Distance- 2,4 Miles (3,86 km) Difficulty Rating- Easy to moderate. Springs in the area offer the only year-round water source, and having a guide is essential to knowing which springs are flowing sufficiently and their exact location. 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. Hieroglyphic Trail #101 is one of the amazing, easy-to-reach trails in the Superstition Mountains that provides the fun family access to climbing and discovery that my kids just love. 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. Tips for Hiking Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains. The Superstition Mountains are in the Sonoran Desert, which offer an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. Superstition Mountain (Yavapai: Wi:kchsawa, O'odham: Gakok) is a prominent mountain and regional landmark located in the Phoenix metropolitan area of Arizona, immediately east of Apache Junction and north of Gold Canyon.It anchors the west end of the federally designated Superstition Wilderness Area and is a popular outdoor recreation destination, home to numerous trails for hiking and . The Treasure Loop trail begins in the Lost Dutchman State Park area and requires an entry fee of $7 per vehicle. Hikers should plan to spend at least two hours on the trail and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. Beginning at the Peralta Trailhead, the Bluff Springs Trail is 3.5 mile section with about 340 feet of climbing. 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. Day 2: We hike through a remote part of the Superstitions to Second Water Spring and spend another night under the stars. 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. Wear appropriate clothing, bring plenty of water, and tell someone where you are going. Flat Iron is one of the "must do" hikes to establish your "clout" in the hiking community. Novice hikers are emboldened by tackling the rugged terrain but not being overwhelmed by it. This is a hike that you can accomplish on your own or with the help of a backpacking guide such as myself. 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. First, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. As you view down the spine and gasp at where you came from, youll be looking at my favorite views in these mountains. Hello Will, my name is Mike Young, myself and three others are planning a 5 day backpacking trip in the Superstition Mts. This trail is quite challenging, with many steep climbs and rocky terrain. Your email address will not be published. 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. If youre looking for a base camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot ahead of time here. Wave Cave TrailThe Wave Cave Trail treats visitors with views of the Superstition Mountains and ends inside a cave with a wave-like rock formation. Located in the Tonto National Forest, the Wave Cave Trail is a moderate hike in the Superstition Mountains. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Always pack layers! Along the hike you will see many unusual rock formations, benches to rest on, and great views of the mountain range itself. As you plan your fall, winter, or spring wilderness getaway, do not overlook the Alps of the Sonoran Desert! I have been adventuring in the Superstition Mountains for about five years now after I moved to Mesa, Arizona. 1,892 Sq. Karabou Adventure + Travel hopes to inspire outdoor adventure while providing knowledge and skills to do so safely- for both individuals and furry companions. The wilderness is vast and has many different routes you can piece together for both day hikes or a backpacking trip. While the trail splits on the way to Reavis Falls and Frog Tanks Trail, the destination along Reavis Ranch Trail is actually an old Ranch site, once inhabited by farmer, horse packer, and miner, Elisha Reavis himself. 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. No official designated camp sites exist. vista del corazon is a gated, custom golf community with a 100 home sites, embraced by the championship dinosaur mountain golf course, voted as one of the top 10 best golf courses in the . REI availability good ($149.oo). Campbell also says she expects a water rate hike in 2023, by an unknown amount. My name is Kevin Antol. These are the cooler months in the Phoenix valley which make hiking these trails more enjoyable. 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. From March 10th - 12th, Superstition Mountain Museum will again host artists from Oaxaca, and Mata Ortiz on our grounds from 9-4pm. Hiking the Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Ultimate Guide to Hiking Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail, Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle: Arizona Hiking Guide, Weavers Needle Loop Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Hike Battleship Mountain via. Some of its more popular day hikes include: 1. Number of Pages. If youre looking for more of a easy-moderate hike and dont want to scramble all the way up to Flatiron, you have the option to hike to the Siphon Draw and turning back. 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. 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. With a little bit of preparation, a hike to Superstition Mountain can be a rewarding family experience. In addition, be aware of any desert hazards, such as cacti and rattlesnakes. How long is the Superstition Mountains hike? REI size and color availability good ($199.95), Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack Womens While the legend has never been proven true, it still elicits curiosity and wonder. administrator While the trail may be short I promise it doesnt sacrifice on views. I recommend booking a couple of nights at the Lost Dutchman State Park cabins or camping lots. Hauntings and hidden mines aside, the Superstition Mountains are a tempting yet dangerous location for hikers everywhere.Perhaps it's the rugged land, the hiking difficulty, or the legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine but people every year attempt hiking the area only to require rescuing. Quick tips for hiking Massacre Grounds Trail to the waterfall. 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. Petroglyphs at Hieroglyphic Canyon in the Superstition Mountains. 5. Then you can explore the trails right from your campsite. No, you cant drive in the mountains. Other than that there are tons of things to see in and around the Superstition Mountains area. The Superstition Mountains are public lands. If youve conquered this one then you can do just about anything. If this were true, it would substantiate the allegation. Elevation Gain- 1000 feet (305 meters) Trail Type- Loop. Hikers should be prepared for some steep climbs and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. Most important to your . 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 typical itinerary is 2-nights and 3-days, and we do a big loop that links 4 trails together. Ending at the convergence of the Boulder Canyon and Dutchman Trails, the Boulder Canyon trail runs 7.8 miles south of the marina at Canyon Lake. Hi there! by Hadley House Co. $529.99. Genre. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. My name is Kevin Antol. Travelers are amazed by the stunning beauty and true wilderness experience of the Superstition Mountains. Here's when it opens. Depending on the season, you'll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. 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. This 4.5-mile trail leads to the top of the mountain and offers spectacular views of the surrounding desert. REI availability good ($149.00), REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 Pack Womens By Samantha Berlin On 1/27/22 at 5:35 PM EST. With its stunning views, rich history, and abundant wildlife, its an ideal destination for hikers of all ages. The trailhead color and location icon color do coordinate with each other. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Whether youre looking for a challenging hike or just a peaceful walk through nature, Superstition Mountain is a great place to spend the day. 6109 N Apache Trl, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States. If youre brave enough bring a headlamp try to time this one for sunrise or sunset. Finally, there is the Witch of the Superstition. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. Length: 7 miles round trip. 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. This protected land was designated in 1939, and was expanded in 1984 to its current size of 160,200 acres. Here, the massive forms of Hackberry Mesa, Four Peaks and the mountains around Canyon Lake to the north begin to stand out on the horizon. Along the way, hikers can expect to see panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert, towering saguaro cacti, wildlife, and seasonal . The majestic monolith of Superstition Mountain is the world famous icon that separates urban luxury and wilderness adventure. Whichever trail you decide to take, make sure to be mindful of your surroundings. Yes, there's an actual waterfall at the end of Massacre Grounds Trail. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. Details to Explore Your Way, Yellowstones Best Trails and Advice for Hiking and Backpacking. Distance | 6.5 miles RTDifficulty | DifficultTrailhead | Siphon Draw TrailheadFees | $7 Entry FeeDogs Allowed | Yes, but only the experiencd. This 1.2-mile loop winds through the desert and provides a great introduction to the area. This cave is well known for its rock formation that resembles a wave. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Whether you take a picnic lunch, or just find a comfortable spot to sit and soak in the scenery, Superstition Mountain is a great place to spend an afternoon. For more tips check out 16 Expert Desert Hiking Tips you need to know. 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 . 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. Hopefully after reading this post youll be hiking in the Superstition Mountains in no time! There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. Other hikes such as the Wave Cave Trail accessed on the Gold Canyon side offers a nice walk to a cave where the Apache Kid hid out in the old Western days. Its a lengthy story with many players stretched over 250 years. Drive to Gold Canyon and take Kings Ranch Road toward the mountains and there are signs to trail head. Whether you enjoy golfing or shopping or hiking or wandering around museums - there's something for everyone at our RV resort! 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. 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. Hiking the Hieroglyphic Trail. Dogs can use this trail until you reach the base of the mountain. Second, explore a variety of plant and animal life. SOLD FEB 14, 2023. More:Spicy Phoenix hike is a worthy alternative to Camelback Mountain. Here's how to try it. Im 32 years old and I grew up in, For those interested in experiencing the Superstition Mountains for the first time I would recommend visiting Lost Dutchman State Park. 3 Popular Superstition Mountain Hiking Trails . 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. With more than 140 miles of well-developed trails, and more than 100 miles of . The Wave Cave is a prefect day trip from Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tucson. The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is best enjoyed during the months of November - April. Its varied terrain makes it a great spot for hikers of all levels. 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. 2012. AOTS 2023 SPRING STUDIO TOUR Friday March 17th, Saturday, March 18th 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday, March 19th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Only Certain Studios OPEN - See Brochure Make sure you mark your calendars for our 2023 Annual Spring Fling Studio Tour! Your glutes will burn, you breathing will grow heavy, and you may begin to question why you wanted to do this hike in the first place. 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. From old mines, tales of lost gold, petroglyphs, and ancient ruins, you just may stumble upon something fascinating. 112 Likes, 8 Comments - Phil Shultz Landscape Photography (@philshultz_photography) on Instagram: ""Wishing Falls" Just a slight trickle from last Friday during a hike up this canyon in the" Although no one has ever found the gold, people still search for it and believe that it is still hidden somewhere on the mountain. Superstition Mountains, Tonto National Forest In the 1930s, you might have seen Arthur Weber wandering around Peralta Canyon. hiking & golf out your door here! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. The body of hiker Richard Jacobson . The Superstition Mountains are home to some of the most stunning views of the Arizona desert. How do you get to the top of Superstition Mountain? Superstition Mountains are located in Tonto National Forest. Rating: Easy to moderate. Note: I dont know where the gold mine is and neither does anyone else. The mountains are located less than an hour's drive away from both Phoenix and Scottsdale. But the Fremont Saddle is a popular location for people of all ages to turn back. Any advise from you will be greatly appreciated. Here are a few of the highlights of a hike at Superstition Mountain. 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. Superstition Sunrise is a . This trail loops around the foothills of the Superstitions without getting into anything crazy, but still provides you with some beautiful desert views. Superstition Mountain also encompasses a guard-gated master-planned community with custom home lots, elegant estates, and luxury villas. There is gold in the mountains, but the Lost Dutchmans Mine has never been found since the Dutchman died. Getty Images/iStockphoto. Weaver's Needle is a prominent volcanic plug monolith and perhaps . Can you camp 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. 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 . The subsequent push upward from the depths of this crater-like formation, combined with other forces of nature, created a wilderness 40 minutes east Phoenix that is just loaded with miles of beautiful trail, unique geological features, and rich human history to boot. It all depends on how deep you plan on exploring. 6. Described by President Teddy Roosevelt as the Alps of the Sonoran, the Superstitions have a long and colorful history. This trail is perfect for day hikers, as some of the best views are within the first 3 miles! We hike in the Superstition Mountains, and while we will see Weavers Needle among other amazing peaks and rock formations, we are hiking around them. beautiful sunsets & city lights in the evenings. The pin on the Google map is the Superstition Mountains. 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Begins in the Superstition Mountains things to see in and around the Mountains. We hike through a remote part of the most stunning views, rich,. Apache Trl, Apache Junction superstition mountain hiking AZ 85119, United States tons of things see! Hopefully after reading this post youll be hiking in the Mountains, Tonto National Forest in the Superstition players over... Saddle is a hike that you can accomplish on your own or the. And furry companions desert hiking tips you need to know bring a headlamp try to time this one for or! Treasure Loop trail begins in the Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the trail! Is also a nod at the end of Massacre Grounds trail plant and life.
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