superstition mountain hiking

4 January 2023 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. Okay, lets get started! Teddy Bear Cholla cactus as well as some Ocotillo in bloom. This state park is my favorite vantage point of the range. This trail is quite challenging, with many steep climbs and rocky terrain. With a little bit of preparation, a hike to Superstition Mountain can be a rewarding family experience. Experts believe the Superstition Mountains were formed more than 18 million years ago by volcanic activity. Superstition Mountain is just one of many geographic landmarks inside the Superstition Wilderness Area. Thank you. The map below is the one I use for all Superstition Mountain hiking trails. This list varies from easy to difficult and cover some of the most popular, diverse hikes available. At 3,000 feet high, Superstition Mountain seems to stand guard protecting the lore, myths, stories past and the spectacular Superstition Wilderness that still . These are just a few of the legends and superstitions associated with Superstition Mountain. MLS # More:Here's a fun, flower-filled springtime hike near Phoenix that just about anyone can do. The typical itinerary is 2-nights and 3-days, and we do a big loop that links 4 trails together. According to legend, the Thunder God was so powerful that it caused the mountain to grow from the ground up. This 1.2-mile loop winds through the desert and provides a great introduction to the area. No official designated camp sites exist. Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. 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. Second, explore a variety of plant and animal life. Description. 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. Superstition Mountain is home to a long-standing Native American legend, which tells of a lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden in the mountain. This absolutely . The Apache Trail is a scenic road winding its way through the Superstition Mountains. Begin your hikes early to beat the crowds, or strategize and arrive for a sunset hike if the trail permits. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. These are the cooler months in the Phoenix valley which make hiking these trails more enjoyable. From old mines, tales of lost gold, petroglyphs, and ancient ruins, you just may stumble upon something fascinating. Along the hike you will see many unusual rock formations, benches to rest on, and great views of the mountain range itself. 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. There is gold in the mountains, but the Lost Dutchmans Mine has never been found since the Dutchman died. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Details of my favorite Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary. 8. One of my best memories from the mountains has to be the first time I made it to the very top of Flatiron Peak, with over 2600 feet of elevation gain and about five miles round trip. The average day of hiking is 8 miles. Tips for Hiking Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains. Spending the day hiking and exploring nature at a comfortable pace makes for a restful sleep under a night sky blanket of stars. Superstition Mountain is just one of many geographic landmarks inside the Superstition Wilderness Area. 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. Garden Valley, on the western edge of the 160,200-acre Superstition Wilderness east of Phoenix, is one of those places that sears vivid images into the memories of those who trek through it. While daytime temperatures are typically comfortable, they can rise to over 90 degrees. This once botanically lush plateau took a major wildfire hit, but many survivor specimens and green sprouts pushing out from deadwood hint at recovery. The pin on the Google map is the Superstition Mountains. Do not disturb any of the wildlife, as some of the animals in this area are protected by law. Yes, there's an actual waterfall at the end of Massacre Grounds Trail. First Water Trailhead, Hiking Black Top Mesa In The Superstitions Is Worth It, How to find Broadway Cave in the Superstition Mountains, AZ, Massacre Falls | A magical waterfall in Phoenixs Superstition Mountains, 10 Amazing Superstition Mountains Hikes for your Bucket List. Myths and legends run wild in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. As remote a location as a wilderness might seem the area is only 45 minutes from Scottsdale, where visitors can be dining at a 5 star . Emergency Supplies: Include items such as a whistle, a fire starter, and a signal mirror. If your family has young children, it might be best to begin with the easy Prospector Trail. Once there, we unpack, set up camp, and scavenge wood for our campfire. Petroglyphs at Hieroglyphic Canyon in the Superstition Mountains. Early bird gets the worm for this trail is packed on weekends. 7. Whether youre looking for a challenging hike or just a peaceful walk through nature, Superstition Mountain is a great place to spend the day. Completing the Bluff Springs trail as an out and back is the perfect alternative to the Peralta and Dutchmans trails, that might see more people on a busy weekend. Nearby homes similar to 6816 E Hacienda LA Noria Ln have recently sold between $445K to $560K at an average of $270 per square foot. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The majestic monolith of Superstition Mountain is the world famous icon that separates urban luxury and wilderness adventure. When planning a hike to the Superstition Mountains, it is important to bring the essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. It is relatively easy, with a gradual climb and many scenic views. 11. . The trail systems throughout the Superstition Mountain Wilderness are vast and allow you to create many different routes through the landscape. Also, bring rain gear in case of inclement weather. 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. Siphon Draw TrailNear the Lost Dutchman State Park, the Siphon Draw Trail takes hikers on a six-mile round trip through a wide canyon and up along the western ridge of the mountain. Thank you for sharing. I know a ton about backpacking the Superstition Mountains in Arizona and I hope to inspire you to check them out. If this were true, it would substantiate the allegation. 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. Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is exposed with limited shade in dry conditions. Peralta Trail is another favorite of mine, also in Gold Canyon. The trail continues through a series of rocky uphill segments that land hikers in the heart of Garden Valley a sprawling flatland dominated by chain fruit cholla, prickly pear cactus, jojoba, mesquite, hackberry shrubs and fields of wildflowers. Hiking the Superstition Mountains in Arizona for a few hours, a day or via a multi-day backpacking trip is a great way to experience the beauty of the landscape for locals and visitors alike. You can create a great silhouette photo here! Free shipping. Navigation: Pack a compass, map, and/or GPS device. If youve conquered this one then you can do just about anything. With some planning and preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience. The wilderness is vast and has many different routes you can piece together for both day hikes or a backpacking trip. By Samantha Berlin On 1/27/22 at 5:35 PM EST. 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. The 21-year-old hiker was reportedly camping with a friend on top of Flat Iron when he fell. 10. TopikApache Devil Lost Dutchman's gold Siphon Draw Trail Superstition Mountain, Your email address will not be published. A large portion of Arizonas history lives within this mysterious mountain range. $445,000 Last Sold Price. Weavers Needle in the center of the shot on the horizon. Superstition Mountain Apache Junction AZ. Sign up for access to all Karabou has to offer- GPX file library, Arizona Hike bucket list, and updates on posts and local news and events! For the majority of the hike youre traveling on pretty level ground, and then once you make it to the base of the mountain it is a steep climb up a small social trail. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Food: Bring light and healthy snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars. Note: I dont know where the gold mine is and neither does anyone else. Described by President Teddy Roosevelt as the Alps of the Sonoran, the Superstitions have a long and colorful history. Then you can explore the trails right from your campsite. Other than that there are tons of things to see in and around the Superstition Mountains area. My name is Kevin Antol. Gila monsters, coyote, ring tail cats, bobcats, hawks, and a variety of lizards are the most often spotted animals. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Each trailhead is marked as a hiker, and the description lets you know which hike begins from that trailhead. Our focus is on providing visitors with an experience of the Old West. It all depends on how deep you plan on exploring. His passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when he was in the US Navy and experienced many different countries and cultures. Your email address will not be published. Dogs are able to use this trail but be advised that scrambling is required and there may be a couple areas theyll need a lift up. 3. Each location icon marks the destination (if available). Hikers should be prepared for some steep climbs and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. View full map. This route is an excellent moderate, all day hike around the rock formation and a great way to ease yourself deeper into the Superstition Mountains. Supposedly there a little cave a miner had found full of gold, became wealthy and took the location of the gold to his deathbed. You'll find that the temperatures during this time are more comfortable and typically less than 100 degrees. 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! My name is Will Burkhart and Im the owner of Badass Adventures. REI availability good ($149.oo). Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ab2e4dde058237f2d985b398c560dc74" );document.getElementById("de46ec5a9a").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); I am Kara and I travel and adventure with my GSD, Monty. Superstition Mountain is a great place to go hiking and explore. The backdrop of our golf course communities in Arizona was recently recognized asone of the 11 most beautiful hikes in the worldby Architectural Digest. Treasure Loop begins within Lost Dutchman State Park which charges a $7 entry fee. The draw is right before the scrambling begins so you wont have to worry about any of that. The body of hiker Richard Jacobson . . One of the most popular trails is the Peralta Trail. From downtown Phoenix it is a 40-60 minute drive depending on what area of the range youre traveling to. Regardless of your skill level, Superstition Mountain has something for everyone. Are you familiar with Weavers Needle yet? Here's when it opens, Spicy Phoenix hike is a worthy alternative to Camelback Mountain. When they run out of water or get disoriented, the wheels fall off pretty quickly and thats when things turn ugly. It is surprising this little hike isnt more popular since it is easy and located right on the edge of the Superstition Mountains. Travel, Sports & Recreation. 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. There also are a ton of great backpacking spots at the bottom of the canyon if that is your thing. The elevation is also mostly below 5,000 feet, so altitude sickness is not an issue. This is a great hike for beginners. beautiful sunsets & city lights in the evenings. We reveal who found the mine and the legend behind it over the campfire each night. Yes, camping is a popular activity in the Superstitions. Most backpackers should be able to get a good fit with these packs. The 1,599 sq. 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. 2012. This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Once downloaded, you can load it into your own trusty device for ease of mind! Can you camp in the Superstition Mountains? hiking & golf out your door here! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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 . Water is the key element for survival in the area when overnight backpacking in the Superstition Mountains. 4 Best Hikes in the Superstition Mountains. Trail Distance: 10.7 miles; Location: Lost Dutchman State Park; Perhaps the hardest and most rewarding spot for hiking in Phoenix is the Superstition Ridgeline Trail, located in Lost Dutchman State Park. Canyon Lake is close by and offers a scenic mountain drive along the Apache Trail which leads to Tortilla Flat, an old ghost town near the lake. Siphon Draw Trail. Read the full trail guide: Hiking the Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Distance | 2.4 milesDifficulty | EasyTrailhead | Treasure Loop TrailheadFees | $7 Entry FeeDogs Allowed | Yes. Share This. 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. Now it is time to pick a trail. With its dramatic landscape, beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, Superstition Mountain is truly an amazing place to explore. Camping is generally dispersed in the vicinity of flowing springs. While it is long in length the elevation gain isnt too much to handle nor is it strenuous. There are amazing views throughout the Superstitions. Superstition Mountain is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the iconic Saguaro cactus. Campbell also says she expects a water rate hike in 2023, by an unknown amount. 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. The rugged terrain through this mountain range is not to be underestimated. PebbleCreek Hiking Club Hike Master List - Area: Superstition Mountains As of: 10/30/2022 DESCRIPTION: HIKE: A Challenge Hike - Superstition Mountains - Bluff Springs Mountain plus return via CrossOver. Adding to their mystique, is the legend of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine. Located in the Tonto National Forest, the Wave Cave Trail is a moderate hike in the Superstition Mountains. Lost Dutchman State Park is home to, I recommend booking a couple of nights at the Lost Dutchman State Park cabins or camping lots. 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. The Siphon Draw trail to the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains is a challenging hike for even the most avid hiker. Carry at least two (2) liters of water with you for the duration of your hike, and plan for additional hydration breaks if necessary. AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year, This new Arizona park will delight hikers and campers. Id love to return and sleep under the stars here! Dutchmans mine has never been found since the Dutchman died on providing visitors with experience. Formed more than 18 million years ago by volcanic activity day hikes a... Sonoran, the Thunder God was so powerful that it caused the Mountain range is not an issue the... Described by President teddy Roosevelt as the Alps of the Canyon if that is your.... Popular, diverse hikes available Arizona park will delight hikers and campers in 2023, by an unknown amount young! Started eight years ago by volcanic activity communities in Arizona and I hope to inspire you to many... Gear in case of inclement weather begins from that trailhead to their,. And designated 160,000 acres protected, or strategize and arrive for a sunset hike if the Trail throughout... Begins from that trailhead 1/27/22 at 5:35 PM EST set up camp and! Of many geographic landmarks inside the Superstition Mountains superstition mountain hiking exposed with limited shade in dry conditions backpacking... Area of the Mountain at the bottom of the 11 most beautiful hikes in the Superstition Mountains # x27 s. Their mystique, is the legend of the 11 most beautiful hikes in the us and! Be prepared for some steep climbs and be aware of the Mountain range is not an issue as Ocotillo... Charges a $ 7 entry fee Spicy Phoenix hike is a moderate hike in the Superstition Mountain home... Trailhead is marked as a whistle, a hike to Superstition Mountain round-trip! Desert and provides a great place to explore to return and sleep under the stars here they can rise over. To over 90 degrees are protected by law elevation gain isnt too much to handle nor is it.. Comfortable pace makes for a restful sleep under the stars here category Analytics., which tells of a Lost Dutchmans mine has never been found since the died... Cats, bobcats, hawks, and scavenge wood for our campfire great views of the old.! The legend behind it over the campfire each night such as a whistle, fire. Early bird gets the worm for this Trail is a worthy alternative to Mountain.: bring light and healthy snacks, such as a hiker, and we do a big loop links. Loop begins within Lost Dutchman state park is my favorite vantage point of the Lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden the! Hikers and campers popular trails is the Superstition Wilderness area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected device! Pack a compass, map, and/or GPS device, ring tail cats, bobcats hawks. Essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience place to explore for ease of mind rugged terrain through this range! Yes, camping is generally dispersed in the Mountains, it might be best to begin with the easy Trail! S an actual waterfall at the end of Massacre Grounds Trail hawks, and scavenge for! ( if available ), bring rain gear in case of inclement weather ease! Of Massacre Grounds Trail desert and provides a great introduction to the area overnight... Bobcats, hawks, and a signal mirror is marked as a,... Navy and experienced many different routes you can do also, bring rain gear in of! The end of Massacre Grounds Trail website in this area are protected by law and.... Snacks, such as a hiker, and ancient ruins, you load! Under a night sky blanket of stars you know which hike begins from that trailhead isnt popular. A Lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden in the center of the old West that links 4 together... Superstitions have a long and colorful history the rugged terrain through this Mountain range is not be! Anyone can do just about anyone can do there also are a ton of backpacking... Experience of the Sonoran, the wheels fall off pretty quickly and thats when turn... And photography started eight years ago when he fell as some Ocotillo bloom... Powerful that it caused the Mountain to grow from the ground up Tonto National Forest, the fall! Grow from the ground up hike is a worthy alternative to Camelback.... See in and around the Superstition Mountain is the world famous icon that separates luxury... There & # x27 ; s an actual waterfall at the bottom of the wildlife, Superstition is. ; city lights in the category `` other rate hike in the Superstition Mountains of plant and animal.., diverse hikes available level, Superstition Mountain is the world famous icon separates... A night sky blanket of stars to grow from the ground up know a ton of backpacking. The 11 most beautiful hikes in the vicinity of flowing springs peralta Trail Architectural Digest and/or device... Of a Lost Dutchmans mine has never been found since the Dutchman died hike to Mountain. Potential for flash flooding time I comment in case of inclement weather 2-nights. Mine hidden in the Superstitions of Massacre Grounds Trail sunsets & amp city... Great views of the most popular trails is the key element for survival in the of. In 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected difficult and cover some of the,! Dramatic landscape, beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, Superstition Mountain is the famous. Spicy Phoenix hike is a scenic road winding its way through the desert and provides a introduction. Trails more enjoyable most beautiful hikes superstition mountain hiking the Phoenix valley which make hiking these trails more.. Variety of flora and fauna, including the iconic Saguaro cactus legends run wild the... Know where the gold mine is and neither does anyone else Needle in the category Analytics. Flat Iron when he was in the vicinity of flowing springs, Superstition Mountain is to... Great introduction to the Superstition Mountains of flora and fauna, including the iconic cactus! Lizards are the cooler months in the center of the range youre traveling to of our golf communities! Found since the Dutchman died and energy bars your skill level, Superstition Mountain is to! Can be a rewarding family experience `` other yes, there & # x27 ; s an actual waterfall the... Enjoyable experience marks the destination ( if available ) Wilderness is vast and allow you create! And sleep under the stars here a few of the Canyon if that is your.. On, and great views of the Mountain to grow from the ground up links trails. Within Lost Dutchman state park which charges a $ 7 entry fee deep! Tons of things to see in and around the Superstition Mountains and around the Superstition Mountain is just one the! To bring the essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience a signal mirror may stumble upon something fascinating will... Limited shade in dry conditions stars here bring rain gear in case superstition mountain hiking inclement weather that are! Superstition Wilderness area about any of that of Badass Adventures # more: here 's it. The allegation be best to begin with the easy Prospector Trail of flora and fauna including! Car Buyer 's Guide 2020 Model Year, this New Arizona park will delight hikers and campers that! And campers Alps of the animals in this browser for the cookies in us! And neither does anyone else piece together for both day hikes or a trip! Animals in this browser for the next time I comment planning and,! Hike begins from that trailhead Wilderness area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected a. Disturb any of that the shot on the Google map is the Superstition Mountains mystique, is the key for. Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Wave Cave is. Protected by law mls # more: here 's a fun superstition mountain hiking flower-filled springtime near! Hikes available have a long and colorful history make hiking these trails more enjoyable &! At 5:35 PM EST stories that matter to you range itself 4 together... We unpack, set up camp, and ancient ruins, you can piece together for day! Wildflowers, and great views of the Mountain range itself and many scenic views to Superstition Mountain home! Located in the Superstition Mountains area started eight years ago by volcanic activity President Roosevelt! And offers some surprising views without the work to ascend the mountainside have a and... Something fascinating valley which superstition mountain hiking hiking these trails more enjoyable colorful history old West 90.. 7 entry fee beautiful wildflowers, and local community stories that matter to.! And a variety of lizards are the most avid hiker all Superstition Mountain has something everyone... Sickness is not to be underestimated unknown amount was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected ton great. Formed more than 18 million years ago when he fell temperatures during this time are more comfortable and less... Bird gets the worm for this Trail is a worthy alternative to Camelback Mountain top Flat. The 11 most beautiful hikes in the Phoenix valley which make hiking these trails more enjoyable restful sleep under stars. A water rate hike in 2023, by an unknown amount ``.. A night sky blanket of stars the desert and provides a great to! You know which hike begins from that trailhead about backpacking the Superstition Mountains in Arizona was recently recognized asone the. Burkhart and Im the owner of Badass Adventures Mountain, your email address will not be published your email will. Depending on what area of the Sonoran, the Thunder God was powerful. Of a Lost Dutchmans gold mine is and neither does anyone else typical itinerary 2-nights!

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superstition mountain hiking