However, we continue on to Charlebois Spring as there is better camping there. Overall the hike is moderate due to the length of it. 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. The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. 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. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Flatiron Summit. Superstition Mountain Museum is located in an area full of legend, history and intrigue. Hi there! Gaining notoriety for men disappearing, the Spanish named them the Superstition Mountains. The mountain is known for its strange appearance, Native American lore, and numerous tales of lost treasure. administrator 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 in the Superstition Mountains is exposed with limited shade in dry conditions. Check out our review of the 5 best women's day packs of 2018. It is said that the mountain was formed during a battle between a supernatural Thunder God and a group of Apache warriors. Note: I dont know where the gold mine is and neither does anyone else. From old mines, tales of lost gold, petroglyphs, and ancient ruins, you just may stumble upon something fascinating. Writing to you for a possible route and a guide book you would recommend for the area. 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. 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 . Okay, lets get started! These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Read the full trail guide: Massacre Falls | A magical waterfall in Phoenixs Superstition Mountains. Preparation saves lives. Beginning at the Peralta Trailhead, the Bluff Springs Trail is 3.5 mile section with about 340 feet of climbing. Superstition Mountain is home to a long-standing Native American legend, which tells of a lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden in the mountain. Hikers should be prepared for some steep climbs and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. A total of 23 custom home sites make up Montana Dorada which is located adjacent to the Superstition Mountain Country Club. Its a lengthy story with many players stretched over 250 years. It is said that her curse still affects the people of the area, causing bad luck and misfortune. Rating: Easy to moderate. Quick tips for hiking Massacre Grounds Trail to the waterfall. Our typical Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary covers around 24 miles over the course of three days. Thanks for reading. REI availability good ($149.00), REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 Pack Womens Yes, camping is a popular activity in the Superstitions. For reference- if it is 85 degrees or hotter, I would be extremely cautious about embarking on an all day hike. The Apache believed in these mountains lay a hole that led . When they run out of water or get disoriented, the wheels fall off pretty quickly and thats when things turn ugly. The trail is located at the base of the mountain range and leads to the Flatiron, a popular destination for hikers. The Superstition Mountains, located east of the Phoenix metropolitan area, are a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. Likewise, it may be chilly in the morning, but it can heat up during the day and be dreadful. This protected land was designated in 1939, and was expanded in 1984 to its current size of 160,200 acres. Your email address will not be published. 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. The kicker- it only appears after rainfall which as we all know is very unpredictable and sparse in the desert. Superstition Sunrise is a . FR 78 is maintained dirt with some potholes and washboard sections passable by carefully driven sedans. The trail is rated as moderate and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This trail will take you to the top of the mountain, where you can take in the stunning views of the valley below. As I adventure around the Southwest I aim to inspire you to get outdoors while sharing knowledge and skills to do so safely! Length: 7 miles round trip. The Superstition Mountains were once a series of volcanoes that collapsed into themselves, and after years of erosion and natural elements theyve become what we see today. The Superstitions are a desert mountain range which means the trails are dirt, rocky, and many prickly types of vegetation are scattered about. Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. This 4.5-mile trail leads to the top of the mountain and offers spectacular views of the surrounding desert. 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. The Superstition Mountains are in the Sonoran Desert, which offer an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. The Hieroglyphic Trail is a 3-mile hike located in Gold Canyon, Arizona, which is about 40 minutes east of Phoenix. . Thank You loved The article have been looking for some good trails at the Superstition Mountains going to give some of them a tryWith my hiking Buddies. This trail is perfect for day hikers, as some of the best views are within the first 3 miles! Hauntings and hidden mines aside, the Superstition Mountains are a tempting yet dangerous location for hikers everywhere.Perhaps it's the rugged land, the hiking difficulty, or the legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine but people every year attempt hiking the area only to require rescuing. The typical itinerary is 2-nights and 3-days, and we do a big loop that links 4 trails together. Thanks for reading everyone. Also, remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as well as sunscreen and appropriate clothing. Details to Explore Your Way, Yellowstones Best Trails and Advice for Hiking and Backpacking. Required fields are marked *. So, put on your hiking boots and explore the beauty and mystery of Superstition Mountain. . Free shipping. A hiker . Sunrise or sunset provide the best lighting for the surrounding landscape, but daytime also provides good lighting for the petroglyphs and playing in the seasonal water. Use this list of the best hiking trails in the Superstition Mountains to plan your next journey to what locals call the Supes.. The helicopters are for tours and to look for injured or lost hikers. What we now know as the Superstition Wilderness was once a series of volcanoes that collapsed to form calderas. 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. The trail systems throughout the Superstition Mountain Wilderness are vast and allow you to create many different routes through the landscape. Weavers Needle in the center of the shot on the horizon. Other than that there are tons of things to see in and around the Superstition Mountains area. This can be customized depending on your appetite for adventure. This once botanically lush plateau took a major wildfire hit, but many survivor specimens and green sprouts pushing out from deadwood hint at recovery. Details of my favorite Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary. Id love to return and sleep under the stars here! Finally, there is the Witch of the Superstition. 2. Incredible hike with amazing views and fun scrambles. 9. The area boasts many hiking trails and offers unparalleled views of Phoenix and the surrounding area. It is the most iconic landmark in the Supes and there are several great hikes where youll get to view it from a different angle. Gila monsters, coyote, ring tail cats, bobcats, hawks, and a variety of lizards are the most often spotted animals. This historic site has reminders of the old west with grave sites, native ruins, and farming equipment along the way, making the Reavis Ranch trail one of the best well-rounded hikes in the Superstitions. Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots. This moderate hike is stunning at sunrise and peaceful at sunset, although the shadows in the lower canyons make it a little tough to photograph. If there was a recent monsoon youll be spoiled with a mini waterfall and some pools of water here too. Here are some of the best places to get a glimpse of Superstition Mountain. Richard . This well traveled path is a mild hike that allows you to spend more time socializing and less time sucking wind. Going in the cooler and wetter winter months also makes for a much more pleasant experience; October thru April is recommended. Pets- Yes. Day 1: We enter the Superstitions via the Peralta trailhead and hike a full day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring. Located within an hour of Phoenix, they are just close enough to be convenient, yet their ruggedness keeps the crowds away. In addition, be aware of any desert hazards, such as cacti and rattlesnakes. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Another legend revolves around the Apache Devil, a creature that is said to inhabit the area. 10. Emergency Supplies: Include items such as a whistle, a fire starter, and a signal mirror. As soon as you enter the mountains from any point whether its via Lost Dutchman State Park, Canyon Lake or the Gold Canyon area you will truly feel like you are in another world! Early bird gets the worm for this trail is packed on weekends. All this, together with many indoor and outdoor recreational pursuits, serves as an invitation for you and your family to enjoy a fulfilling and rich resort experience in some of Arizona's prime golf course . REI size and color availability good ($199.95), Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack Womens 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. This protected land was designated in 1939, and was expanded in 1984 to its current size of 160,200 acres. Most of the elevation is towards the end. How long is the Superstition Mountains hike? 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. Superstition Ridgeline Trail. The rugged terrain through this mountain range is not to be underestimated. Across from Lost Dutchman State Park you have Goldfield Ghost Town. Day hikes are the most common activity, but for the more adventurous, backpacking and camping are preferred. U.S. 3 Popular Superstition Mountain Hiking Trails . Required fields are marked *. Scottsdale As many Arizona cities look for ways to reduce water use by its residents, the City of Scottsdale has a . The Siphon Draw itself is just about a mile in and can be extremely slick, especially during wet conditions. 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. Thank you. Here's how to try it, Here's a fun, flower-filled springtime hike near Phoenix that just about anyone can do, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35525, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Once you make it to the base of the mountain youll have to climb a pretty steep climb up a single boulder. Day 1: We enter the Superstitions via the Peralta trailhead and hike a full day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. You gain just under 3,000 feet of elevation, most of which is in the last 1 mile of the trail. Hieroglyphic Trail #101 is one of the amazing, easy-to-reach trails in the Superstition Mountains that provides the fun family access to climbing and discovery that my kids just love. The majority of the hike is flat up until you reach the base of the cave. The Apache Trail is a scenic road winding its way through the Superstition Mountains. If you havent become familiar with this prominent rock formation you will after this hike. Do not disturb any of the wildlife, as some of the animals in this area are protected by law. 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. Bring a basic first-aid kit, including items such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain reliever.