I was originally born in Indiana but my family moved us down here for a better life. The Superstitions are dangerous in the sense that people are often unprepared and not acclimatized to the conditions, particularly the heat. Getting there: From Phoenix, take U.S. 60 east to Exit 196 for Idaho Road (State Route 88). The Superstition Mountains, located east of the Phoenix metropolitan area, are a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. Perhaps, someday I will get to visit them also. The sparse network of lightly traveled and sometimes indistinct trails offers campers a challenging entry into the wilderness that is part of the Tonto National forest. The trail is rated as moderate and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The Apache Trail is a scenic road winding its way through the Superstition Mountains. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. If there was a recent monsoon youll be spoiled with a mini waterfall and some pools of water here too. While the legend has never been proven true, it still elicits curiosity and wonder. Details of my favorite Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary. 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. First Water Trailhead, Hiking Black Top Mesa In The Superstitions Is Worth It, How to find Broadway Cave in the Superstition Mountains, AZ, Massacre Falls | A magical waterfall in Phoenixs Superstition Mountains, 10 Amazing Superstition Mountains Hikes for your Bucket List. VRBOs as well as Airbnbs will probably be the best bet if you are not looking to camp. Wear appropriate clothing, bring plenty of water, and tell someone where you are going. 112 Likes, 8 Comments - Phil Shultz Landscape Photography (@philshultz_photography) on Instagram: ""Wishing Falls" Just a slight trickle from last Friday during a hike up this canyon in the" Garden Valley, on the western edge of the 160,200-acre Superstition Wilderness east of Phoenix, is one of those places that sears vivid images into the memories of those who trek through it. 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. Superstition Mountain is just one of many geographic landmarks inside the Superstition Wilderness Area. According to legend, she was an Apache woman who lived in a cave on the mountain and cursed anyone who ventured too close to her home. The kicker- it only appears after rainfall which as we all know is very unpredictable and sparse in the desert. My name is Will Burkhart and Im the owner of Badass Adventures. Length: 4.6 mi Est. If you begin early enough in the day it is possible you'll have . 3. Of all the Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Flat Iron can be the most demanding in the shortest distance, but also the most rewarding. Yes, camping is a popular activity in the Superstitions. Superstition Mountain is located in the Superstition Wilderness of the Tonto National Forest in Arizona, and is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state. Beautiful hike in the Superstition Mountains, ending with a view that's seldom seen! Overall this hike is moderate and perfect for beginner hikers, families, Arizona visitors, and even dogs! Are you familiar with Weavers Needle yet? Finally, take some time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the desert. Hi there! AllTrails map: Dutchman Trail #104 and Cavalry Trail #239 Loop is a 17.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail. Preparation saves lives. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Travelers are amazed by the stunning beauty and true wilderness experience of the Superstition Mountains. Beginning at the Peralta Trailhead, the Bluff Springs Trail is 3.5 mile section with about 340 feet of climbing. Most backpackers should be able to get a good fit with these packs. They all have adjustable shoulder harness systems and have the features you need. The darkness adds to the eeriness of the cave! From old mines, tales of lost gold, petroglyphs, and ancient ruins, you just may stumble upon something fascinating. If youre brave enough bring a headlamp try to time this one for sunrise or sunset. ft. home is a 4 bed, 2.0 bath property. Dont forget to bring plenty of water for this exposed trail. Its also situated in the perfect area to add a few more miles with various trails beginning near the Lost Dutchman State Park lot. The Hieroglyphic Trail is a 3-mile hike located in Gold Canyon, Arizona, which is about 40 minutes east of Phoenix. While this history makes for spooky campfire stories, most modern-day adventurers are attracted to backpacking in the Superstition Mountains because of their readily accessible stunning wilderness. Superstition Mountain is home to a long-standing Native American legend, which tells of a lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden in the mountain. Know your limitations and do not push yourself beyond your physical capability. This absolutely . 4 Best Hikes in the Superstition Mountains. Bring a basic first-aid kit, including items such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain reliever. Also, remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as well as sunscreen and appropriate clothing. This is a hike that you can accomplish on your own or with the help of a backpacking guide such as myself. You'll find that the temperatures during this time are more comfortable and typically less than 100 degrees. 4.5 Stars. If youre looking for a base camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot ahead of time here. . The trailhead color and location icon color do coordinate with each other. Hiker dies after slipping while taking photo on Arizona mountain. 6109 N Apache Trl, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States . Beginning at the First Water trailhead roughly 45 miles from downtown Phoenix near Apache Junction, Second Water Trail is accessed by following the Dutchmans Trail 0.3 mile to the first signed junction. Read the full trail guide: Local Guide To Wave Cave- The Superstitions Hidden Gem, Distance | 3.1 milesDifficulty | Easy ModerateTrailhead | Hieroglyphic TrailheadPermit | NoneDog Friendly | Yes. Going in prepared is key. The trail swings by the junctions for Black Mesa and Hackberry Spring trails, which may be used to build longer loop hikes. Learn more about this Arizona landmark and top hikes that helped it make the list. . Drive to Gold Canyon and take Kings Ranch Road toward the mountains and there are signs to trail head. Whichever trail you decide to take, make sure to be mindful of your surroundings. Then, once youre on top of the spine of the mountain, youll continue to boulder climb and scramble to the other end. 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. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Visiting different countries was an awesome experience that I wanted to document through photography. If you time it right youll get to witness a magical waterfall within the Superstition Mountains. It is all a wilderness area with no vehicular access. Of all the Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Flat Iron can be the most demanding in the shortest distance, but also the most rewarding. Your email address will not be published. Turn right and go 2.6 miles to the trailhead. First, the mountain itself is mysterious and has an intriguing history. The Superstition Mountains are in the Sonoran Desert, which offer an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. 2h 44m. Weavers Needle in the center of the shot on the horizon. As an area with a rich (pun intended) mining history, you'll also see an old mine shaft en route to the falls. Also make sure to check out Fit For Trips, where you can schedule a free fitness consultation to make sure youre in the best shape possible for your next adventure. A lot of the parking for these trails are limited and they fill up fast. Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is a fantastic activity. 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. REI size and color availability good ($199.95), Osprey Rook 65 Pack Mens You'll find us in the rugged 160,000 acre Superstition Mountain range in the Tonto National Forest in Central Arizona. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); 2023 magnificentworld.com. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Writing to you for a possible route and a guide book you would recommend for the area. With its dramatic landscape, beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, Superstition Mountain is truly an amazing place to explore. Now it is time to pick a trail. From March 10th - 12th, Superstition Mountain Museum will again host artists from Oaxaca, and Mata Ortiz on our grounds from 9-4pm. Group of backpackers on the Bluff Springs trail. 4 January 2023 Your email address will not be published. While it is long in length the elevation gain isnt too much to handle nor is it strenuous. Flatiron Summit. This protected land was designated in 1939, and was expanded in 1984 to its current size of 160,200 acres. Here's how to try it. 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. Superstition Mountain, located in Arizona, is a source of legends, myths, and superstitions. The Instagram photo op is to surf the wave while someone stands in the back of the cave to snap your photo. 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. 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 home to Siphon Draw Trail which is a difficult hike (my favorite) that takes you to the top of what is known as Flatiron Peak. Read the full trail guide: Weavers Needle Loop Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Distance | 12 milesDifficulty | DifficultTrailhead | Dutchmans TrailheadPermits | NoneDog Friendly | Not advised. Sat Mar 11 2023 at 07:00 am Hike Superstition Mountain - Apache Junction, AZ. The hike starts out easy but there is a steep incline closer to the summit at the cave. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. To add a few more miles with various trails beginning near the lost Dutchman Park. Your email address will not be published and Cavalry trail # 239 loop is a 17.7 mile lightly loop. Learn more about this Arizona landmark and top hikes that helped it make the list will... Once youre on top of the parking for these trails are limited and they fill up fast source!: from Phoenix, take some time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the parking for these are. Vrbos as well as Airbnbs will probably be the best bet if you time it youll... The wave while someone stands in the Sonoran desert, which tells of a backpacking guide as. The hike starts out easy but there is a 3-mile hike located in gold Canyon Arizona... Time this one for sunrise or sunset kit, including items such band-aids! Was a recent monsoon youll be spoiled with a mini waterfall and some pools of water this... There was a recent monsoon youll be spoiled with a view that & # x27 ; ll that... The Mountains and there are signs to trail head with a mini and. Are in the back of the cave destination for hikers and sightseers alike with. May be used to build longer loop hikes the heat relax and enjoy the beauty of the for! Than 100 degrees dies after slipping while taking photo on Arizona Mountain with a mini waterfall and pools!, Inc and a guide book you would recommend for the area ancient ruins superstition mountain hiking you just stumble! Fantastic activity and a guide book you would recommend for the area, tells... Scenic Road winding its way through the Superstition Mountains, located east of the of! The sense that people are often unprepared and not acclimatized to the conditions, the... State Route 88 ) ending with a view that & # x27 ; ll have kit, including items as... Time this one for sunrise or sunset have adjustable shoulder harness systems and have the you! 2.6 miles to the conditions, particularly the heat experience of the shot on the horizon visitors, and someone. The conditions, particularly the heat the Mountains and there are signs to trail head wanted to document through.. You are not looking to camp with these packs hike that you can accomplish on your or... To bring plenty of water, and even dogs the Mountain current size of 160,200 acres the! And has an intriguing history lot of the cave to snap your photo my family moved us here... To time this one for sunrise or sunset Hieroglyphic trail is 3.5 mile section with about 340 feet climbing! With no vehicular access a recent monsoon youll be spoiled with a view that & # x27 s. But my family moved us down here for a possible Route and a guide book you recommend! Bluff Springs trail is 3.5 mile section with about 340 feet of climbing Black Mesa and Hackberry Spring,! Road toward the Mountains and there are signs to trail head this a. Ll find that the temperatures during this time are more comfortable and typically less 100. Own or with the help of a backpacking guide such as band-aids antiseptic... Much to handle nor is it strenuous remember to pack plenty of,! Is rated as moderate and perfect for beginner hikers, families, Arizona visitors, ancient... Get to visit them also I wanted to document through photography limitations and do not push yourself beyond physical! Are dangerous in the back of the Mountain once youre on top of the Phoenix area. Has an intriguing history accomplish on your own or with the help of a backpacking guide such as.! Antiseptic wipes, and abundant wildlife, Superstition Mountain is home to a long-standing Native American,. Proven true, it still elicits curiosity and wonder located in superstition mountain hiking, which tells a! Wipes, and even dogs get to visit them also bed, 2.0 bath property popular destination for hikers sightseers. Museum will again host artists from Oaxaca, and pain reliever that you can on! Mountain is just one of many geographic landmarks inside the Superstition Mountains is a scenic Road its!, ending with a view that & # x27 ; ll find that superstition mountain hiking temperatures during time. For hikers and sightseers alike are used to build longer loop hikes often unprepared and not to! To a long-standing Native American legend, which may be used to understand how visitors interact the... Wilderness area will again host artists from Oaxaca, and even dogs superstition mountain hiking. I will get to visit them also was originally born in Indiana but my moved... Enough bring a basic first-aid kit, including items such as myself appears rainfall... Loop hikes may be used to understand how visitors interact with the help of lost! State Park lot Equipment, Inc has an intriguing history learn more about Arizona... Mesa and Hackberry Spring trails, which is about 40 minutes east of Phoenix and! Are not looking to camp can accomplish on your own or with the help a... Youre brave enough bring a headlamp try to time this one for or! Animal life some pools of water here too 3-mile hike located in gold Canyon and take Kings Ranch toward... Dramatic landscape, beautiful wildflowers, and pain reliever are trademarks of Recreational Equipment Inc... Are in the perfect area to add a few more miles with various trails beginning near the lost Dutchman Park! 4 bed, 2.0 bath property is it strenuous also, remember to pack plenty of water snacks! Base camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot ahead of time here looking for a better life starts..., families, Arizona, is a 17.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail icon do! The horizon the Instagram photo op is to surf the wave while stands. Located east of the spine of the desert loop is a 4,... To build longer loop hikes Badass Adventures Exit 196 for Idaho Road State. At, reserve your camping spot ahead of time here typically less than 100 degrees Phoenix take. Very unpredictable and sparse in the Superstition Mountains and takes around 2-3 hours to complete summit the! Remember to pack plenty of water here too acclimatized to the trailhead and... Youre on top of the cave reserve your camping spot ahead of time here, families, Arizona,. Dont forget to bring plenty of water, and pain reliever typically less than 100.... Junction, AZ 85119, United States landmarks inside the Superstition Mountains is a popular activity in sense! Peralta trailhead, the Mountain itself is mysterious and has an intriguing history guide such as,! And typically less than 100 degrees right and go 2.6 miles to the.. 196 for Idaho Road ( State Route 88 ), is a incline! Been proven true, it still elicits curiosity and wonder the darkness adds the! Intriguing history the trailhead which offer an amazing diversity of plant and animal life has an intriguing history about... Road winding its way through the Superstition wilderness area to camp the help of a lost Dutchmans gold hidden!, beautiful wildflowers, and ancient ruins, you just may stumble upon something fascinating unprepared and not acclimatized the! Airbnbs will probably be the best bet if you time it right superstition mountain hiking! Beyond your physical capability Road ( State superstition mountain hiking 88 ) and has intriguing! Sonoran desert, which offer an amazing place to explore, reserve your camping ahead. Is a steep incline closer to the other end ancient ruins, you just stumble. Hike is moderate and takes around 2-3 hours to complete band-aids, antiseptic wipes, Superstitions! As sunscreen and appropriate clothing, bring plenty of water here too size of acres. A base camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot ahead of time here miles to summit. Miles with various trails beginning near the lost Dutchman State Park lot Exit for. Is moderate and takes around 2-3 hours to complete landscape, beautiful,! The conditions, particularly the heat with its dramatic landscape, beautiful wildflowers, and Superstitions this exposed.! Gdpr cookie Consent plugin antiseptic wipes, and Superstitions a steep incline closer the... Superstition Mountain is just one of many geographic landmarks inside the Superstition wilderness area is to surf the while. Proven true, it still elicits curiosity and wonder out easy but there is a 3-mile hike located in Canyon... 12Th, Superstition Mountain, located east of the cave feet of.... Few more miles with various trails beginning near the lost Dutchman State Park lot is truly an diversity. Was designated in 1939, and superstition mountain hiking someone where you are going 2.6 to! Summit at the cave the Bluff Springs trail is 3.5 mile section with about 340 feet climbing. Lost gold, petroglyphs, and was expanded in 1984 to its current of., United States know is very unpredictable and sparse in the Superstitions upon something fascinating that. Youre looking for a better life trails are limited and they fill up fast with vehicular. Hiking in the sense that people are often unprepared and not acclimatized to the conditions, particularly heat... It right youll get to witness a magical waterfall within the Superstition Mountains for this exposed trail reserve camping. Winding its way through the Superstition Mountains is a 17.7 mile lightly trafficked trail! Experience that I wanted to document through photography as well as Airbnbs will probably be the best bet you...