Getting there: From. Eventually, you will settle into a canyon and this where all the fun begins. She has been published in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New Times, and has traveled overseas for her work. Preview trail Backpacking Hiking Views No shade Conditions And once youve reached Fremont Saddle, you can marvel at Weavers Needle. And if youre considering the hike any other time of year, catching the sunset is the next best alternative. Seen in: Arizona, Arizona Hiking, Hike, Southwest. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for SUPERSTITION WILDERNESS TRAILS WEST: HIKES, HORSE RIDES, By Jack Carlson NEW at the best online prices at eBay! Additional info: Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle. It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. The town, population six, is Arizona's smallest "community," with a post office as well as a voter's precinct. Click to enlarge. Lost Dutchman State Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users and RV campers as well aspicnic areas for day use visitors. The trail starts off with an easy approach towards the vertical cliffs of the Superstition Mountains. Hiked clockwise. I didnt like all the small/medium rock on that portion of the loop because it made it impossible to jog it. Keep going another .7 miles to the higher pass. Also, I had no idea that Peralta Road turned into a dirt road. Note: the distance and elevation may vary dependent upon the distance you choose to travel. Maybe Im late in the game, but I was very impressed with this idea. It may even inspire you to take in as much history as possible and find some answers during your trip along the trail. We had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was. big difference since I was there just a few years ago pre-covid, there is a lot less to see. Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. Many pools and waterfall. Goldfield offers ziplining, live gunfight reenactments, and a narrow gauge railroad you can ride. The Arizona Museum of Natural History is the only natural history museum you'll find in the Phoenix area, which is why it is home to some amazing artifacts! Hitting the road from Dallas to Houston, or vice versa? From the Peralta trailhead, head right toward Bluff Springs (to the left is the Peralta Trail, which is described at #5 on this list). Its all about boulder hopping, scrambling and scouting the best way to keep moving forward. Tons off cactus needles in me. There were also a few muddy spots . Bri Cossavella is a freelance writer for Territory Supply. But while youre flowing, keep your eyes as peeled as possible for the cairns, or you may miss the turnoff to the summit. For time reasons, we didnt do the final peak since wed have to backtrack to get back to the loop. MaybeCat PeaksTrailin the nearby Usery Mountains is right for you. Make the right turn, plan it after a recent rain, and youll experience some of the finest pools and pour-offs in the Supes. However, the part connecting these two is not a trail and is incredibly difficult. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. My phone died with 3 miles to go but completed around 20 miles in around 10 hours. This might deem a good turn around point for some, or you can keep on trekking. In late February through March, this is one of the best wildflower trails you're likely to come across (dependent on winter rains). It may seem like youre lost in suburbia, but youll get there eventually. Additional info: Reavis Ranch (Via 109 South). Superstition Harley-Davidson provides free hot dogs and sodas. However, the Apache people also inhabited the area and the Peraltas mining activity did not go unnoticed. From LDSP, the trail begins flat and slowly starts to rise. With gorgeous views and hospitable staff ready to make your day, Gold Canyon is a great getaway you won't find anywhere else. However, there's an interesting way back from Freemont saddle for the experienced hiker that features great views and an interesting cave. It intersects many trails along the way and is generally a north/south trail. This is another great hike for families, pups and beginner hikers. This was longer then 5.5 miles. The elevation gain is also gradual. This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. Related Read:12 Best Hikes in Arizona, From Desert to Tundra. For Sale: 9800 E Superstition Dr, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 $42,000 MLS# 1052656 An impressive hillside lot (almost 1/2 acre) with outstanding views of state land to the south. Remember to bring extra water, comfortable shoes, and a hat. Once youre at the top, the glorious views are the reward for powering through. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. To Young. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. 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. I started near hieroglyphics instead. If you only have the afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through the rugged trails that lead to Tonto State Forest. Distance: 0.5 mi Elevation Change: 220 ft. Ma Ha Tauk Trail Difficulty: Difficult We didnt get off trail too far, not enough for it to change the distance much. This160,200-acre wilderness area was established as a pre-wilderness areain 1939, but it wasexpanded to its current size in 1964 when it was designated as an official wilderness area. Check out our review of the 5 best women's day packs of 2018. The spa offers everything from luxurious detox pedicures to deep tissue massages. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. Would recommend bringing climbing gloves if you dont want to rough up your hands. You will take the same approach as Charlebois, i.e. The hieroglyphic descent is lots of scree and it can be easy to lose your way. Hes also the one who planted the apple orchard. Crowds of people climbing all over the glyphs today, really sad to see thousands of years of history ruined like that. If you do this hike during after recent rains, you can settle into the sounds of running water in the Draw. You get the feel that you are actually getting inside the mountains and the views are quite breathtaking. Loreah Winlow Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Oak Flat Loop Trail. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. Rocky scramble at the end.. Great views along the trail. Part of this hike follows a road through a neighborhood, so expect that when planning your route. Hieroglyphic Trail is only scree and rock for about a mile near the ridge and I discourage anyone from climbing up it, as it was difficult to follow even descending. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. Adventure into the mountain via horseback, or join a guided tour of the history of women and their roles in the 1800s. 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. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. Explore this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. Why you should go: Conquer the toughest hike on this list. This trek starts at First Water trailhead, where youll catch the Second Water trail, and then into Boulder Canyon. As I was climbing up the flattened rock area. Why you should go: The more scenic way to Reavis, and you can still get apples. Beautiful views starting miles back in the car. 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. Reavis Ranch Trail is one of the best overnight backpacking trips in the Superstition Mountains. If you read the previous hike description, youll notice that I did this hike by accident, but I wasnt the least bit disappointed. Trail was in good shape and the weather was very nice today. Awesome hike with varied terrain and views. Elevation gain-3,000ft. Its not scorching and the apples are in season. There was some water running down, the rocks and the views are incredible. Learn what makes these mountains so superstitious, all while enjoying some of the lighter exhibits as well. Whether you're curious about the tales of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine and want to see the mysterious lands for yourself, or simply just want to take in some of the most gorgeous sections of the Superstitious Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park has you covered. She enjoys all things outdoors, resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human rights. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. Why you should go: A great way to approach Charlebois following recent rains. Park location and driving directions for Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, AZ (85119). All were saying is, please be careful and do not attempt this on a rainy day. Its about protecting what sustains us. When is the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park? You will still get some elevation change, trek past pools of water, look out upon the vastness that is the Superstitions, tour through a canyon, and last but not least, experience solitude. That was good for the calf muscles. This trail does get you closer to the unique spire formations of the Praying Hands. If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. Why you should go: Arguably the best view of Weavers Needle. TheTreasure Loop Trailis a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. This desert world offers unbeatable landscapesjust remember to prepare for the summer heat! 3. Beautiful trail, but a lot of the hieroglyphs have been destroyed by people climbing on them. One more note about this hike the petroglyphs, otherwise known as the Master Map. The site of these glyphs can be a little challenging to find, but thats part of the adventure, right? Starting at the Pass Mountain Trailhead, head east on the trail for 0.6 miles, then follow the Cat Peaks junction right. Free shipping. The most straightforward way is to take Dutchmans Trail (#104), but you can also get there via the Second Water Trail, which is a wonderland of waterfalls after recent rains. Once you get past the turnoff to Flat Iron (Siphon Draw), the trail is virtually empty and you have the whole ridge to yourself. This 160,000-acre wilderness area contains over 170 miles of trails traversing the Sonoran Desert. Worth a trip! 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. Updated February 09, 2023. Superstition Wilderness Mesa Ranger District 5140 E. Ingram St. Mesa, Arizona 85205 480.610.3300 Monday-Friday: 8 am - noon | 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Lost Dutchman State Park 6109 N. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85119 480.982.4485 Trip Reports It is agreat place to escape in the Superstition Wilderness! After a wet winter, the deserts thirst is quenched and truly begins to blossom. Watch the sunset during dinner at Kokopellis Restaurant, or put your feet up at The Ledge at Dinosaur Mountain's outdoor bar and fire pits. Lots of scrambling. Learn More . Directions: Lost Dutchman TH: Drive east from Phoenix on U.S. Highway 60. By clicking "ACCEPT", you agree to be the terms and conditions of each The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . Superstition Peak 5024 via Siphon Draw Trail, Discovery Trail and Lost Dutchman State Park, Treasure Trail, Prospector View, and Crosscut Trail, Treasure Loop Trail via Jacob's Crosscut Trail, Cross Cut, Prospector and Jacob's Trail #58 Loop, Mountain Bike Loop at Lost Dutchman State Park, Native Plant Trail at Lost Dutchman State Park. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. The trail is anything but a straight line. Why you should go: In just four miles, you get some of the Supes sweetest sights. Easy trail for all ages. 88; and drive approximately 3 miles to the entry of the Lost Dutchman State Park; (entrance fees are charged). Great trail! We did not do the boring loop part. There is a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. This trail has a magnetic pull because of the cave at the end, so I recommend the early start if you want to avoid the masses. I only went a couple of miles in, but I loved it. Of course, you can choose to merely drive along the loop, and maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the Longhorn cattle belonging to a local rancher. Theres something about excursions with running water, like Fish Creek, that feel like home in our most natural state. Before too long, youll be using your hands and feet to hoist yourself up, but the views dont fall short at any point during this hike. Being naked is sometimes fun. Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. A few huge cattle along the way. But so worth it. HARD! It's rated as moderate and gains 500 feet in elevation. Also should not be rated the same level of difficulty as camelback and other hikes in the area. It may be wise to have a map and GPS as well. Also, It was very windy the day that we went. As the story goes, the family was ambushed by Apaches while on a gold expedition, leaving all but one or two family members left for dead. It eventually meets a well maintained trail. Navigating less maintained sections of the trail definitely slows you down. We only made it to the top of siphon draw because we did not leave early enough in the day to have enough daylight to make it to the top not to mention we were really exhausted. Youll pass a handful of small caves, do a little scrambling, and have much more solitude than you got on the Peralta Trail which was probably none unless you got lucky. Everything else you need to know about Reavis Ranch is in the prior descriptionincluding a lay of the land, some history and pro tips! If you get going early enough, youll be home in time for lunch! The Cupertino City Council gave the go-ahead Sept. 17, 2019 for the design of the Regnart Creek Trail, allocating $2.1 million for the trail's design, plus $150,000 for landscaping and/or . Do it! There is no where to fill up along the route. I was fine because I hydrated in advance and it was a cool day, but definitely recommend bringing plenty with you to prevent running out. The off-trail aspect gives this one an especially adventurous flavor. The Wave was cool to see. I suggest doing this trail as one-way, and youll need to hike up the Peralta Trail before giving it a whirl. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Its now on my to-do list. I watched so many people slipping and falling in their tennis shoes. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. Pay a visit to the Superstition Saloon and Restaurant for burgers and a brew, and then mosey on over to the country store for some prickly pear gelato. Walking along the ridge from flatiron to start of superstition is stunning and unique among the hikes Ive done around Phoenix. During the 19th century, the main route through the mountains was a path carved by the Apaches-- later adopted by stagecoach travelers-- earning its name, Apache Trail. Just be prepared for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the creek to get to the waterfall. Whiskey Spring Trail 238. To Superior. Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. Crystal Sibson Second Water Trail to Hackberry Springs Loop is a 5.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail in Arizona's Superstition Wilderness. A short optional climb is 3.0 and the Gypsum Overlook Loop is 2.5. There was a sign there that said no day parking but we didnt get a ticket. Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the trees. The magistrates were now so far satisfied as to agree that Jacques Aymar should be authorized to follow the trail of the murderers, and have a company of archers to follow him. If not, theres some nearby shade. Or, you can start with the Boulder Canyon Trail, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking area. 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! This is probably my favorite time to hike generally. There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. I decided just to crawl up that rock flat rock area the rest of the way on all 4s. Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. 1367 S Country Club Dr UNIT 1193, Mesa, AZ 85210. And as Ive said before, exploring this region of the Superstitions makes for a great backpacking trip. Picture 1 of 1. Going up seems futile to me, I wouldnt try it. I . Trail well marked, although helps to have the AllTrails app in case you get off track, which sometimes happens. once at the parking lot, the hike back to Lost Dutchman is relatively flat and uneventful. Eventually, youll descend into the riverbed (keep in mind that during the rainy season, or during storms, there is a high chance for flooding). Some solid glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone. Just bear in mind the waterfall is seasonal. This is also the point in which fear of heights might kick in, but you can do it. By the time you reach the cave, youll have earned relaxation points, shade and a gentle breeze. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-run-51ecca3--2?p=-1. If you're feeling up for it, continue up through the draw to Flatiron Trail to get some incredible views. Eventually, you will reach a saddle, but this isnt Parker Pass. There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page. Tales of gold, mystery and phenomena defines the lore of the Superstitions. Our only option was to just keep hiking, and eventually we wound up back at the car. Unless you want to go for the long haul, I talk about that hike next! I hate it when that happens. From AZ 88, or Apache Trail, you will eventually cross a bridge. Its a good training route for other difficult Arizona hikes around the area. Challenge yourself if youre up to it. Just at the edge of Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains offer a jaw-droppingly rugged landscape. We anticipated doing 4 miles and once we realized we were on the wrong trail, we werent sure how many more miles we had to go. When we left around 11 there was a line of cars waiting to park. If you decide to go during a warmer day, there may be a trickle. Stay hydrated, and camp during the fall, spring, or winter. You may even catch some live music during your stay! 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. This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. ; ( entrance fees are charged ) to Houston, or you ride. 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