Wear sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, and ensure that they are broken in before your hike. Any advise from you will be greatly appreciated. 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. They all have adjustable shoulder harness systems and have the features you need. About Our Community. This 'Superstition Mountains' Acrylic Painting Print on Canvas contains the vivid color and detail of the original work. The road offers several pull-off points where you can stop and take in the beauty of the Superstition Mountains. This weekend long free, self-guided tour is like our Fall Studio Tour, which has become an anticipated event for art lovers since it began in . 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. This trail will take you to the top of the mountain, where you can take in the stunning views of the valley below. 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. Described by President Teddy Roosevelt as the Alps of the Sonoran, the Superstitions have a long and colorful history. Share This. The Superstition Mountains are public lands. Allow me to introduce you to the Superstition Mountains- an adventurers dream desert mountain range. Now it is time to pick a trail. Rife with otherworldly scenes of desert life in an environment sculpted out of ancient volcanic ash, the areas story arc spools out from violent origins, cataclysmic geological events, erosion and resurgence. 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. The trail is rated as moderate and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. You can even spot Weavers Needle way off in the distance! Okay, lets get started! While some of these stories may be fictitious, the mountain remains an intriguing and mysterious place. The most famous legend associated with Superstition Mountain is that of the Lost Dutchmans gold. This 2.4 mile round-trip trail features an elevation change of 450 feet and offers some surprising views without the work to ascend the mountainside. Early bird gets the worm for this trail is packed on weekends. By far, our favorite hike was the Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle in the Superstition Mountains. ART. You wont regret the early wakeup call because youll have the perfect view of the sun rising while you sit on the wave. The mountains were once part of a large caldera (a volcanic feature formed by the collapse of a volcano into itself, making it a large crater) which resurged to form a massive mountain. Supposedly there a little cave a miner had found full of gold, became wealthy and took the location of the gold to his deathbed. Also, bring rain gear in case of inclement weather. The trail systems throughout the Superstition Mountain Wilderness are vast and allow you to create many different routes through the landscape. I love coming across little nuggets of paradises on the web and learn about them. While daytime temperatures are typically comfortable, they can rise to over 90 degrees. The most popular trail is the Siphon Draw Trail, a three-mile loop that begins at the First Water Trailhead. 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. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. There are amazing views throughout the Superstitions. Quick tips for hiking Massacre Grounds Trail to the waterfall. Superstition Mountains are located in Tonto National Forest. Required fields are marked *. Experts believe the Superstition Mountains were formed more than 18 million years ago by volcanic activity. The Apache Trail is a scenic road winding its way through the Superstition Mountains. Beginning at the Peralta Trailhead, the Bluff Springs Trail is 3.5 mile section with about 340 feet of climbing. The Superstition Mountain wilderness hiking area, also known as Superstition Wilderness-Tonto Forest is located on the world famous Superstition Mountain. How long is the Superstition Mountains hike? 6109 N Apache Trl, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States. As you view down the spine and gasp at where you came from, youll be looking at my favorite views in these mountains. View full map. What is dispersed campingSuperstition Mountains? Hieroglyphic TrailBeginning at the end of a residential street north of Gold Canyon, this 1.5-mile path leads up Hieroglyphic Canyon to a group of petroglyphs beside some seasonal pools. This list varies from easy to difficult and cover some of the most popular, diverse hikes available. I know a ton about backpacking the Superstition Mountains in Arizona and I hope to inspire you to check them out. 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. 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. Is there gold in the Superstition Mountains? 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.. Summer days may offer unforgiving heat or violent thunderstorms. Once you get to the base of the main cliffs, and the trail starts to veer to the right, this is where you branch off. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". It all depends on how deep you plan on exploring. The Hieroglyphic Trail provides a chance to witness a piece of Arizonas history! It is relatively easy, with a gradual climb and many scenic views. Superstition Mountain is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the iconic Saguaro cactus. Flatiron is a popular day hike in the Superstitions. Enjoy! First Water Trailhead, Distance | 11.5 milesDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | First Water TrailheadPermits | NoneDog Friendly | Yes. The Superstition Mountains are home to some of the most stunning views of the Arizona desert. AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year, This new Arizona park will delight hikers and campers. Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). 7. By packing the essentials, you can be sure to have a safe and enjoyable experience while hiking in the Superstition Mountains. Respect the environment and keep the area clean by packing out any trash. According to legend, the Thunder God was so powerful that it caused the mountain to grow from the ground up. Bring layers of clothing, including a hat and sunglasses. beautiful sunsets & city lights in the evenings. January 22, 2023 at 1:53 pm Nearby Recently Sold Homes. Camping is generally dispersed in the vicinity of flowing springs. Overview. Your email address will not be published. As always, please be considerate of the environment so we can keep enjoying it and remember to leave no trace. Nearby towns such as Apache Junction and Gold Canyon also have hotels within minutes of the range. With a little bit of preparation, a hike to Superstition Mountain can be a rewarding family experience. The mountain has a long history of superstition and myth, making it a fascinating place to explore. Teddy Bear Cholla cactus as well as some Ocotillo in bloom. We hike to Second Water Spring via Dutchmans Trail, Cavalry, and Boulder Creek trails. Battleship Mountain is my favorite hike in the Superstition Mountains because it is an all day adventure with a high reward. With its stunning views, rich history, and abundant wildlife, its an ideal destination for hikers of all ages. If you havent become familiar with this prominent rock formation you will after this hike. Hikers should plan to spend at least two hours on the trail and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. AllTrails map: 10.8 mile out and back Bluff Spring Trail to Dutchman Trail to Charlebois Canyon and Le Barge Springs. Superstition Mountain Apache Junction AZ. Always pack layers! Some of them will be returning, some are new to this year's event. 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. Overall this hike is moderate and perfect for beginner hikers, families, Arizona visitors, and even dogs! The Superstition Mountains are in the Sonoran Desert, which offer an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 3. You can create a great silhouette photo here! Enoy the peacful lifestyle that only Gold Canyon can offer with access to some of the best hiking trails in Arizona. More than 350 people have died over the years looking for the Lost Dutchmans gold mine. Know where you are going ahead of time and always have a way to keep yourself on trail. The following items are recommended for a successful hike: Water: Stay hydrated by bringing at least one gallon of water per person, per day. Are the Superstition Mountains open for backpacking during the COVID-19 pandemic? The wilderness is vast and has many different routes you can piece together for both day hikes or a backpacking trip. No, it doesn't flow at all times. Your glutes will burn, you breathing will grow heavy, and you may begin to question why you wanted to do this hike in the first place. You'll find us in the rugged 160,000 acre Superstition Mountain range in the Tonto National Forest in Central Arizona. Getting there: From Phoenix, take U.S. 60 east to Exit 196 for Idaho Road (State Route 88). I was originally born in Indiana but my family moved us down here for a better life. Once there, we unpack, set up camp, and scavenge wood for our campfire. Saw dogs, children and other hiking groups on trail. Along this route, you can get some of the most breathtaking views of the mountain range. 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! Reply. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Can you drive to the top of Superstition Mountain? Each location icon marks the destination (if available). Finally, in no certain order, are 10 incredible hikes you wont want to miss in the Superstition Mountains! 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. 1. 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. If youre looking for a base camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot ahead of time here. Distance | 6.5 miles RTDifficulty | DifficultTrailhead | Siphon Draw TrailheadFees | $7 Entry FeeDogs Allowed | Yes, but only the experiencd. Hiking the Hieroglyphic Trail. It is a gentle, yet continuous, uphill hike with plenty of switchbacks and a few spots where loose rock makes footing a little slick. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Superstition Mountain is a great place to go hiking and explore. 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. 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