Day 1: We enter the Superstitions via the Peralta trailhead and hike a full day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring. Myths and legends run wild in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. When planning a hike to the Superstition Mountains, it is important to bring the essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Each trailhead is marked as a hiker, and the description lets you know which hike begins from that trailhead. The majority of the hike is flat up until you reach the base of the cave. 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. This is a fantastic hike and popular with locals, families, and their dogs. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Likewise, it may be chilly in the morning, but it can heat up during the day and be dreadful. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. MLS # I have been adventuring in the Superstition Mountains for about five years now after I moved to Mesa, Arizona. Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack Mens The backdrop of our golf course communities in Arizona was recently recognized asone of the 11 most beautiful hikes in the worldby Architectural Digest. 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! 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 . Covering Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley . great views of superstition mountain & the lush green fairways & desert. Carry at least two (2) liters of water with you for the duration of your hike, and plan for additional hydration breaks if necessary. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Recent wildfire damage has left spots of charred cholla and scarred saguaros, but expansive views of the Goldfield Mountains, Superstition ridgeline, the Flatiron and iconic Weavers Needle remain as breathtaking as ever. If you begin early enough in the day it is possible you'll have . For those of us with a more adventurous spirit, the Sonoran Desert and specifically one of its best kept secrets the Superstition Mountains offers an amazing labyrinth through which to explore mother nature. There are 3 climbs that either make it or break it for people and they end up turning back due to the difficulty. Writing to you for a possible route and a guide book you would recommend for the area. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. 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! All Rights Reserved, All Superstition Mountain listings on Realtor.com, one of the 11 most beautiful hikes in the world. The mountain is also said to be home to a variety of supernatural creatures and forces, such as the Lost Dutchman, the Apache Devil, and the Witch of the Superstition. $445,000 Last Sold Price. There is gold in the mountains, but the Lost Dutchmans Mine has never been found since the Dutchman died. No, you cant drive in the mountains. Group of backpackers on the Bluff Springs trail. Hosting magical waterfalls, deep canyons, steep cliff edges, and unique rock formations, this wilderness is the perfect destination for hiking, backpacking, and even rock climbing. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. Finally, there is the Witch of the Superstition. Your email address will not be published. Superstition Mountains are located in Tonto National Forest. This trail has some unique rock structures. Experts believe the Superstition Mountains were formed more than 18 million years ago by volcanic activity. Located within an hour of Phoenix, they are just close enough to be convenient, yet their ruggedness keeps the crowds away. Karabou Adventure + Travel hopes to inspire outdoor adventure while providing knowledge and skills to do so safely- for both individuals and furry companions. Battleship mountain may be named for its resemblance to an ocean vessel, but the climb can be described as a battle of its own. 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. With its dramatic landscape, beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, Superstition Mountain is truly an amazing place to explore. His passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when he was in the US Navy and experienced many different countries and cultures. The Wave Cave is a prefect day trip from Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tucson. For many Valley hikers, climbing Flatiron is an essential adventure. Bring layers of clothing, including a hat and sunglasses. If your question is not answered in this post then send me an email. One of my favorite spots in Arizona is the Superstition Mountains. Overview. Its rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. If youre looking for a great beginner hike in the Superstition Mountains, Treasure Loop is a the perfect choice. You will see Hoodoo rock formations, a slick rock basin with possible waterfall, which provides a great workout and awesome photography. Since the Superstition Mountains are in the Sonoran Desert, finding water is one of the key challenges during a hike. Bring snacks and a meal to ensure that you stay energized and nourished. Thank you. Superstition Mountain is home to a long-standing Native American legend, which tells of a lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden in the mountain. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The terrain is rocky and can be slippery in some areas. 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. I picked 3 quality brands with 100% guaranteed packs at moderate price points that come with a manufacturers warranty. But when it does snow or rain youll want to be ready to rush on over to Massacre Falls and catch the waterfall in action. This is a great hike for beginners. Getty Images/iStockphoto. This trail is quite challenging, with many steep climbs and rocky terrain. If you time it right youll get to witness a magical waterfall within the Superstition Mountains. 6. Gila monsters, coyote, ring tail cats, bobcats, hawks, and a variety of lizards are the most often spotted animals. Second, explore a variety of plant and animal life. Its a moderate hike with plenty of incline leads to the Fremont Saddle which overlooks Weavers Needle truly a unique sight to see! Most backpackers should be able to get a good fit with these packs. The Superstition Mountains, located east of the Phoenix metropolitan area, are a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. 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. Between 25 and 15 million years ago the craggy backcountry was a roiling cauldron of molten rock and white-hot ash that eventually collapsed on itself, forming a series of depressions called calderas. Respect the environment and keep the area clean by packing out any trash. By Samantha Berlin On 1/27/22 at 5:35 PM EST. When they run out of water or get disoriented, the wheels fall off pretty quickly and thats when things turn ugly. When looking for best Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Peralta trailhead is often at the top of the list due to its stunning views and accessibility to all abilities. Youll climb all of the elevation at once to reach the entrance but it isnt anything to strenuous and no scrambling is involved. You can download my tracks for each of these Superstition Mountain hikesand gain access to my library of all tracked hikes. The Superstition Mountains are public lands. I was originally born in Indiana but my family moved us down here for a better life. From Fremont Saddle (the hike listed above) you can continue along Peralta Trail to connect other trails and create an entire loop around Weavers Needle which I like to call Weavers Needle Loop. Golden Vista Resort. All Rights Reserved. A total of 23 custom home sites make up Montana Dorada which is located adjacent to the Superstition Mountain Country Club. Local Guide To Wave Cave- The Superstitions Hidden Gem, Toms Thumb Trail in Scottsdale, AZ- all you need to know, Hike Pinnacle Peak Trail in Pinnacle Peak Park, Scottsdale, Ultimate Picacho Peak Hike Guide via The Hunter Trail, Visit the Old West Town of Tortilla Flat, Arizona, 5 Of The Best Sedona Caves And How To Find Them, Hiking with dogs- 10 essentials you should pack, How To See Grand Falls (Chocolate Falls) Flowing, How to Hike to Humphreys Peak- Arizonas Tallest Peak, A Day Trip to the Arizona Meteor Crater National Landmar, Big Horn Canyon in Escalante- a must see dog friendly slot canyon, Hiking Sunrise Mountain Trail in Peoria, AZ, How To Spend One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park, Conquering Three Sisters Summit In The Superstition Mountains. Length: 4.6 mi Est. Thank You loved The article have been looking for some good trails at the Superstition Mountains going to give some of them a tryWith my hiking Buddies. The Hieroglyphic Trail is a 3-mile hike located in Gold Canyon, Arizona, which is about 40 minutes east of Phoenix. The parking lot is small so I suggest beginning Wave Cave for sunrise. This loop below shows part of the system we use, the Dutchmans and Terrapin trails. We reveal who found the mine and the legend behind it over the campfire each night. The mountains are located less than an hour's drive away from both Phoenix and Scottsdale. A lot of people hike the Superstition Mountains to look for the legendary lost Dutchman's gold . by Hadley House Co. $529.99. 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" We do not climb Superstition Mountain. Know where you are going ahead of time and always have a way to keep yourself on trail. They all have adjustable shoulder harness systems and have the features you need. 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. So, a mountain hike to a cave is a pretty cool hike to do in Arizona. 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. Flashlight: A flashlight can be used to find your way in the dark. It does not store any personal data. A hiker . Peralta Trail is another favorite of mine, also in Gold Canyon. 3 Popular Superstition Mountain Hiking Trails . Broadway Cave features a massive entrance that opens up to the valley beyond. It is said that a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz discovered a vast amount of gold in the area and buried it in the mountain somewhere. A small pool of water is created at the base of the falls and is extremely cold but refreshing! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The mountains have had various names including, The Crooked Top Mountains, Thunder Mountain and Mountains of Foam. Local Native Americans were described as superstitious about the mountain which lead farmers in the area to christen the mountains with their current name in the 1860s. Scottsdale As many Arizona cities look for ways to reduce water use by its residents, the City of Scottsdale has a . . Stay on the marked trails and avoid taking shortcuts. A major geological upheaval notwithstanding, the slow-burn erosion and superficial smudges incurred regularly on the Second Water Trail are barely perceivable over a single human lifetime. . The average day of hiking is 8 miles.
With more than 140 miles of well-developed trails, and more than 100 miles of unmarked trails, the Superstition Wilderness Area is a hikers dream. Do not disturb any of the wildlife, as some of the animals in this area are protected by law. Superstition Mountain Museum. Then you can explore the trails right from your campsite. So, put on your hiking boots and explore the beauty and mystery of Superstition Mountain. How long is the Superstition Mountains hike? You cant choose wrong! Dont forget to bring plenty of water for this exposed trail. Depending on the season, you'll see not only gorgeous desert vegetation but also wildlife. One of the easier trails because the surrounding area is so flat, the Treasure Loop Trail is still excellent. Towering cliffs and giant hoodoos on the ridge line almost look like landscapes from the Lord of the Rings movies. The Siphon Draw trail gains 2,500 feet over 3 miles before it reaches the top of Flat Iron (gulp). More:Here's a fun, flower-filled springtime hike near Phoenix that just about anyone can do. If youre looking for a base camp to stay at, reserve your camping spot ahead of time here. 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. One of the most iconic hikes within the Superstition Mountains is the Wave Cave. Thank you for sharing. The trail swings by the junctions for Black Mesa and Hackberry Spring trails, which may be used to build longer loop hikes. You'll find that the temperatures during this time are more comfortable and typically less than 100 degrees. Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Close by is the, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: An Adventure Playground in SoCal, Best Tours in Belize: Book with Barefoot Services, Book your Adventure Tours in the Balkans with Outdoor Kosovo, Best Adventure Tours in Sardinia: Go Trekking and 44 Off-Roading, Discover the Best Hidden Gems of Montenegro, 10 Hidden Gems in Iceland for Adventure-Seekers. Day hikes are the most common activity, but for the more adventurous, backpacking and camping are preferred. Genre. For reference- if it is 85 degrees or hotter, I would be extremely cautious about embarking on an all day hike. You wont regret the early wakeup call because youll have the perfect view of the sun rising while you sit on the wave. Water is the key element for survival in the area when overnight backpacking in the Superstition Mountains. Read the full trail guide: Massacre Falls | A magical waterfall in Phoenixs Superstition Mountains. A large portion of Arizonas history lives within this mysterious mountain range. Check the weather forecast, as the conditions can often change quickly in the desert. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Saguaro cacti and rock formations in the Superstitions along the Bluff Springs trail. The area boasts many hiking trails and offers unparalleled views of Phoenix and the surrounding area. It is pretty accessible from Phoenix. 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. Day 2: We hike through a remote part of the Superstitions to Second Water Spring and spend another night under the stars. 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. 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. Spectacular hillside lots with views of the Superstition Mountain and desert. Gaining notoriety for men disappearing, the Spanish named them the Superstition Mountains. Flatiron is popular because it overlooks the Superstitions to the north and east and the city of Phoenix to the west. Turn left and follow Idaho to SR 88, turn right and continue to First Water Road (Forest Road 78), which is about a half mile past the entrance to Lost Dutchman State Park and is signed for First Water Trailhead. Superstition Mountain also encompasses a guard-gated master-planned community with custom home lots, elegant estates, and luxury villas. My name is Kevin Antol. Share This. 5. The Apache Trail is a scenic road winding its way through the Superstition Mountains. REI size and color availability good ($199.95), Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack Womens The trail is relatively easy and offers some of the best views of the area. Kevin Antol grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. As you traverse the trails, keep your eyes open for wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, and mule deer. Emergency Supplies: Include items such as a whistle, a fire starter, and a signal mirror. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You gain just under 3,000 feet of elevation, most of which is in the last 1 mile of the trail. Publication Year. We do not complete the loop below, but instead camp at Second Water Spring. The iconic Saguaro Cactus punctuates the mountain slopes as do a cornucopia of other succulents. This trail is perfect for day hikers, as some of the best views are within the first 3 miles! Superstition Mountain is a great place to go hiking and explore. PLUS, Usery Pass Regional Park & many hiking trails are within walking distance, adventure awaits! Unlock your dream home - Contact our real estate team TODAY! Dimensions . Turn right and go 2.6 miles to the trailhead.