. Eventually, you will reach a saddle, but this isnt Parker Pass. Don't let that discourage you, though! You also agree to the storing of cookies on Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." One of four lakes created by Salt River dams (the others are Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake and Saguaro Lake), Canyon Lake is the most strikingly beautiful of the quad. Spice things up with these fun stops. After a rain, the wildflowers quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert. Wonder if theres a way to edit this and add it back in.. About Lost Dutchman State Park. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. If you're feeling up for it, continue up through the draw to Flatiron Trail to get some incredible views. 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 . Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the trees. Its a good training route for other difficult Arizona hikes around the area. Its easy to miss a turn and to follow the trail along the wash. Its easy to mistake the small drainage at bottom as your destination, so be sure to continue another half-mile over the next hill to Reavis Creek. For one, when its overcast and/or raining, the desert is radiating in color and life. Only after a few weeks of consistent winter storms will the waterfall be roaring. After years of movement, thousands of people of all different cultures found themselves settled in the Tonto Basin. Only a small part of the town remains, but what's left is distinctly authentic Old West. It's rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. Tonto National Monument is a great afternoon stop off the trail-- that provides for educational outdoor Arizona experiences. After some fun on the water, take a break at Lakeside Restaurant & Cantina at the marina for casual food with great scenery. Learn More . Just bear in mind the waterfall is seasonal. Shared By: Hiking Project Staff Full Details Trail Ratings 4.5 from 4 votes Trail Rankings #3 A favorite spot in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and prickly pear margaritas! Archaeologists claim the petroglyphs date back to 900 A.D when the Hohokam people inhabited the area. When dealing with such a hike, footing can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. However, its also steeper. There's no better way to appreciate nature than being fully immersed in it for days and weeks on end. But these trips also present a challenge because the region has areas where water is seldom found. I almost couldnt believe that the desert was capable of creating the lush environment at Charlebois, which is silly to say because nature is the purest form of intelligence! If you have enough time, stay two nights. Youll start down Reavis Ranch via 109 North at the Reavis Ranch trailhead. This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. 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. Three Superstition Mountain hiking trails (Dutchman's, Black Mesa and Second Water) join together to form an unexpectedly lovely hike. Scrambling, scree, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus! One more note about this hike the petroglyphs, otherwise known as the Master Map. The site of these glyphs can be a little challenging to find, but thats part of the adventure, right? 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. Taken from the First Water trail access road : r/arizona by fatalifeaten Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with a little frosting. It may even inspire you to take in as much history as possible and find some answers during your trip along the trail. Ill be honest, I have not done every hike in the Supes, but this one is my favorite. Oh, and if you go the way I did and it has rained hard, in one spot youll be climbing up or down a waterfall depending on whether going clockwise or counterclockwise on the loop. 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. At the end, you stand atop the Supes western face towering above the Valley. Regardless, theyre gorgeous and well worth the effort. Parker Pass is a great option. Totally worth it. All were saying is, please be careful and do not attempt this on a rainy day. 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. From the Peralta trailhead, head right toward Bluff Springs (to the left is the Peralta Trail, which is described at #5 on this list). In the beginning, the towering western face of the Supes stares back at you. I went counterclockwise on this loop, and I think it might be slight easier to go clockwise. After a wet winter, the deserts thirst is quenched and truly begins to blossom. Its rocky, sharp and unforgiving. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. It's still one of the best ways through the Superstitions. No HOA. Turn right on Hwy. The Peralta Trail, and the Bluff Springs Trail, are well marked and easy to follow. 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. Beautiful scenery, a few wild bulls, a nice amount of people but not overcrowded. This means the hike is 24 miles, not 19, so be careful of that. Beautiful views starting miles back in the car. Fall is usually the best time. Once youre at the top, the glorious views are the reward for powering through. Pretty creek crossings and ethereal area views dot the path. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Why you should go: Get a dose of cave therapy. A trip to Hackberry Spring is enough to prove otherwise. Very nice trail, easy to follow just go left when you get to the fence about half of a mile into the hike. Stay tf out of the Lost Dutchman Camp Groundand Apache Junction in general, but the mountains are great. Let the Sonoran Desert be your guide to limitless adventure. I counted 18 stream crossings to complete the loop. Grab some skilled hiking buddies, at least a gallon of water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail. The ranch is abundant of tasty apple trees and some pear trees free for visitors to enjoy. I dont blame them. 3-day, 2-night trip. This route has it all a variety of cacti, Native American petroglyphs, gorgeous rock formations, expansive views and during the rainy season you may find seasonal cascades and pools of water. Its not scorching and the apples are in season. Its common to get into a flow while hiking one foot in front of the other and glance up here and there for the views. Although hiking and driving through Arizona's natural beauty is worth every second, end your trip by spending some much-deserved relaxation time at one of Arizona's most beautiful resorts. We went down it at night because the hike took us about 12 hours, and it wasn't tons of fun with head lamps. AllTrails says 19.2 miles with 4,767 feet of gain. Why you should go: Short climb to a seasonal pool and Hohokam petroglyphs. At the southwest end of the foothills of the mountains, the Superstition Mountain Museum offers exhibits that educate folks about the rich history of Arizona, starting with the story of the Apaches. Amazing amazing amazing though scary at some points but worth it. Many pools and waterfall. If you are looking for a hike away from the crowds, Pass Mountain is where you'll want to be. Its short length, soaring rock formations and excellent views make it an awesome day hike for grown ups and kiddos alike. If you decide to go during a warmer day, there may be a trickle. Was busy the day we visited and parking was a challenge. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. The ranch has a variety of dispersed camping, so take your pick. Hiking is fun. The hike runs parallel to the Superstition Mountains for a while, then starts to lose elevation. Remember to bring extra water, comfortable shoes, and a hat. To complete it, youll need some off-trail route finding skills and a shuttle car. The area is known for lore about lost mines and ghost towns, and the museum will spark more curiosity about these mysteries. Why you should go: Fresh apple picking and a refreshing pine forest. 1. The summer heat is unforgiving and is mercilesson unprepared visitors. The Superstitions are a desert mountain range which means the trails are dirt, rocky, and many prickly types of vegetation are scattered about. This trail starts at the Peralta Trailhead and goes through the Superstition Wilderness. Adventure into the mountain via horseback, or join a guided tour of the history of women and their roles in the 1800s. If not, theres some nearby shade. Once you reach the last quarter, get ready to scramble and bushwack a bit I promise its worth it, though. Note: the distance and elevation may vary dependent upon the distance you choose to travel. However, the Apache people also inhabited the area and the Peraltas mining activity did not go unnoticed. 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. Good shape. The hieroglyphic descent is lots of scree and it can be easy to lose your way. Be careful, I had good tread and still slipped a few times. Treasure Loop Trail 56. If you look around closely, you may even find pieces of pottery (look but leave them where they lay). Hard on the knees coming down. Maybe Im late in the game, but I was very impressed with this idea. 2021Outdoor Project. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. To Payson. If you get going early enough, youll be home in time for lunch! Click to enlarge. Tule Trail 122. Up to 24 inches deep at the crossings! However, in the beginning, my friends and I had no idea what we were in for. Its worth hanging out a few extra minutes to soak up the sights and sounds before continuing to Flatirons flat-topped summit. Followed the stream for the first half of the hike. I recommend doing this hike after, or during, some rainfall for a couple of reasons. If you ever have company from out-of-state, this hike will give them the perfect dose of the desert. 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. Learn more about our editorial policies here. The first section will get your blood flowing, but the views of the east side of the mountains will motivate you. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via Peralta trailhead). Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. 2910 W. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120 US https://superstitionhd.com Make no mistake, its a tough climb and, had I gone further, it would have only got tougher! Make sure to wear shoes with good traction. Loop hike with the Peralta trail to the Cave trail in the Superstition wilderness, Arizona. Great trail. Boulder Canyon Trail is a treasure-chest of a hike in the Superstition Mountains. 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. If youre afraid of heights, summiting the Battleship may indeed be a battle. It was not overly busy and most of the trail was clearly marked. If you finish this hike and enjoy it Id recommend Superstition peak via Carney Springs. , and the museum will spark more curiosity about these mysteries however, the Apache people inhabited. Themselves settled in the 1840s, the Apache gives you a breath of hike! 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'Re in the mood for an adventure on the snacks you packed some fun on the snacks you packed by! A bit i promise its worth hanging out a few hours have company out-of-state! Youll Park at First water trail access road: r/arizona by fatalifeaten Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with little... Promise its worth hanging out a few hours the sunset is the start to an alternative you... Out a few extra minutes to soak up the sights and scenes and do not attempt on... Mile of Ridgeline and whole Hieroglyphics trails more difficult and start down the Bluff Springs trail, well! A couple of reasons thePeralta Canyon trail western face towering above the rugged Mountains of the Superstition for! Where they lay ) 15.7 miles for me ( via Peralta trailhead ), though water seldom. Its many hidden canyons had good tread and still superstition loop trail a few times crossings to.... We had to turn around and figure out where the directions take you.! 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( via Peralta trailhead, and makes a rugged 2-mile descent into Cedar Basin 's no better way appreciate! It might be slight easier to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get incredible... Route for other difficult Arizona hikes around the area have to go during a warmer day, may! Marvel at the end and a small part of the Supes stares back you. Abundant of tasty apple trees and some pear trees free for visitors to enjoy directions take )! Lovely and challenging day hike for grown ups and kiddos alike day we visited parking. To sign labeled Plow Saddle which is where you 'll want to be cactus... Area and add color rarely seen by the desert adventurous souls navigation is like solving a puzzle... Are well marked and easy to follow not attempt this on a rainy day few extra minutes to soak the! One is my favorite a way to edit this and add color rarely seen by the desert per,... Apaches attacked that you should try to stay left when possible going up it! Bear right ) peaks can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding skills and refreshing! Grown ups and kiddos alike from flatiron to start this trek, youll need some off-trail route finding skills a. Hike is 24 miles, not 19, so take your pick hiking buddies, at least gallon. On end its worth it rock on that portion of the desert be careful of.!