Why you should go: Rainy-day cascades in Siphon Draw and impressive views atop Flatiron. Visit Dinosaur Mountain, experience a three-story waterfall, learn about the native peoples of Arizona, pan for gold, and see a live Gila monster, all in one place! Our first comes from Aravaipa Ambassador Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote mountains and canyons across Arizona. The area is filled with some of the most challenging and scenic hiking on the planet. In the 1840s, the Peralta family of Mexico discovered gold near Apache Junction and continuously made trips to bring it back to Mexico. Some explorers have even faced their death in search of The Lost Mine. So while we dont recommend looking for gold yourself, you are certain to find the promised land here in youre looking for a great hike. Thats the cave! big difference since I was there just a few years ago pre-covid, there is a lot less to see. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. It was breathtaking from the very beginning. Old West reenactors even make occasional appearances on weekends, weather permitting. Superstition Wilderness Mesa Ranger District 5140 E. Ingram St. Mesa, Arizona 85205 480.610.3300 Monday-Friday: 8 am - noon | 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Lost Dutchman State Park 6109 N. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85119 480.982.4485 Trip Reports A GPS download and a map will come in handy. Views are spectacular, start early like 4:30am or do a 2 day. Parker Pass is a great option. The first three-quarters of this hike is relatively flat. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Not to mention the opportunity for off-trail exploration, too be sure to pick up a Superstition Wilderness trails map to help you navigate. The last 8 miles were pretty flat and blah to me a few of the miles were on roads and not pretty! Look out for epic views of Weavers Needle, too. And if youre considering the hike any other time of year, catching the sunset is the next best alternative. In 1905, the trail was officially designated as an aid for the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam, with Apache Junction at one end, and Theodore Roosevelt Lake at the other. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. This creek bed turns into the trail going south. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Pretty creek crossings and ethereal area views dot the path. My Apple Watch clocked in at 21.73 miles with 5,507 feet of gain. TRAILHEAD: First Water Trailhead, Apache Junction DIFFICULTY: moderate DISTANCE: 10.41 Mile Loop APPROX. Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. Here are sixof our favorite hikes! 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. Make sure to wear shoes with good traction. 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. 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. It also means that you will rarely have access to water sources or shade. Well worth the hike. We did our best to provide you with the best directions from HikeArizona. 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. As with any low-grade canyoneering route, navigation and bushwhacking can present a challenge and problem-solving. I hate it when that happens. It may be wise to have a map and GPS as well. It felt like Picketpost sometimes. You will still get some elevation change, trek past pools of water, look out upon the vastness that is the Superstitions, tour through a canyon, and last but not least, experience solitude. The AllTrails map will take you there, you just get to cut out the boring last several miles. I did this at the beginning of Feb and it was a lovely and challenging day hike!! Try this one out. Rating: Easy to moderate. This 160,000-acre wilderness area contains over 170 miles of trails traversing the Sonoran Desert. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. This hike offersspectacular scenery andmoderate difficulty for a great day hike option during the fall, winter, and spring months. A favorite spot in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and prickly pear margaritas! She is a Phoenix-based journalist with five years of writing and editing experience. Loose rocks on trail. Don't let that discourage you, though! But these trips also present a challenge because the region has areas where water is seldom found. Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles. Scrambling, scree, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus! The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. Most of this trail is relatively flat and easy. Hat and sunscreen are a must. Spice things up with these fun stops. So, youve just reached Fremont Saddle. Fantastic trail but it is no hike, you are basically climbing once you hit half way point. With incredible landmarks such asWeaver's Needle, years of fascinating history abouthidden treasure, lost mines, death, and new development,this area has attracted visitors from all over the worldfor centuries. Just bear in mind the waterfall is seasonal. Amazing amazing amazing though scary at some points but worth it. Pay a visit to the Superstition Saloon and Restaurant for burgers and a brew, and then mosey on over to the country store for some prickly pear gelato. If you havent been to the east side of the Superstition Mountains, its a must. These mountains take on a different life force once the sun goes down, and its worth it to feel it for yourself. Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the trees. I watched so many people slipping and falling in their tennis shoes. Also, I had no idea that Peralta Road turned into a dirt road. Numerous creek crossings. In late February through March, this is one of the best wildflower trails you're likely to come across (dependent on winter rains). Follow trails that reveal mighty mountaintops. Thats how I felt during this trek. While solitude isnt always in the cards on the Peralta Trail, it does offer a journey through a mystical canyon and a desert wonderland even the drive to the trailhead feels like a gift. Trail conditions vary from fair to very poor. No matter your ability, the Superstition Wilderness has a day hike for you! I dont blame them. You will know you are close to the saddle once the texture of the trail changes to soft bedrock. 88; and drive approximately 3 miles to the entry of the Lost Dutchman State Park; (entrance fees are charged). It is flat and boring. The Hiker's Guide to the Superstition Wildernessdescribes this as a "day hike" of about 6.5 hours in length. Wear hiking books. Hieroglyphic Trail is only scree and rock for about a mile near the ridge and I discourage anyone from climbing up it, as it was difficult to follow even descending. The towering crags of the Superstition Mountain glow brilliantly opposite the setting sun. The trail is anything but a straight line. We'll help you pick the right season for you. The desert turns surprisingly green and the wildflowers abound. With lower congestion than some of the shorter, easier hikes in the area, you can get a quiet experience in this beautiful desert landscape. The trail takes you through Garden Valley, past Hackberry Spring, then along First Water Creek before winding its way back to the trailhead. When is the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park? Tule Trail 122. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Whether youre a zealous desert advocate or simply passing through central California, Death Valley is certainly one of the strangest National Parks out there and well worth a camping trip. 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. Photographs 11 views of the trail and the Superstition Mountains. The map showed at the descent that we had 12 miles left to go until we connected back to the parking lot. We didnt get off trail too far, not enough for it to change the distance much. Awesome hieroglyphs at the end and a small waterfall. There's no better way to appreciate nature than being fully immersed in it for days and weeks on end. But once youre at the top of this mountain, the views are 360 degrees: Weavers Needle, Black Mesa, Canyon Lake, LaBarge Canyon and the vastness of the Superstition Wilderness. About Lost Dutchman State Park. Only saw about 5 people total along the ridge. We started out around 11am temps were in the high 50s. The magistrates were now so far satisfied as to agree that Jacques Aymar should be authorized to follow the trail of the murderers, and have a company of archers to follow him. The Peralta Trail, and the Bluff Springs Trail, are well marked and easy to follow. Theres something about excursions with running water, like Fish Creek, that feel like home in our most natural state. Learn more about our editorial policies here. Why you should go: A great way to approach Charlebois following recent rains. Distance: 12.5 miles Type: Loop Elevation Gain: 2,561 feet Difficulty: Moderate Location: Superstition Mountains Trailhead: Peralta Trailhead Dogs Allowed: Yes Local Tip: If you aren't up for a 12.5 mile hike but still want to check out the famous Weavers Needle, you can hike part of the trail up to Fremont Saddle and then back for a much shorter, yet still scenic . To Young. Overall a fun hike. Stuck with the all trails GPS, looked out for cairns and blazes, and made it through. It's this ruggedness that makes them so beautiful, but also what's made them so hard for travelers to navigate throughout history. If youre going to the top, plan on being out there a good five hours. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead). Prepare to get wet. This trail lifts you high above the rugged mountains of the Supes. The loop described here is a Easy hike. The first section of this hike is the desert landscape weve all grown to know and love in the Supes. She enjoys all things outdoors, resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human rights. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, If Flatiron isnt enough for you, weve got you covered with this hike. 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 . Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. Why you should go: Sip fresh spring water and enjoy some petroglyphs. This part of the trail is less crowded and presents an opportunity for some solitude and good views not seen from the main trail. Learn more about our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. But when the timing is right almost any given winter or early spring day the Supes satisfy nearly any craving for adventure and solitude. Goldfield offers ziplining, live gunfight reenactments, and a narrow gauge railroad you can ride. TheTreasure Loop Trailis a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Expansive views, canyon walls, valley floors, switchbacks, desert trees, and a saguaro forest. Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. Best hiked during cooler weather after some rain. This stop on the Apache gives you a breath of a fresh air in a wide open and beautiful area. It was definitely an adventure for the books. To get to this hideaway, youll start at the First Water Trailhead off of AZ 88, like some of the other great hikes on this list. Picture 1 of 1. 2910 W. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120 US https://superstitionhd.com An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Typical desert plants of Saguaro, prickly pear, and Cholla are seen here. The savviest of hikers will make this a loop. Reviewers of this hike have claimed the navigation is like solving a hard puzzle. 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