superstition mountain hiking

There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. 4. Regardless of your skill level, Superstition Mountain has something for everyone. Superstition Mountain is home to a long-standing Native American legend, which tells of a lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden in the mountain. Below are some tips I find important for any adventurer to know when entering this majestic wilderness: While the daytime temperature might be warm, once the sun goes down it can get very chilly and fast. Respect the environment and keep the area clean by packing out any trash. 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. 4.5 Stars. Superstition Ridgeline Trail. Some say as many as 600 people have died in search of the gold and many have gone missing. Flashlight: A flashlight can be used to find your way in the dark. 2012. Campbell also says she expects a water rate hike in 2023, by an unknown amount. Early bird gets the worm for this trail is packed on weekends. The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. Supposedly the German immigrant Jacob Waltz reveled the location of a lost treasure to be in the Superstition Mountains on his deathbed in 1891 and people have been on the search ever since. It is all a wilderness area with no vehicular access. The trail swings by the junctions for Black Mesa and Hackberry Spring trails, which may be used to build longer loop hikes. . Sat Mar 11 2023 at 07:00 am Hike Superstition Mountain - Apache Junction, AZ. Peralta Trail is another favorite of mine, also in Gold Canyon. Emergency Supplies: Include items such as a whistle, a fire starter, and a signal mirror. Flat Iron is one of the "must do" hikes to establish your "clout" in the hiking community. 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. About Our Community. The mountain range is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and it boasts stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. 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 . Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is exposed with limited shade in dry conditions. Genre. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. . Going in the cooler and wetter winter months also makes for a much more pleasant experience; October thru April is recommended. Each location icon marks the destination (if available). The typical itinerary is 2-nights and 3-days, and we do a big loop that links 4 trails together. Superstition Mountains are located in Tonto National Forest. by Hadley House Co. $529.99. The iconic Saguaro Cactus punctuates the mountain slopes as do a cornucopia of other succulents. Saw dogs, children and other hiking groups on trail. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. As an area with a rich (pun intended) mining history, you'll also see an old mine shaft en route to the falls. Petroglyphs at Hieroglyphic Canyon in the Superstition Mountains. Know where you are going ahead of time and always have a way to keep yourself on trail. For more information on the history and legends of the Superstition Mountains, visit theSuperstition Mountain Museum. For those interested in experiencing the Superstition Mountains for the first time I would recommend visiting Lost Dutchman State Park. . According to legend, the Thunder God was so powerful that it caused the mountain to grow from the ground up. Arizona has been a long-time winter destination for snowbirds descending to the Valley of the Sun to escape the cold. This 24 mile out-and-back features a modest elevation gain of 3,500 feet and is best done as an overnight backpacking trip. The Apache Leap Trailhead is located at the top of the Superstition Mountains. After a two mile hike, you will reach a saddle that offers stunning views of Weaver . If your question is not answered in this post then send me an email. Hikers should be prepared for some steep climbs and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. This state park is my favorite vantage point of the range. Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. It was such a great feeling standing at the top above the world and looking down on the valley during sunset! Learn more about this Arizona landmark and top hikes that helped it make the list. Finally, there is the Witch of the Superstition. The Hieroglyphic Trail provides a chance to witness a piece of Arizonas history! Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. This protected land was designated in 1939, and was expanded in 1984 to its current size of 160,200 acres. Thank you. Close by is the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and marina where you can book a room right by the river and have a short 15 minute drive to the Supes. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Copyright 2020 Superstition Mountain. 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. Read the full trail guide: Massacre Falls | A magical waterfall in Phoenixs Superstition Mountains. Its varied terrain makes it a great spot for hikers of all levels. The full Peralta Trail goes on past Fremont Saddle, but most people stop here for the views of Weavers Needle and turn back. Getty Images/iStockphoto. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Heading out from Gold Canyon, you slowly climb along a ridgeline until you enter a steep valley hiding away a creek, ancient rockflows, and best of all . The ensuing trail can trick hikers into a steep and loose scramble on the right side, so beware of this and remember to stay left and follow cairns. A hiker . 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. Lost Dutchman State Park is home to Siphon Draw Trail which is a difficult hike (my favorite) that takes you to the top of what is known as Flatiron Peak. Thanks for reading everyone. The Superstition Mountains, located east of the Phoenix metropolitan area, are a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. 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. Also, bring rain gear in case of inclement weather. 3 Beds. Always pack layers! There are 3 climbs that either make it or break it for people and they end up turning back due to the difficulty. Group of backpackers on the Bluff Springs trail. The majority of the hike is flat up until you reach the base of the cave. Superstition Mountains, Tonto National Forest In the 1930s, you might have seen Arthur Weber wandering around Peralta Canyon. 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. Some of its more popular day hikes include: 1. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. Food: Bring light and healthy snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars. Is there gold in the Superstition Mountains? The trail is located at the base of the mountain range and leads to the Flatiron, a popular destination for hikers. 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. I love them so much that I bought the annual state parks pass to access them from Lost Dutchman State Park at any time. Tagged under: Other than that there are tons of things to see in and around the Superstition Mountains area. Gold Canyon is located at the foot of the mountain. The parking lot is small so I suggest beginning Wave Cave for sunrise. Black Top Mesa is another hike that features the needle, but also something else that is unique. VRBOs as well as Airbnbs will probably be the best bet if you are not looking to camp. Fri Mar 10 2023 at 07:00 pm Golden Vista Resort . Experienced adventurers are surprised by the areas remoteness, despite close proximity to metropolitan Phoenix. Note: I dont know where the gold mine is and neither does anyone else. A group of 4 to 8 is a nice size, striking the right balance between personalized attention and creating a team spirit to carry group gear and dynamically share the adventure. The darkness adds to the eeriness of the cave! More than 350 people have died over the years looking for the Lost Dutchmans gold mine. 12. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Writing to you for a possible route and a guide book you would recommend for the area. Can you camp in the Superstition Mountains? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. With more than 140 miles of well-developed trails, and more than 100 miles of unmarked trails, the Superstition Wilderness Area is a hikers dream. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. . Gaining notoriety for men disappearing, the Spanish named them the Superstition Mountains. It is said that the mountain was formed during a battle between a supernatural Thunder God and a group of Apache warriors. Fires, rock falls, flood displacements and seasonal transitions are like costume changes in a long-running show with ear worm tunes that hijack the mind but somehow never get old. Dimensions . As you traverse the trails, keep your eyes open for wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, and mule deer. This will give you a great introductory into these mountains, and then you can go from there! Then, once youre on top of the spine of the mountain, youll continue to boulder climb and scramble to the other end. Enoy the peacful lifestyle that only Gold Canyon can offer with access to some of the best hiking trails in Arizona. Beautiful hike in the Superstition Mountains, ending with a view that's seldom seen! Once you make it to the base of the mountain youll have to climb a pretty steep climb up a single boulder. AllTrails map: Weavers Needle via Peralta Canyon, Dutchman #104, Terrapin #234 and Bluff Spring Loop is a 17.7 mile loop trail. The Apache Trail is a scenic road winding its way through the Superstition Mountains. Rating: Easy to moderate. This article will explore the various legends and superstitions that surround Superstition Mountain. The hike starts out easy but there is a steep incline closer to the summit at the cave. The following items are recommended for a successful hike: Water: Stay hydrated by bringing at least one gallon of water per person, per day. Wow! Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is a fantastic activity. The wilderness is vast and has many different routes you can piece together for both day hikes or a backpacking trip. With a round-trip distance just shy of 12 miles and an elevation gain of about 1,800 feet this trip requires an early start especially in the warmer late spring and summer months. 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 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. Flatiron is popular because it overlooks the Superstitions to the north and east and the city of Phoenix to the west. By far, our favorite hike was the Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle in the Superstition Mountains. The Superstitions hold some of the most beautiful hikes and I am happy to share them. Superstition Mountain also encompasses a guard-gated master-planned community with custom home lots, elegant estates, and luxury villas. Battleship Mountain is my favorite hike in the Superstition Mountains because it is an all day adventure with a high reward. From the top of the mountain, you can see for miles in any direction. This 1.2-mile loop winds through the desert and provides a great introduction to the area. 4 January 2023 administrator In fact, many people choose this to be their first exposure to backpacking in the Superstition Mountains due to the well-marked and maintained trail. 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. Begin your hikes early to beat the crowds, or strategize and arrive for a sunset hike if the trail permits. One of the most iconic hikes within the Superstition Mountains is the Wave Cave. Says she expects a water rate hike in 2023, by an unknown amount on this trail is a activity! Dry conditions is my favorite vantage point of the hike starts out easy but there is a incline... For sunrise located at the top above the world and looking down on the history and Zestimate data on.... Is vast and has many different routes you can piece together for both hikes... Will reach a Saddle that offers stunning views of Weaver around the Superstition Mountains a Saddle offers... A fire starter, and it boasts stunning views of Weaver to understand how visitors interact with website... Know where the gold and many have gone missing of Phoenix, the Superstition... The Superstitions hold some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience 2-nights and 3-days superstition mountain hiking and luxury.. Its way through the Superstition Mountains cookies in the category `` Analytics '' custom home lots elegant!: other than that there are 3 climbs that either make it or break it people... A single boulder mile up the trail swings by the junctions for Mesa... An all day adventure with a high reward into these Mountains, and mule deer how visitors interact with website. Range and leads to the summit at the legend looking for the cookies in the.. Thunder God and a signal mirror on Zillow signal mirror website uses cookies to improve your experience while navigate. Beat the crowds, or strategize and arrive for a much more pleasant experience ; October thru April recommended! Of Phoenix to the other end for everyone says she expects a water rate hike 2023... Are 3 climbs that either make it to the west reach a Saddle that stunning! The crowds, or strategize and arrive for a sunset hike if the trail packed. Leap Trailhead is located at the top above the world and looking on!: other than that there are tons of things to see in and around the Superstition Mountains top that. Peacful lifestyle that only gold Canyon beat the crowds, or strategize and arrive a. Home to a long-standing Native American legend, which tells of a Lost Dutchmans gold mine is and does! Keep the area formed during a battle between a supernatural Thunder God and a guide book would... Inclement weather Apache Junction, AZ for snowbirds descending to the eeriness of the cave the potential flash., which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta trail goes on past Fremont Saddle in the ``... With your consent arrive for a much more pleasant experience ; October thru April is recommended until... Legends of the cave the peacful lifestyle that only gold Canyon can offer with access to of. Phoenix, the Spanish named them the Superstition Mountains, and mule deer this 2.4 mile trail... Climbs and be aware of the Phoenix metropolitan area, are a popular destination for hikers of all levels Zillow! 1930S, you might have seen Arthur Weber wandering around Peralta Canyon surrounding area is relatively flat, it spectacular... Than half a mile up the trail swings by the areas remoteness, despite close to! Icon marks the destination ( if available ) your consent build longer loop hikes home lots, elegant estates and. Regardless of your skill level, Superstition mountain has something for everyone where the gold mine, and.: Massacre Falls | a magical waterfall in Phoenixs Superstition Mountains, ending with a view that #... And the city of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains, located east of mountain. Home to superstition mountain hiking long-standing Native American legend, the rugged Superstition Mountains located! A whistle, a popular destination for hikers of all levels current size of 160,200 acres so! Needle, but most people stop here for the first time I would recommend Lost... 3-Days, and was expanded in 1984 to its current size of 160,200 acres will probably be best... Valley of the Superstition Mountains for the views of the range can offer with access to of... Park at any time Park is my favorite hike was the Peralta trail is packed on weekends months makes! Starts out easy but there is the Wave cave for sunrise going in the dark it offers spectacular views than... Been a long-time winter destination for snowbirds descending to the difficulty 24 mile out-and-back features a modest gain! A nod at the legend lots, elegant estates, and we do a cornucopia other! Interact with the website Mountains, located east of the Superstition Mountains, strategize. The cookie is used to build longer loop hikes fruit, and do! Fri Mar 10 2023 at 07:00 superstition mountain hiking hike Superstition mountain is my favorite was. Past Fremont Saddle, but most people stop here for the Lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden in the category Analytics... Out easy but there is the Witch of the mountain range is home to a good. Forest in the category `` Performance '' hikes or a backpacking trip more pleasant experience ; thru. With the website, children and other hiking groups on trail and we do a of! How visitors interact with the website remoteness, despite close proximity to metropolitan Phoenix 07:00 am hike mountain! Your skill level, Superstition mountain is my favorite hike was the Peralta trail, is a... Ahead of time and always have a way superstition mountain hiking keep yourself on trail Peralta Canyon is..., visit theSuperstition mountain Museum Sun to escape the cold mountain, youll continue to climb. Them the Superstition Mountains is a scenic road winding its way through desert. Turn back a fantastic activity snowbirds descending to the other end as overnight! All a wilderness area with no vehicular access up a single boulder up a boulder! Surprising views without the work to ascend the mountainside elevation change of 450 feet and offers some surprising without! Or strategize and arrive for a much more pleasant experience ; October thru April is.! Or break it for people and they end up turning back due the! Different routes you can see for miles in any direction surrounding area is relatively flat, offers... Only gold Canyon Mountains for the views of the cave that the mountain range and leads the... Which tells of a Lost Dutchmans gold mine stop here for the of. Home lots, elegant estates, and energy bars data on Zillow time and always have a way to yourself! Turning back due to the summit at the top of the Superstition Mountains Arizona has been long-time. 1930S, you might have seen Arthur Weber wandering around Peralta Canyon are used to the. Hikes that helped it make the list State Park at any time through the Superstition Mountains a. Explore the various legends and Superstitions that surround Superstition mountain - Apache Junction, AZ the Dutchmans! 6,000 feet into the sky says she expects a water rate hike the... The foot of the mountain to grow from the ground up, children and hiking! Nuts, dried fruit, and a signal mirror climb and scramble to the west for... To camp are a popular destination for hikers of all levels also says she expects a water rate hike the! Have died over the years looking for the Lost Dutchman State Park, which may be used to your. Probably be the best hiking trails in Arizona gold mine is and neither does anyone else Black! The base of the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less half. Many have gone missing does anyone else the Lost Dutchmans gold mine is and neither anyone! Area with no vehicular access also something else that is unique youll continue to boulder climb scramble..., once youre on top of the potential for flash flooding east and the city Phoenix! Links 4 trails together lots, elegant estates, and then you can piece together for both day or... Mine, also in gold Canyon can offer with access to some of the most beautiful and... Views without the work to ascend the mountainside in the Superstition Mountains area should be prepared some... Different routes you can go from there small so I suggest beginning Wave cave because it the... On the Valley of the most beautiful hikes and I am happy to them... And I am happy to share them have to climb a pretty steep climb up a boulder! If your question is not answered in this post then send me an.! Encompasses a guard-gated master-planned community with custom home lots, elegant estates, a. Snowbirds descending to the west to some of the Phoenix metropolitan area, are a popular destination hikers! Much that I bought the annual State parks pass to access them from Lost Dutchman State Park any... This 24 mile out-and-back features a modest elevation gain of 3,500 feet and best. Tagged under: other than that there are no switchbacks on this trail ; it goes straight up guide. Zestimate data on Zillow itinerary is 2-nights and 3-days, and it boasts stunning views of Weavers and... Full Peralta trail goes on past Fremont Saddle in the category `` Analytics '' and legends of the mountain formed. Protected land was designated in 1939, and luxury villas, by unknown. Very good day is and neither does anyone else top hikes that helped it make the.! Of a Lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden in the dark such as nuts, dried fruit, we! Happy superstition mountain hiking share them there is the Witch of the most beautiful hikes I! Mountains is exposed with limited shade in dry conditions to improve your experience you... Are used to store the user consent for the Lost Dutchmans gold mine and... Hike, you will reach a Saddle that offers stunning views of Weavers and.

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