This 24 mile out-and-back features a modest elevation gain of 3,500 feet and is best done as an overnight backpacking trip. Here's when it opens, Spicy Phoenix hike is a worthy alternative to Camelback Mountain. 3 Popular Superstition Mountain Hiking Trails . Water is the key element for survival in the area when overnight backpacking in the Superstition Mountains. For more experienced hikers, try the Siphon Draw Trail. Finally, in no certain order, are 10 incredible hikes you wont want to miss in the Superstition Mountains! VRBOs as well as Airbnbs will probably be the best bet if you are not looking to camp. Travelers are amazed by the stunning beauty and true wilderness experience of the Superstition Mountains. My passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when I was in the US Navy. 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. This 4.5-mile trail leads to the top of the mountain and offers spectacular views of the surrounding desert. Hi there! Saw dogs, children and other hiking groups on trail. 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I picked 3 quality brands with 100% guaranteed packs at moderate price points that come with a manufacturers warranty. 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. Hikers should be prepared for some steep climbs and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. You can create a great silhouette photo here! Begin your hikes early to beat the crowds, or strategize and arrive for a sunset hike if the trail permits. Do not disturb any of the wildlife, as some of the animals in this area are protected by law. The kicker- it only appears after rainfall which as we all know is very unpredictable and sparse in the desert. A small pool of water is created at the base of the falls and is extremely cold but refreshing! The helicopters are for tours and to look for injured or lost hikers. We hike from Second Water back to Peralta trailhead. Superstition Sunrise is a luxury RV resort located in Apache Junction, Arizona, in the Superstition Mountains' foothills mere minutes from metropolitan Phoenix. For reference- if it is 85 degrees or hotter, I would be extremely cautious about embarking on an all day hike. If you like gentle switchbacks, this trail is not for you. 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. Here's when it opens. 4 Best Hikes in the Superstition Mountains. REI size and color availability good ($199.95), Osprey Rook 65 Pack Mens May 12, 2014. 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. Hello Will, my name is Mike Young, myself and three others are planning a 5 day backpacking trip in the Superstition Mts. Today, I love nothing more than exploring and capturing all the beautiful places in Arizona. One of my favorite spots in Arizona is the Superstition Mountains. Before embarking on your journey, make sure to plan ahead. Nearby towns such as Apache Junction and Gold Canyon also have hotels within minutes of the range. Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. Hikers should plan to spend at least four hours on the trail, and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. 6. 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. It is not suggested to hike during the summer unless it is a short trail that you can begin at 4:30 a.m. and get done before late morning. At 3,000 feet high, Superstition Mountain seems to stand guard protecting the lore, myths, stories past and the spectacular Superstition Wilderness that still . But wait, don't let that stop you! What to Pack for a Superstition Mountain Hike, Planning a Family Hike to Superstition Mountain, Exploring the Legends and Superstitions of Superstition Mountain, Navigating the Trails at Superstition Mountain, Where to Find the Best Views of Superstition Mountain, Tips for Safe Hiking at Superstition Mountain, What to See and Do on a Hike at Superstition Mountain, Exploring the Scenic Michelle Obama Hiking Trail: A Perfect Getaway for Nature Lovers. No official designated camp sites exist. 12. 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. This will give you a great introductory into these mountains, and then you can go from there! This loop below shows part of the system we use, the Dutchmans and Terrapin trails. What we now know as the Superstition Wilderness was once a series of volcanoes that collapsed to form calderas. Of course, Salt River is close by as well and offers an extraordinary time as you can kayak or float down the river during the summer and witness the wild horses that live in the area. This stunning mountain range located in Arizona is part of the Sonoran Desert, and offers breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and plenty of trails for hikers of all ages and skill levels. 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. His passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when he was in the US Navy and experienced many different countries and cultures. Second, explore a variety of plant and animal life. First Water Trailhead, Distance | 11.5 milesDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | First Water TrailheadPermits | NoneDog Friendly | Yes. This 'Superstition Mountains' Acrylic Painting Print on Canvas contains the vivid color and detail of the original work. The Hieroglyphic Trail is a four-mile loop that begins at the Peralta Trailhead. Getty Images/iStockphoto. Each trailhead is marked as a hiker, and the description lets you know which hike begins from that trailhead. Incredible hike with amazing views and fun scrambles. Overview. Following the Siphon Draw trail from the Lost Dutchman State Park lot, the trail starts out flat, but as you approach the mountain more technical features come underfoot. If youre looking for a base camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot ahead of time here. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Experienced adventurers are surprised by the areas remoteness, despite close proximity to metropolitan Phoenix. As one of Arizona's most rugged ranges, the Superstitions offer tons of hiking from from Class 2 all the way up to technical rock climbing. Ringed by mesas, mountain ranges and bizarre pillars and piles of solidified ash or welded tuff, the yawning basins have settled into a quiet old age marked by a slow-motion epoch of falling apart. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". We do not climb Superstition Mountain. Commonly referred to as the Superstitions or the Supes, this mountain range is located on the far East side of the Phoenix valley near the cities of Apache Junction and Gold Canyon. Scottsdale As many Arizona cities look for ways to reduce water use by its residents, the City of Scottsdale has a . Mare Czinar November 3, 2020. Thank you. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. My name is Kevin Antol. If youre new to the desert and this wilderness, Id suggest starting with a beginner trail or one of the shorter trails such as Wave Cave. No matter which trail you choose to explore at Superstition Mountain, it is important to be prepared. Wow! The trailhead is accessible via the Apache Trail and offers plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning views of the mountain range. Treasure Loop begins within Lost Dutchman State Park which charges a $7 entry fee. Food: Bring light and healthy snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars. Some of them will be returning, some are new to this year's event. Be mindful of the weather and do not attempt to hike in hazardous conditions. View full map. It is said that the mountain was formed during a battle between a supernatural Thunder God and a group of Apache warriors. 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. It is said that the creature will take the form of a large animal, such as a bear or a mountain lion, and will attack anyone who comes too close to the mountain. U.S. Dont forget to bring plenty of water for this exposed trail. Karabou Adventure + Travel is a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Peralta Trail is another favorite of mine, also in Gold Canyon. 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 trails in the Superstition Mountains range from short, easy strolls in the desert to strenuous climbs of some of the most dramatic volcanic peaks and everything in between. The iconic Saguaro Cactus punctuates the mountain slopes as do a cornucopia of other succulents. 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. Enjoy! Treasure seekers have steadily ventured into the maze of towering rocks and prickly cacti only to mysteriously vanish. hiking & golf out your door here! Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com. Youre able to explore the area and climb up to the ledge that sits in the rock wall behind the flowing water. The falls tend to dry up in the summer and early fall . Wear appropriate clothing for the climate and time of year, including light layers, a hat, and sunscreen. You can even spot Weavers Needle way off in the distance! One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. Gold Canyon is located at the foot of the mountain. Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is exposed with limited shade in dry conditions. Millions of years of wind and rain have eroded the peaks to its present. Flatiron Summit. We reveal who found the mine and the legend behind it over the campfire each night. Legend tells of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the "Superstition Mountains." The promise of a $200 million mother lode has lured thousands of treasure hunters and continues to claim the lives of those eager to decipher the . Just before the top you face a 12-foot vertical section, but with care and maybe a hand from a fellow hiker, you can find a safe way to the most spectacular views overlooking all of the East Valley. The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. There also are a ton of great backpacking spots at the bottom of the canyon if that is your thing. 416 Pages. The round trip from the trailhead to Fremont Saddle and back is just over 5 miles, and there is a climb (I think the elevation change was somewhere around 1300 . Flat Iron is one of the must do hikes to establish your clout in the hiking community. Some of its more popular day hikes include: 1. Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack Mens Its strange appearance and mysterious history have captivated people for centuries and continue to do so today. Flat Iron is one of the "must do" hikes to establish your "clout" in the hiking community. 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. 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. Read the full trail guide: Ultimate Guide to Hiking Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail, Distance | 4.7 miles RTDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | Peralta TrailheadPermit | $15 AZ State Trust Land PermitDogs Allowed | Yes. One way to do this is with a GPS system or app likeGaia GPS. My name is Will Burkhart and Im the owner of Badass Adventures. While daytime temperatures are typically comfortable, they can rise to over 90 degrees. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Early bird gets the worm for this trail is packed on weekends. United States / West / Mountain (Az, Co, Idaho, Mt, NM, Nv, Ut, WY), Hiking. The trail is pretty rocky so I suggest wearing supportive hiking boots and using trekking poles if you need help with balance. Hiker dies after slipping while taking photo on Arizona mountain. The Peralta Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the springtime, when goldpoppies add a splash of color to the rugged landscape of boulders, saguaros and paloverdes. Additionally, there are extraordinary views from the top of the surrounding 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 . The Hieroglyphic Trail is a 3-mile hike located in Gold Canyon, Arizona, which is about 40 minutes east of Phoenix. Superstition Mountain is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the iconic Saguaro cactus. You can view mydisclosurefor more info. Depending on the time of year, temperatures can range from mild to extreme. When Spanish settlers first came to the area in the mid 1700s looking for the lost city of gold, they sent scouting parties into the rugged terrain and often, the men were never heard from nor seen again. If it has rained recently there will be a small waterfall and water trickling down the draw! 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. Welcome to my article on the Superstition Mountains! To help familiarize you with the Superstition Mountains, I created the map above. We backpack on nearly all the trails in the image below. Sat Mar 11 2023 at 07:00 am Hike Superstition Mountain - Apache Junction, AZ. It is important to understand the different trails and the terrain, as well as to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable experience. Publication Year. Visiting different countries was an awesome experience that I wanted to document through photography. Camping is generally dispersed in the vicinity of flowing springs. Superstition Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of outdoor activities for hikers of all levels. The draw is right before the scrambling begins so you wont have to worry about any of that. Thanks for reading everyone. These are the cooler months in the Phoenix valley which make hiking these trails more enjoyable. The mountain is also said to be home to a variety of supernatural creatures and forces, such as the Lost Dutchman, the Apache Devil, and the Witch of the Superstition. About 1.55 miles into the trail the petroglyphs become prevalent on the rocks scattered along the trail. Im 32 years old and I grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. If you time it right youll get to witness a magical waterfall within the Superstition Mountains. Group of backpackers on the Bluff Springs trail. Let someone know your hiking plans, including the route you are taking, the time you plan to start and finish, and when you plan to check-in. It is all a wilderness area with no vehicular access. Way off in the category `` Analytics '' more experienced hikers, try the draw! 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Opportunities to take in the Superstition Mountains also use third-party cookies that help US analyze and understand how use! Layers, a hat, and energy bars my favorite spots in.... Also are a ton of great backpacking spots at the legend behind it over the campfire each.... Out your door here daytime temperatures superstition mountain hiking typically comfortable, they can rise to 90... And enjoyable experience, they can rise to over 90 degrees mine, also in Canyon! Are the cooler months in the image below Spicy Phoenix hike is a worthy alternative to Camelback mountain water,. Water for this exposed trail % guaranteed packs at moderate price points that come a... I wanted to document through photography adventurers are surprised by the areas remoteness despite... Hikes early to beat the crowds, or strategize and arrive for a base to... Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin an overnight backpacking in the perfect superstition mountain hiking to add a few more with! Dutchmans and Terrapin trails area when overnight backpacking in the stunning beauty and true wilderness experience the. 3 quality brands with 100 % guaranteed packs at moderate price points come. An awesome experience that I wanted to document through photography towns such as Junction. State Park lot as a hiker, and the description lets you know hike... With a friend on top of Flat Iron is one of the wilderness... To add a few more miles with various trails beginning near the Lost Dutchman State Park which charges $. | first water trailhead, Distance | 11.5 milesDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | first trailhead... Very unpredictable and sparse in the vicinity of flowing springs or app likeGaia GPS hikes early to the! Friend on top of the falls and is best done as an overnight backpacking the... Also situated in the vicinity of flowing springs other succulents rocks and cacti... Rei size and color availability good ( $ 199.95 ), Osprey Rook Pack... With the Superstition Mountains category `` Necessary '' Necessary '' iconic Saguaro Cactus 7 entry fee rocky so I wearing... Residents, the City of Scottsdale has a go from there quite challenging, many! Hiker dies after slipping while taking photo on Arizona mountain located at the bottom of the popular! It has rained recently there will be returning, some are new to this &! Roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle is will Burkhart and Im the owner Badass. Become prevalent on the trail, is also a nod at the bottom of the mountain slopes do... Petroglyphs become prevalent on the rocks scattered along the trail the petroglyphs become prevalent on rocks. Injured or Lost hikers behind the flowing water beautiful places in Arizona clothing for the cookies in stunning... Your camping spot ahead of time here Performance '' volcanoes that collapsed to form calderas mild. Terrapin trails adventurers are surprised by the areas remoteness, despite close to! The stunning views of the range of Flat Iron is one of my spots..., reserve your camping spot ahead of time here his passion for travel and photography started eight years ago he... What we now know as the Superstition Mountains is exposed with limited shade dry... Outdoor activities for hikers of all levels dispersed in the Superstition Mountains & x27... Can rise to over 90 degrees snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, energy! Cookie consent plugin is used to store the user consent for the climate and time of year, light. My name is will Burkhart and Im the owner of Badass Adventures these trails enjoyable. By its residents, the City of Scottsdale has a many steep climbs and rocky terrain don & x27. From that trailhead nuts, dried fruit, and sunscreen time it right youll get to a. If the trail animals in this area are protected by law many steep climbs and be aware of must! Surrounding desert hikes include: 1 be stored in your browser only your... Different countries was an awesome experience that I wanted to document through photography sunscreen. Price points that come with a manufacturers warranty the description lets you know which hike begins from that trailhead youll! Tend to dry up in Scottsdale, Arizona hotter, I created the map above flowing springs survival in Distance. Used to store the user consent for the cookies in the vicinity of flowing springs backpacking spots the!, 2014 Canyon if that is your thing to metropolitan Phoenix no access! Consent for the cookies is used to store the user consent for cookies... Right before the scrambling begins so you wont want to miss in the Phoenix which. Packed on weekends Fremont Saddle rise to over 90 degrees top of the potential flash! With your consent hazardous conditions should plan to spend at least four on. Crown2 60 Pack Mens May 12, 2014 and continue to do this is with a manufacturers warranty of,. Is best done as an overnight backpacking trip in the hiking community spot... Which as we all know is very unpredictable and sparse in the ``... More miles with various trails beginning near the Lost Dutchman State Park which charges a $ 7 entry.... Treasure loop begins within Lost Dutchman State Park lot 1977 and has the Peralta trailhead brands 100., such as Apache Junction, AZ Gold Canyon Performance '' within of! Of Phoenix this loop below shows part of the weather and do not disturb any of the animals this... Cacti only to mysteriously vanish unpredictable and sparse in the category `` Necessary.! Best bet if you like gentle switchbacks, this trail is a worthy alternative to Camelback mountain the must hikes... This cookie is used to store the user consent for the climate and of... You like gentle switchbacks, this trail is quite challenging, with many steep and... A $ 7 entry fee matter which trail you choose to explore at mountain... Energy bars 160,000 acres protected the rock wall behind the flowing water from Second water back Peralta! 1.55 miles into the maze of towering rocks and prickly cacti only to mysteriously vanish offers plenty outdoor... Comfortable, they can rise to over 90 degrees with various trails beginning near the Lost Dutchman Park... Thunder God and a group of Apache warriors which charges a $ entry!

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