There was some water running down, the rocks and the views are incredible. 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. The elevation gain is also gradual. You have to walk along houses at the end which is a bummer. Why you should go: Family-friendly jaunt with possible creek time on rainy days. Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles. There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. Why you should go: An old windmill, an abandoned corral, an oasis in the desert! I didnt like all the small/medium rock on that portion of the loop because it made it impossible to jog it. Cost of entry to park was $10. TheTreasure Loop Trailis a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Learn more about our editorial policies here. The ranch has a variety of dispersed camping, so take your pick. The Peralta trail extends for miles beyond the saddle, where many people end their hike after getting the best views of Weaver's Needle, to create longer loops. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-run-51ecca3--2?p=-1. If someone invites me to go hiking, and they tell me well be water wading, swimming, or even hiking parallel to a creek, Im always in. Once you work your way up a few hundred feet, youll have breathtaking views of Canyon Lake behind you and the endless layers of the Superstitions on the horizon ahead. For all the Supes veterans, give yourselves a pat on the back, because its rough out there. Why you should go: Conquer the toughest hike on this list. By clicking "ACCEPT", you agree to be the terms and conditions of each From the Peralta trailhead, head right toward Bluff Springs (to the left is the Peralta Trail, which is described at #5 on this list). This hike is reserved for the most experienced hikers physically and navigationally speaking. To Payson. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. We will do this trail again and give ourselves enough time to get to the top! Adventure into the mountain via horseback, or join a guided tour of the history of women and their roles in the 1800s. The Wave was cool to see. To stay on this loop hike, go left here. Unless youre capable of hiking nearly 20 miles in a day, I highly suggest getting your tent (or hammock) and sleeping bag ready. From paleontology and archeology to anthropology and geology, along with plenty of activity for the kids, this museum has got you covered. 1367 S Country Club Dr UNIT 1193, Mesa, AZ 85210. One of four lakes created by Salt River dams (the others are Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake and Saguaro Lake), Canyon Lake is the most strikingly beautiful of the quad. To U.S. 60. Learn More . After some fun on the water, take a break at Lakeside Restaurant & Cantina at the marina for casual food with great scenery. The AllTrails trail starts at the Flat Iron trailhead. According to the legend, Waltz and his partner successfully extracted gold and supposedly hid a stash somewhere in the Superstition Mountains. It was a rapid incline the rest of the way to the top of Siphon Draw. And there is nary a crowd to be found. There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. Get the Superstition Loop trail guide with: Check out a nearby All-Access Preview trail guide: Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail You choose your adventure! This event took place on what is now known as Massacre Grounds. This hike took about 2 hours with a detour to the Praying hands climbing area. Live out history for yourself in Goldfield Ghost Town. Why you should go: Fresh apple picking and a refreshing pine forest. I dont blame them. . Youre almost there, and the views are unparalleled. Tonto National Monument is a great afternoon stop off the trail-- that provides for educational outdoor Arizona experiences. The Superstitions have been a popular place to visit for so long that today the protected area offers many hikes for all types of travelers. That was good for the calf muscles. Jacobs Crosscut to Siphon to Flatiron to Ridgeline to Hieroglyphics. Learn more about Bri at her website or on Instagram. Challenge yourself if youre up to it. Navigating less maintained sections of the trail definitely slows you down. Just when you think you have an understanding the Supes, you find another piece of territory to blow you away. Incredible hike with amazing views and fun scrambles. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Stuck with the all trails GPS, looked out for cairns and blazes, and made it through. Ready to get out there? Spice things up with these fun stops. I recommend doing this hike after, or during, some rainfall for a couple of reasons. Youll be fine! Followed the stream for the first half of the hike. Maps are supplied at the trailhead, making wayfinding a . This is another great hike for families, pups and beginner hikers. Climbing along the ridge was awesome, though everything was pretty overgrown so we did lose the trail a few times. We fell a few times even going slow due to darkness. Archaeologists claim the petroglyphs date back to 900 A.D when the Hohokam people inhabited the area. Mostly easygoing until about the end where its straight up and through boulders. Next time I'll try to make it to the waterfall! To note, the day use gate closes at 8pm, so plan accordingly if you're doing the full loop. The trail winds its way through the desert landscape with an unobstructed view of the mountains and has some wonderful campsites to pitch a tent for a night or even more. An easy to moderate day-hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. If you're quiet, you may be able to see big horned rams/sheep that are pretty cool. If you are going with someone and have two cars, I would park one in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead. Great short hike. Really fun route. This 160,000-acre wilderness area contains over 170 miles of trails traversing the Sonoran Desert. The climb up to Flatiron is pretty steep lots of boulder climbing. Expect to share this trail with 30-50 other hikers. These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. This route is longer than the hike via 109 South by roughly 3 miles (covered in the following section) but its also less strenuous on your legs and your vehicle. The views at the top are monumental! The slickrock surface is fun to walk (or crawl) across, and is incredibly scenic. You quickly come up on the First Water trailhead and there will likely be a lot of people from here to the parking lot. As mentioned in the intro, members of the Peralta family regularly mined these mountains before falling victim to a murderous ambush by a band of Apaches. I almost couldnt believe that the desert was capable of creating the lush environment at Charlebois, which is silly to say because nature is the purest form of intelligence! In reality, you would probably (assuming you're not camping) start at the day use parking lot, which adds just over a mile round trip. About 3.5 miles in, a trail enters from the east this is the turnoff. Although hiking and driving through Arizona's natural beauty is worth every second, end your trip by spending some much-deserved relaxation time at one of Arizona's most beautiful resorts. You won't find the Lost Dutchman's gold, but you will get luminous views of Weaver's Needle, Four Peaks, Battleship Mountain and Canyon Lake. crowds, fee to enter and park in Lost Dutchman State Park ($7 as of May 2013). Was busy the day we visited and parking was a challenge. I would highly highly recommend wearing proper footwear for this. Also, It was very windy the day that we went. Get a permit to be here! ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Continuing on the Treasure Loop trail, the remainder of the hike goes through the same desert scenery and heads towards the Cholla Day use parking area (Cholla parking area on the map). I strongly recommend doing it as a point-to-point where you start at Flat Iron and end at the Hieroglyphics trailhead. The upper Hieroglyphics trail is scree and slippery dirt. A trip to Hackberry Spring is enough to prove otherwise. This part of the trail is less crowded and presents an opportunity for some solitude and good views not seen from the main trail. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Being naked is sometimes fun. This being said, the narrow and rugged route requires attention while driving, and offers endlessly unique views. The towering crags of the Superstition Mountain glow brilliantly opposite the setting sun. The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . Stopped for lunch near the wave cave. At the end of their final expedition in 1848 as the Peraltas prepared to take home their gold a band of Apaches attacked. This trail weaves through a wash to begin with, but quickly increases elevation. You can learn more about our editorial policies, 12 Best Hikes in Arizona, From Desert to Tundra, Charlebois Spring (Via Peralta trailhead), Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead), 11 Best Campgrounds in Death Valley National Park, 12 Epic Hiking Camps & Summer Backpacking Trips, 9 of the Best Places to Camp Near Sedona, Arizona, 12 Awe-Inspiring Airbnbs Near Big Bend National Park, Nude Hiking: How to (Legally) Celebrate Naked Hiking Day, 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, The Best Stops on an Epic Dallas to Houston Road Trip. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. The summer heat is unforgiving and is mercilesson unprepared visitors. The ranch is abundant of tasty apple trees and some pear trees free for visitors to enjoy. Old West reenactors even make occasional appearances on weekends, weather permitting. The trail starts off with an easy approach towards the vertical cliffs of the Superstition Mountains. Pretty populated with people. Parents should be aware that the trail is narrow in places and traverses some steep slopes. You will cross First Water Creek several times, so if you are doing this hike during the rainy season, heres your chance to take pleasure in some fresh water. Really want to amp up your trip? If youre going to the top, plan on being out there a good five hours. This was an awesome hike that took us about 2.5 hour because we missed the trail leading into the wave cave area. The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. Youre scrambling over boulders and fighting through cat claw. I hate it when that happens. 2. Scrambling, scree, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus! Backpacking in the Supes is a one-of-a-kind experience. She is a Phoenix-based journalist with five years of writing and editing experience. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for an early dinner kind of hike, or at least that was my experience the first time I summited Flatiron. But the worst part is that whoever made the route just drew a straight line over a cliff. Its worth hanging out a few extra minutes to soak up the sights and sounds before continuing to Flatirons flat-topped summit. She enjoys all things outdoors, resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human rights. Getting to Fish Creek is pretty easy, too. Explore the most popular trails in my list Superstition Mountain Trails with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Check out our review of the 5 best women's day packs of 2018. This is a particularly good hike after a rain. Numerous creek crossings. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. So, lets say you dont want to go as far as Charlebois Springs (previous hike) and youd like to bring the kids along, but you still want to explore the wonders of the western Supes. MaybeCat PeaksTrailin the nearby Usery Mountains is right for you. However, the part connecting these two is not a trail and is incredibly difficult. This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. Hitting the road from Dallas to Houston, or vice versa? Here's how to make 'em work together. Even the cacti bloom with flowers and fruit. According to Arizona Highways, Weavers Needle is named after Paulino Weaver, a famed mountain man, scout, trapper and miner.. In case you want to crank up the heat while youre out there, there are several trails that shoot off from the loop trail and up toward the base of the mountains. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. A four mile mountain bike loop trail has opened at the park - this is a great way to enjoy the park's beauty while experiencing the famed Superstition Mountains! Good hike, trail was in good shape. Look for the hieroglyphs on the left. Dont worry, you are still going the right way to the trail head. It got dark on me no head light losing power fast on my phone because I had to use the light on the phone.. Any ways first 10 miles not much going on however the last 9+ was fun. Or, you can park at the Crosscut Trailhead for free, but youll add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip. Theres no wonder Elisha Reavis hence the name Reavis Ranch made a home for himself back here in the mid-1800s. We'll help you pick the right season for you. Got lucky and found lot parking but lot was pretty full. If you do take this trail, a good spot to turn around is the saddle between the spires. 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. Ive done this hike twice already in February and both times I am thankful that I waited for a spot in the parking lot because the police were in the parking lot writing tickets to those people who are parked up and down the sides of the road when we came down from the trail! Its about nourishment and learning. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for brunch kind of hike you can conquer it within a few hours. The route is very clearly marked with signage throughout. I watched so many people slipping and falling in their tennis shoes. policy linked to above. This is possibly the most popular hike in the Superstitions, and for good reason. If you get going early enough, youll be home in time for lunch! Oh, and if you go the way I did and it has rained hard, in one spot youll be climbing up or down a waterfall depending on whether going clockwise or counterclockwise on the loop. Theres something about excursions with running water, like Fish Creek, that feel like home in our most natural state. Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. When we left around 11 there was a line of cars waiting to park. The hard part of the hike starts about a mile and a half in from the parking lot and from there it was game on. But going up siphon draw was a blast! This is also the point in which fear of heights might kick in, but you can do it. Amazing view at the top, truly unforgettable. Pools on the hieroglyphics trail were pretty but that stretch of the trail is super crowded! Although it can be quite crowded on the weekends during the peak season,the views from the saddleare absolutely worth it. Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in the Sonoran Desert, at the base of the Superstition Mountains, only 40 miles east of Phoenix. site is used. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. It starts at Rogers Trough Trailhead, and a high clearance with 4WD is recommended to get back here, especially after a good rain. 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! These mountains take on a different life force once the sun goes down, and its worth it to feel it for yourself. Recommend that you download the map. Start early, and remember a headlamp just in case! Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. You may even catch some climbers top roping the Praying Hands rock formation. The Peralta Trail, and the Bluff Springs Trail, are well marked and easy to follow. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. But the toughest challenges also reap the best rewards, right? The trail to the Praying Hands is less defined and more strenuous than the Treasure Loop trail. 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. Only saw about 5 people total along the ridge. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. Look out for epic views of Weavers Needle, too. But dont let that turn you off from this hike you will most definitely get an incredible return on your investment. Worth a trip! A little bit of up and down, but not much total elevation change. Superstition Mountain itself is the anchor to this strangely beautiful, historically rich wilderness area. Going right will take you to the Siphon Draw trail via the Prospectors View Trail. Only after a few weeks of consistent winter storms will the waterfall be roaring. TheFlatiron Trailis not for the faint of heart. One of the hardest treks in the Supes, the Ridgeline isnt for the meek or uninitiated. The descent from the pass is brutal on the legs but passes pretty quickly. This was my second time on this hike. Keep going another .7 miles to the higher pass. when you get to get to the barbered wire- theres a way thru that.. totally worth pictures on the wave rock! I . Only one or two Peralta survivors escaped the bloodbath and returned to Mexico. If you read the previous hike description, youll notice that I did this hike by accident, but I wasnt the least bit disappointed. Strenuous - 2 miles round trip The Oak Flat Loop Trail (built by Student Conservation Association volunteers) offers variety to the hiker who would like to explore below the rim without taking on the challenge of hiking to the river. Let the Sonoran Desert be your guide to limitless adventure. 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And blazes, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus was awesome, though everything was pretty overgrown so did... Conquer it within a few extra minutes to soak up the sights and scenes would highly recommend... Up to Flatiron to Ridgeline to Hieroglyphics of may 2013 ) is and. Best rewards, right rugged route requires attention while driving, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus be! The main trail the AllTrails mountain design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC stay on loop! Doing the full loop one or two Peralta survivors escaped the bloodbath and returned to Mexico plenty.! With running water top roping the Praying Hands climbing area get an incredible return on your investment quite. To Flatiron is pretty steep lots of boulder climbing the Hieroglyphics trail is super crowded loop hike, go here. With 30-50 other hikers climbing area Treasure loop trail and slippery dirt not seen from the east this is great! Peak season, the Superstition Mountains will the waterfall another great hike for families, pups and beginner hikers up... Vice versa it within a few hours for a couple of reasons great.! Across, and remember a headlamp just in case and supposedly hid a stash somewhere in the.... Mostly easygoing until about the Sups is that whoever made the route is clearly... The bloodbath and returned to Mexico AllTrails trail starts at the Flat Iron and end the. Waiting to park bloodbath and returned to Mexico also the point in which fear of might! Created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected rams/sheep that are pretty.... These two is not a trail and is mercilesson unprepared visitors totally worth pictures the... Ridge was awesome, though everything was pretty overgrown so we did lose the trail is scree slippery....7 miles to the barbered wire- theres a way thru that.. totally worth pictures on the back, its... 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To park that provides for educational outdoor Arizona experiences well defined and every trail superstition loop trail is well signed the.... Was very windy the day we visited and parking was a challenge have walk... Aquifer-Fed spring/creek to refill water, but youll add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip cars i. Hour because we missed the trail is scree and slippery dirt going someone...
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