Its seasonal, though, so thats why its best to go after some rain or snowmelt. A big one, too. Here's how to make 'em work together. I love the Superstitions and I'm glad you do to. Hitting the road from Dallas to Houston, or vice versa? 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. According to Arizona Highways, Weavers Needle is named after Paulino Weaver, a famed mountain man, scout, trapper and miner.. RV or tent camp right in the park, and wake up to killer views of those red cliffs. Backpacking in the Supes is a one-of-a-kind experience. It was definitely an adventure for the books. It was breathtaking from the very beginning. I only brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt enough. Not to mention the opportunity for off-trail exploration, too be sure to pick up a Superstition Wilderness trails map to help you navigate. You can see my stats and route on the Strava link here: https://www.strava.com/activities/8545950069 MaybeCat PeaksTrailin the nearby Usery Mountains is right for you. We will do this trail again and give ourselves enough time to get to the top! Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. If you ever have company from out-of-state, this hike will give them the perfect dose of the desert. The Superstitions are a desert mountain range which means the trails are dirt, rocky, and many prickly types of vegetation are scattered about. At the southwest end of the foothills of the mountains, the Superstition Mountain Museum offers exhibits that educate folks about the rich history of Arizona, starting with the story of the Apaches. But after a few miles of uphill hiking, youll find yourself walking amongst the trees. Is the Dutchmans Lost Gold Mine real? Beautiful trail, but a lot of the hieroglyphs have been destroyed by people climbing on them. At the sign for the Black Mesa Trail is where youll spot the remains of ancient ruins. If it's a little to hot for an open air hike, meander intoSiphon Draw Trail! Distance: 12.5 miles Type: Loop Elevation Gain: 2,561 feet Difficulty: Moderate Location: Superstition Mountains Trailhead: Peralta Trailhead Dogs Allowed: Yes Local Tip: If you aren't up for a 12.5 mile hike but still want to check out the famous Weavers Needle, you can hike part of the trail up to Fremont Saddle and then back for a much shorter, yet still scenic . This means the hike is 24 miles, not 19, so be careful of that. View 10291 E Rimrock Loop, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 property records for FREE including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. Why you should go: Sip fresh spring water and enjoy some petroglyphs. Archaeologists claim the petroglyphs date back to 900 A.D when the Hohokam people inhabited the area. Just be sure to look but not touch so the petroglyphs stay intact for future visitors. Only about 4,000 elevation gain because we didnt do the final peak. For all the Arizona waterfall lovers, this ones for you. Starting at the Pass Mountain Trailhead, head east on the trail for 0.6 miles, then follow the Cat Peaks junction right. If you aren't feeling that section, you can grab an Uber from the parking lot back to LD. To stay on this loop hike, go left here. Parker Pass is a great option. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 2021Outdoor Project. Whether you come for a weekend or stay for the week, Sedona and the surrounding area boast some great camping opportunities. About Lost Dutchman State Park. Check out our review of the 5 best women's day packs of 2018. I enjoyed the hike. A nice walk, certainly not challenging. The lo. Its easy to miss a turn and to follow the trail along the wash. Scrambling, scree, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus! It can be as straightforward or as sporadic as you want. Once you are there, relax, marvel at the views and nibble on the snacks you packed. The AllTrails map helped a lot, and there was service most of time. Horses on the side of the road, good parking, very rocky trail, moments of shade. Trail could use some more cairns and/or arrows. 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. Followed the stream for the first half of the hike. Anyone who has hiked in the Supes knows that the terrain is unique in a harsh way. You may even catch some climbers top roping the Praying Hands rock formation. Photographs 11 views of the trail and the Superstition Mountains. Went around 2pm on a weekend. But, its also humbling. 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. Far from your average vacation or weekend getaway, Apache Trail may have had its travel challenges way back when, but is now a welcoming slew of fun points around every turn, ready to be discovered. 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. Why you should go: Springtime wildflowers and craggy rock formations. There are three springs on this trail, two of which will require a little bit of navigation but will be necessary if you decide to turn this into an overnight trip. $37.13. Picture 1 of 1. There are some cairns and its nearly impossible to get lost, but we are going to leave it up to our pals over at HikeArizona to do the navigation honors. Bri Cossavella is a freelance writer for Territory Supply. Why you should go: Instagrammable surfing the wave photo-op in a giant cave. It was not overly busy and most of the trail was clearly marked. Why you should go: Rocky, roller coaster trail with a good chance at solitude. Theres history on this hike. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. What happened to the Salado people, and their rich culture that filled the mountains for centuries before they disappeared? The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. Just be prepared for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the creek to get to the waterfall. Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. Crystal Sibson Second Water Trail to Hackberry Springs Loop is a 5.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail in Arizona's Superstition Wilderness. For every moment you push yourself on this hike, youll have another moment soaking up spectacular views. Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles. This creek is prone to flash flooding, so do not enter if its raining, or if there is a chance of rain. Treasure Loop Trail 56. 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. I thought we were lost lol. Good hike, trail was in good shape. 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. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Superstition Mountain Hiking: Peralta Canyon Trail Elevation Gain- 1400 feet (427 meters) Trail Type- Go and Return Distance- 4.5 Miles (7.24 km) Difficulty Rating- Moderate to Difficult 5 Stars Pets- Yes The Peralta Canyon Trail is very popular because of the stunning scenery found along its route. A favorite spot in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and prickly pear margaritas! If you're quiet, you may be able to see big horned rams/sheep that are pretty cool. You also agree to the storing of cookies on The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. 11 Best Places to Go Camping Near Water in Arizona, The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Phoenix, Arizona. 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. Although much of the history of Tortilla Flat has been lost to time, tourists all along the Apache Trail find the charming little town warm and inviting for a much-deserved break to stretch their legs. This trail, in particular, keeps me humbled and healed. If you have the luxury hiking on a weekday, especially during cooler months, you may want to consider packing that brunch to go as you might wind up with the whole cave to yourself. You can do this the other way around, too. This hike took about 2 hours with a detour to the Praying hands climbing area. Hogs & Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm. Well never know exactly why they etched these pictures perhaps artistic purposes, or to tell stories, or to symbolize tribal societies and ways of life. Beautiful views starting miles back in the car. Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Wonder if theres a way to edit this and add it back in.. Live out history for yourself in Goldfield Ghost Town. Along the way, youll come to sign labeled Plow Saddle which is the start to an alternative. To Superior. Parents should be aware that the trail is narrow in places and traverses some steep slopes. It may be wise to have a map and GPS as well. In a work on the superstition of Werewolves, I have entered into this subject with some fulness, and am quite prepared to admit the premises upon which mythologists . Along the way, you'll get to explore the history and natural beauty of the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. Why you should go: A potpourri of Superstition grandeur. There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page. Summer days may offer unforgiving heat or violent thunderstorms. In the beginning, the towering western face of the Supes stares back at you. Just 15 miles up the trail from Apache Junction, the lake offers scenic red canyons surrounding bright waters, inviting you to boat, ski, fish, or just take it all in. We parked in the camping area lot (which is where the directions take you). If Flatiron isnt enough for you, weve got you covered with this hike. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. Download the AllTrails map and follow the cairns. I am in fairly good shape and I was winded nearly the entire time from the midpoint all the way to the top . Over the next century, his confidant and thousands of other determined parties have searched for the gold only to come up empty. For travel in the Superstition Wilderness, we recommend the Superstition Wilderness, Arizona map published by Beartooth Maps of Montana.The map is . FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. And there is nary a crowd to be found. Be careful, I had good tread and still slipped a few times. Yes, this excruciatingly steep hike is a heart-pumper, but its rewarding as can be and still worthwhile if you choose to only go to the end of the Siphon Draw Trail section. Parking very tight even on a Friday morning. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. This trail does get you closer to the unique spire formations of the Praying Hands. At Gold Canyon, resort packages of all kinds are available to meet any kind of needs, including plenty of golf. Before you know it, youll be surrounded by the canyon walls in all their glory. This stop on the Apache gives you a breath of a fresh air in a wide open and beautiful area. Here, you have the chance to tour the authentic gold mine and the town that once boomed before it sadly died out when the mine dried up. The Treasure Loop Hiking Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Lost Dutchman State Park. Look out for epic views of Weavers Needle, too. But the worst part is that whoever made the route just drew a straight line over a cliff. 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! Just remember, this is the desert. However, they said it was the last time they would allow me to pick the trail. One of the hardest treks in the Supes, the Ridgeline isnt for the meek or uninitiated. With lower congestion than some of the shorter, easier hikes in the area, you can get a quiet experience in this beautiful desert landscape. For Rent. Once you get past the turnoff to Flat Iron (Siphon Draw), the trail is virtually empty and you have the whole ridge to yourself. The mileage on AllTrails is completely incorrect though the route was around 15.7 miles for me. Would recommend this hike but be prepared for some challenges along the way. Timing is everything. However, the Apache people also inhabited the area and the Peraltas mining activity did not go unnoticed. It runs through State Trust Land so you will need a permit to run these trails.. Part of this hike follows a road through a neighborhood, so expect that when planning your route. Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). Only saw about 5 people total along the ridge. It's a spectacular hike with stunning views, and the ridgeline is always tons of fun with very few people once you get away from Flat Iron. 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. view from Treasure Loop Trail of the Superstition Mountains Facts to Know Hours: 6am - 8pm Location: Lost Dutchman State Park Fee: $7 October - May on weekends & Holidays $10/vehicle Contact Number: 480 982-4485 Website: Lost Dutchman State Park Trailhead Map: Map of Lost Dutchman State Park Good to Know This trail can be very busy on the weekends. When dealing with such a hike, footing can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots. This hike is shorter than the north side, too, by 3 miles. With incredible landmarks such asWeaver's Needle, years of fascinating history abouthidden treasure, lost mines, death, and new development,this area has attracted visitors from all over the worldfor centuries. Loreah Winlow Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. This is a particularly good hike after a rain. There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. Goldfield offers ziplining, live gunfight reenactments, and a narrow gauge railroad you can ride. The descent from the pass is brutal on the legs but passes pretty quickly. Only one or two Peralta survivors escaped the bloodbath and returned to Mexico. From the Cholla parking area, it is a short walk to the Saguaro parking area to complete the loop. This hike dubs its name from a huge, wave-shaped boulder projecting out of the cave floor. Additional info: Reavis Ranch (Via 109 South). Get a permit to be here! The trail begins across the street from the Canyon Lake Marina parking. This is a family friendly hike. Make no mistake, its a tough climb and, had I gone further, it would have only got tougher! When he died, he took the location of the mine to his grave. This is just one option. I had excellent hiking shoes and did not slip even one time. Next time I'll try to make it to the waterfall! Hiking is fun. But dont let my misstep dissuade you from giving it a go. Was busy the day we visited and parking was a challenge. Maybe Im late in the game, but I was very impressed with this idea. Youll be fine! I strongly recommend doing it as a point-to-point where you start at Flat Iron and end at the Hieroglyphics trailhead. Great short hike. Only a small part of the town remains, but what's left is distinctly authentic Old West. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. This melting pot eventually grew into what archeologists now call the Salado culture. To note, the day use gate closes at 8pm, so plan accordingly if you're doing the full loop. This was an epic, long hike that I thoroughly enjoyed. The turn off is a little ways past Lost Dutchman State Park. However, in the beginning, my friends and I had no idea what we were in for. Taken from the First Water trail access road : r/arizona by fatalifeaten Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with a little frosting. It presents an adventure for rock climbers, too, some of which have even camped out at the top. Trail conditions vary from fair to very poor. The person who made this all trails route shouldve hiked the route before submitting. The 20 hikes we offer in our guide are just a starting point to the hundreds of different trails, routes and loop options available to Supes hikers. site is used. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. It's this ruggedness that makes them so beautiful, but also what's made them so hard for travelers to navigate throughout history. Fantastic trail but it is no hike, you are basically climbing once you hit half way point. 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. 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. Stopped for lunch near the wave cave. The elevation gain is also gradual. Day hikes can turn into backpacking trips, and vice versa. Directions: Lost Dutchman TH: Drive east from Phoenix on U.S. Highway 60. Free shipping. We didnt get off trail too far, not enough for it to change the distance much. The route you choose will also determine the difficulty and length. While solitude isnt always in the cards on the Peralta Trail, it does offer a journey through a mystical canyon and a desert wonderland even the drive to the trailhead feels like a gift. It's time to go beyond. This is a counterclockwise loop that meanders around a formation known as the Miners Needle in the Superstition Wilderness, with views of mountains and Sonoran desert. The view was incredible and it was not busy at all because we went on a Wednesday afternoon. Explore Superstition Mountain Trails - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. The area is known for lore about lost mines and ghost towns, and the museum will spark more curiosity about these mysteries. The summer heat is unforgiving and is mercilesson unprepared visitors. 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. From Ma Ha Tauk Trail, turn left to proceed to Crosscut Trail. From LDSP, the trail begins flat and slowly starts to rise. Really fun route. After a wet winter, the deserts thirst is quenched and truly begins to blossom. Then, after a few switchbacks, youre there. A bit of trail navigation may be necessary. This hike offersspectacular scenery andmoderate difficulty for a great day hike option during the fall, winter, and spring months. TRAILHEAD: First Water Trailhead, Apache Junction DIFFICULTY: moderate DISTANCE: 10.41 Mile Loop APPROX. The town, population six, is Arizona's smallest "community," with a post office as well as a voter's precinct. policy linked to above. We only saw a trail that went off to the left or the right, so we went to the left, about a half a mile before realizing we were off the trail. This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. Don't let that discourage you, though! To start this trek, youll park at First Water trailhead. AllTrails says 19.2 miles with 4,767 feet of gain. Here's our guide to conquering Apache Trail. 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