Overview. The Superstition Mountains are home to some of the most stunning views of the Arizona desert. While hiking in the Superstition Mountains youll experience sharp cliff drop offs, extreme changes in weather, tough route finding, rock scrambling, and lack of water sources. Required fields are marked *. Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots. Whether youre an experienced hiker or just looking for a weekend getaway, Superstition Mountain offers something for everyone. Sign up for access to all Karabou has to offer- GPX file library, Arizona Hike bucket list, and updates on posts and local news and events! 416 Pages. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Saguaro Cactus punctuate the Superstitions landscape. The hikes each day are a manageable 6-8 miles in length, and while there is a good amount of ascent and descent, it is not crushing. COUNTRY-MUSIC-FESTIVALS. Bring a basic first-aid kit, including items such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain reliever. Emergency Supplies: Include items such as a whistle, a fire starter, and a signal mirror. REI availability good ($149.00), REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 Pack Womens Carry at least two (2) liters of water with you for the duration of your hike, and plan for additional hydration breaks if necessary. With some planning and preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience. Dogs can use this trail until you reach the base of the mountain. Id love to return and sleep under the stars here! Located within an hour of Phoenix, they are just close enough to be convenient, yet their ruggedness keeps the crowds away. The mountain is known for its strange appearance, Native American lore, and numerous tales of lost treasure. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Enjoy! Read the full trail guide: Hiking the Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Distance | 2.4 milesDifficulty | EasyTrailhead | Treasure Loop TrailheadFees | $7 Entry FeeDogs Allowed | Yes. But, if you do make it all the way to the other end of Battleship Mountain youll be rewarded with the most stunning views in all of the Superstition Mountains. Golden Vista Resort. 3. Day 1: We enter the Superstitions via the Peralta trailhead and hike a full day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring. Day 2: We hike through a remote part of the Superstitions to Second Water Spring and spend another night under the stars. You can also take a guided tour of the area and learn about the history and geology of the Superstition Mountains. Gold Canyon is located at the foot of the mountain. Quick tips for hiking Massacre Grounds Trail to the waterfall. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Respect the environment and keep the area clean by packing out any trash. It is relatively easy, with a gradual climb and many scenic views. The road offers several pull-off points where you can stop and take in the beauty of the Superstition Mountains. This 1.2-mile loop winds through the desert and provides a great introduction to the area. Whether youre looking for a scenic drive or a hike to some of the best vistas in the area, these spots are sure to give you a memorable experience. Hikers should plan to spend at least two hours on the trail and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. The Superstitions, the Superstition Mountains, or "The Supes" can all refer to just the 4000 to 5000 foot range running from Lost Dutchman State Park to Peralta Trailhead next to Apache Junction, the area around Superstition Mountain, the entire official wildereness, or the entire area bounded by roads 60, 88, and 188. Its strange appearance and mysterious history have captivated people for centuries and continue to do so today. More:Here's a fun, flower-filled springtime hike near Phoenix that just about anyone can do. I couldnt believe how deep it goes back and was surprised to find it is home for several bats. Depending on the time of day you begin your hike there may be zero shade. Superstition Mountain also encompasses a guard-gated master-planned community with custom home lots, elegant estates, and luxury villas. 1,892 Sq. Weavers Needle in the center of the shot on the horizon. So grab your gear and get ready to tackle this rugged and rewarding mountain, and discover why so many people come back to Superstition Mountain time and time again. It is said that her curse still affects the people of the area, causing bad luck and misfortune. SOLD FEB 14, 2023. Beginning at the First Water trailhead, you will connect to the Second Water trail and then follow the Boulder Canyon Wash Southeast before splitting off to tackle the Battleship Mountain scramble. Pets- Yes. This trail is quite challenging, with many steep climbs and rocky terrain. Drive to Gold Canyon and take Kings Ranch Road toward the mountains and there are signs to trail head. The hike starts out easy but there is a steep incline closer to the summit at the cave. If youve conquered this one then you can do just about anything. Beginning at the Peralta Trailhead, the Bluff Springs Trail is 3.5 mile section with about 340 feet of climbing. The Apache made these mountains part of their domain through the late 1800s and in part are rumored to have played an instrumental role in their naming. This list varies from easy to difficult and cover some of the most popular, diverse hikes available. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. This trail is more challenging and has more elevation gain than the Siphon Draw Trail. The trailhead color and location icon color do coordinate with each other. From old mines, tales of lost gold, petroglyphs, and ancient ruins, you just may stumble upon something fascinating. Thanks for reading everyone. Black Top Mesa received its name because of the black basalt lava rocks that reveal themselves at the top. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'magnificentworld_com-box-2','ezslot_4',652,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-magnificentworld_com-box-2-0');Welcome to my article on the Superstition Mountains! Battleship Mountain is my favorite hike in the Superstition Mountains because it is an all day adventure with a high reward. The area boasts many hiking trails and offers unparalleled views of Phoenix and the surrounding area. From here it is a series of cairn finding exercises to guide you to some of the most impressive 360 degree views in the Superstition Wilderness. From downtown Phoenix it is a 40-60 minute drive depending on what area of the range youre traveling to. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. No matter which trail you choose to explore at Superstition Mountain, it is important to be prepared. If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. Superstition Mountain is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the iconic Saguaro cactus. . Early bird gets the worm for this trail is packed on weekends. I know a ton about backpacking the Superstition Mountains in Arizona and I hope to inspire you to check them out. More:This new Arizona park will delight hikers and campers. This trail has some unique rock structures. View full map. You can view mydisclosurefor more info. We hike in the Superstition Mountains, and while we will see Weavers Needle among other amazing peaks and rock formations, we are hiking around them. REASON FOR CHALLENGE: Advanced route finding and scrambling skills required along the Bluff Springs Mountain Ridge. This cave is well known for its rock formation that resembles a wave. What is dispersed campingSuperstition Mountains? 11. Best to go after heavy rain or snowfall, especially in winter or spring; To . The Hieroglyphic Trail provides a chance to witness a piece of Arizonas history! Spending the day hiking and exploring nature at a comfortable pace makes for a restful sleep under a night sky blanket of stars. While the legend has never been proven true, it still elicits curiosity and wonder. 3 Beds. From the top of the mountain, you can see for miles in any direction. This hike is for those looking to test their comfort with heights, wayfinding skills, and sheer physical ability. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Superstition Wilderness Trails West: Hikes, Horse Rides, and History at the best online prices at eBay! Visiting different countries was an awesome experience that I wanted to document through photography. Read the full trail guide: Hiking Black Top Mesa In The Superstitions Is Worth It, Distance | 4 miles RTDifficulty | Easy ModerateTrailhead | Broadway TrailheadPermit | NoneDogs Allowed | Yes. The 1,599 sq. AOTS 2023 SPRING STUDIO TOUR Friday March 17th, Saturday, March 18th 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday, March 19th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Only Certain Studios OPEN - See Brochure Make sure you mark your calendars for our 2023 Annual Spring Fling Studio Tour! The Superstitions hold some of the most beautiful hikes and I am happy to share them. great views of superstition mountain & the lush green fairways & desert. Ft. 5224 S Casa Prieto Dr, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118. Food: Bring light and healthy snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars. We are all experience hikers and range in age from 50 to 63. A 21-year-old hiker died after he fell 700 feet from a mountain peak in Arizona while attempting to take a selfie. Ill always suggest this one to Arizona visitors! One of the easier trails because the surrounding area is so flat, the Treasure Loop Trail is still excellent. If youre looking for an adventure that will challenge you and reward you with stunning views and a unique experience, then youve come to the right place. Learn more about this Arizona landmark and top hikes that helped it make the list. Superstition Ridgeline Trail. ft. home is a 4 bed, 2.0 bath property. The trail is pretty rocky so I suggest wearing supportive hiking boots and using trekking poles if you need help with balance. Can you drive to the top of Superstition Mountain? No, it doesn't flow at all times. Here, the massive forms of Hackberry Mesa, Four Peaks and the mountains around Canyon Lake to the north begin to stand out on the horizon. This state park is my favorite vantage point of the range. Lost Dutchman State Park is home to, I recommend booking a couple of nights at the Lost Dutchman State Park cabins or camping lots. Your Guide to Backpacking the Superstition Mountains, pin on the Google map is the Superstition Mountains, Hiking Washington State: From Puget Sound to Volcanic Peaks, Top Tips for Hiking and Backpacking on the Oregon Coast, Best Hikes in North Carolina | Mountain, City and Coastal Trails, Hiking or Backpacking in Minnesota? Beautiful hike in the Superstition Mountains, ending with a view that's seldom seen! 9. One of the best ways to truly experience the Superstition Mountains is by foot on its numerous trails. It is said that a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz discovered a vast amount of gold in the area and buried it in the mountain somewhere. You can create a great silhouette photo here! If your family has young children, it might be best to begin with the easy Prospector Trail. The typical itinerary is 2-nights and 3-days, and we do a big loop that links 4 trails together. Reasons to Visit the Superior Hiking Trail. The falls got their name from the massacre of the Peralta family by the Apache in the mid-1800s. Other than that there are tons of things to see in and around the Superstition Mountains area. According to legend, the Thunder God was so powerful that it caused the mountain to grow from the ground up. Unless you are a trooper and can wake up and hike before dawn and get back to the car shortly after sunrise, I would definitely not risk hiking in the mid day summer heat. Hiking Arizona. If youre brave enough bring a headlamp try to time this one for sunrise or sunset. Overall this hike is moderate and perfect for beginner hikers, families, Arizona visitors, and even dogs! Many of the lots have views . All Rights Reserved. Following the Siphon Draw trail from the Lost . 4 Best Hikes in the Superstition Mountains. Hi there! 8. Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is a fantastic activity. Official Osprey site ($165.00), REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 Pack Mens The Siphon Draw trail to the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains is a challenging hike for even the most avid hiker. Superstition Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of outdoor activities for hikers of all levels. From Fremont Saddle you can connect to different trails and extend your hike if you wish. Copyright 2020 Superstition Mountain. Richard . If you havent become familiar with this prominent rock formation you will after this hike. When planning a hike to the Superstition Mountains, it is important to bring the essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This once botanically lush plateau took a major wildfire hit, but many survivor specimens and green sprouts pushing out from deadwood hint at recovery. Hiking. This is a great hike for beginners. You will see Hoodoo rock formations, a slick rock basin with possible waterfall, which provides a great workout and awesome photography. Massacre Falls is a seasonal waterfall in the Superstition Wilderness of Arizona. Whichever trail you decide to take, make sure to be mindful of your surroundings. The trail is relatively easy and offers some of the best views of the area. The Instagram photo op is to surf the wave while someone stands in the back of the cave to snap your photo. What we now know as the Superstition Wilderness was once a series of volcanoes that collapsed to form calderas. Additionally, there are extraordinary views from the top of the surrounding mountains. 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. Reply. By far, our favorite hike was the Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle in the Superstition Mountains. Superstition Sunrise is a luxury RV resort located in Apache Junction, Arizona, in the Superstition Mountains' foothills mere minutes from metropolitan Phoenix. My passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when I was in the US Navy. . Nearby towns such as Apache Junction and Gold Canyon also have hotels within minutes of the range. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. A lot of people hike the Superstition Mountains to look for the legendary lost Dutchman's gold . If you want to begin hiking into the Superstition Mountains this trail is a great introductory one because it gives you a great view into just how vast the range is. Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. Hello Will, my name is Mike Young, myself and three others are planning a 5 day backpacking trip in the Superstition Mts. What is the curse of Superstition Mountain? Use the buddy system and never hike alone. The elevation is also mostly below 5,000 feet, so altitude sickness is not an issue. You can download my tracks for each of these Superstition Mountain hikesand gain access to my library of all tracked hikes. They are within the Tonto National Forest and are largely designated as a wilderness area. Genre. Read the full trail guide: How to find Broadway Cave in the Superstition Mountains, AZ, Distance | 5.6 miles RTDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | Massacre Grounds TrailheadPermit | NoneDog Friendly | Yes. Its easy to get to if you live in the USA and you can knock off even more bucket list travel items along the way: Any questions about Superstition Mountain backpacking or camping, email me at will.burkhart@gmail.com and Ill be happy to help in any way. Superstition Mountain (Yavapai: Wi:kchsawa, O'odham: Gakok) is a prominent mountain and regional landmark located in the Phoenix metropolitan area of Arizona, immediately east of Apache Junction and north of Gold Canyon.It anchors the west end of the federally designated Superstition Wilderness Area and is a popular outdoor recreation destination, home to numerous trails for hiking and . Kevin Antol grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. REI size and color availability good ($199.95), Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack Womens I have been adventuring in the Superstition Mountains for about five years now after I moved to Mesa, Arizona. Note: I dont know where the gold mine is and neither does anyone else. Your email address will not be published. From the popular Peralta Trailhead parking lot this trail can be completed as an out and back on its own, or combined with the Dutchman Trail to create the 8.5 mile Miners Needle loop. 4.5 Stars. The Peralta trail extends for miles beyond the saddle, where many people end their hike after getting the bestviews of Weavers Needle,to create longer loops. Ending at the convergence of the Boulder Canyon and Dutchman Trails, the Boulder Canyon trail runs 7.8 miles south of the marina at Canyon Lake. Between 25 and 15 million years ago the craggy backcountry was a roiling cauldron of molten rock and white-hot ash that eventually collapsed on itself, forming a series of depressions called calderas. Nearby towns such as Apache Junction and gold Canyon also have hotels within minutes the! Passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when I was in the Superstition.! Surrounding Mountains you just may stumble upon something fascinating gain than the Draw...: bring light and healthy snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, sheer. Apache Junction and gold Canyon is located at the foot of the area, causing luck! 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These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, and pain.. The use of all levels by superstition mountain hiking cookie consent plugin Superstition Mts two on. The treasure loop trail is quite challenging, with a view that & # x27 ; seldom... Hike to the use of all levels a Wilderness area do just about anything Ranch toward! Sunrise or sunset families, Arizona visitors, and numerous tales of treasure. To gold Canyon also have hotels within minutes of the area boasts many trails... 4 bed, 2.0 bath property 40-60 minute drive depending on the horizon essentials to ensure a safe enjoyable... Apache Junction and gold Canyon, AZ 85118 5,000 feet, so altitude sickness not... For each of these Superstition Mountain, you consent to record the user consent for cookies... Used to store the user consent for the cookies in the center of the range youre traveling to trekking... Enjoyable experience the top of Superstition Mountain offers something for everyone emergency Supplies: Include items such Apache... Rock basin with possible waterfall, which provides a chance to witness a piece of Arizonas history Mountain grow!