Thank you to whoever did that! I did this at the beginning of Feb and it was a lovely and challenging day hike!! Why you should go: An old windmill, an abandoned corral, an oasis in the desert! Then, after a few switchbacks, youre there. Give yourself plenty of time, have fun, and stay safe. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. After years of movement, thousands of people of all different cultures found themselves settled in the Tonto Basin. There is a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. The map is a straight line. What's now known as Tortilla Flat was originally a simple freight camp, home to a small community for years. View is great, would definitely do again! Learn what makes these mountains so superstitious, all while enjoying some of the lighter exhibits as well. Our first comes from Aravaipa Ambassador Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote mountains and canyons across Arizona. I started near hieroglyphics instead. All things considered, Id have rather just doubled back on the ridge and descended back down Flatiron, as I didnt enjoy the descent and the rest of the loop was quite monotonous and unspectacular compared to the ridge hiking. 88; and drive approximately 3 miles to the entry of the Lost Dutchman State Park; (entrance fees are charged). The AllTrails trail starts at the Flat Iron trailhead. A few huge cattle along the way. As other said, the parking lot fills up really fast so you will need to get there early to get a spot or just be patient and wait people come and go all the time. The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-run-51ecca3--2?p=-1. Very busy, but fun and just the right amount of challenge. Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. Remember to bring extra water, comfortable shoes, and a hat. We hike regularly and are fit. The hike described is 2.5 miles for the loop hike described. Goldfield offers ziplining, live gunfight reenactments, and a narrow gauge railroad you can ride. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. There is a handful of parking spots on the other side of the bridge, but on a busy weekend, parking may be more difficult to come by. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. According to Arizona Highways, Weavers Needle is named after Paulino Weaver, a famed mountain man, scout, trapper and miner.. Seen in: Arizona, Arizona Hiking, Hike, Southwest. This might deem a good turn around point for some, or you can keep on trekking. A little bit of up and down, but not much total elevation change. 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. Pay attention to the cairns and don't get confused by the wash- you should be on a real trail for most of the way down. Do keep in mind that it gets very steep towards the top and I wouldnt consider this an easy hike. This was longer then 5.5 miles. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. I went up Flat Iron, did the entire ridgeline, then doubled back about a mile from the last peak to go down the descent that connects to the Hieroglyphics trails, as shown on the AllTrails map. Only saw about 5 people total along the ridge. The climbing will peak at Green Boulder where it splits to the left or right (JCT 2L on the map). Superstition Mountain itself is the anchor to this strangely beautiful, historically rich wilderness area. For Rent. Easy Jeep trails that take you to an abandoned gypsum mine and also quite close to the Superstition Mountains. 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. Very muddy and the creek is higher than expected with recent rains. We did not do the boring loop part. I . Imagining the sunset on the evening of a full moon, and also catching the sunrise, left me speechless. Now for the review - the ridge part of the hike is epic. The trail up to the ridge is a great scramble, the ridge views are amazing and hopping down flat iron is grade A fun! We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. When dealing with such a hike, footing can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots. All rights reserved. Wonder if theres a way to edit this and add it back in.. Once in the canyon, this is where navigation gets complex. 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. Like walking into a desert forest. If you look around closely, you may even find pieces of pottery (look but leave them where they lay). 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. Over the next century, his confidant and thousands of other determined parties have searched for the gold only to come up empty. The real treat of this hike is the impressive up close views of the Superstition mountains and Apache Junction framed in the desert. I watched so many people slipping and falling in their tennis shoes. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for brunch kind of hike you can conquer it within a few hours. 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. The elevation gain is also gradual. Lots of scrambling. Itll make you work, but also give you spots to rest, and the best part is there is hardly anyone around. To start this trek, youll park at First Water trailhead. Our only option was to just keep hiking, and eventually we wound up back at the car. Loreah Winlow Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Well worth the hike. For one, when its overcast and/or raining, the desert is radiating in color and life. Note: the distance and elevation may vary dependent upon the distance you choose to travel. Parents should be aware that the trail is narrow in places and traverses some steep slopes. Hogs & Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm. Really fun route. You will pass Jacob's Crosscut trail #58 (JCT 1ST on the map), continue on the Treasure Loop trail by going straight. Starting at the Pass Mountain Trailhead, head east on the trail for 0.6 miles, then follow the Cat Peaks junction right. This is just one option. Why you should go: Get a dose of cave therapy. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. For travel in the Superstition Wilderness, we recommend the Superstition Wilderness, Arizona map published by Beartooth Maps of Montana.The map is . Unless you want to go for the long haul, I talk about that hike next! I love the Superstitions and I'm glad you do to. Wear hiking books. Walking along the ridge from flatiron to start of superstition is stunning and unique among the hikes Ive done around Phoenix. If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. All were saying is, please be careful and do not attempt this on a rainy day. Mostly easygoing until about the end where its straight up and through boulders. The lo. 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. If you are going with someone and have two cars, I would park one in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. First few miles is a steep ascent with a lot of bouldering and scrambling. However, for accuracy sake there are dozens of maintained trails in the Sups longer than the Pass Mountain loop, which along with Cat's Peak, is actually in Usery Park. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." 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. You have to walk along houses at the end which is a bummer. It's still one of the best ways through the Superstitions. Whiskey Spring Trail 238. We didnt get off trail too far, not enough for it to change the distance much. The Cave Trail-Peralta Loop is a moderately strenuous day hike through some of the most spectacular and best-known terrain of Arizona's Superstition Wilderness. The area is known for lore about lost mines and ghost towns, and the museum will spark more curiosity about these mysteries. latest trail conditions. She is a Phoenix-based journalist with five years of writing and editing experience. I only brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt enough. The summer months are not the ideal time to hike in these places but you will be just fine visiting. Very nice trail, easy to follow just go left when you get to the fence about half of a mile into the hike. This is another great hike for families, pups and beginner hikers. 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. Be careful, I had good tread and still slipped a few times. Ran out with 6 miles to go. 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. There are about 3 walls that I would say are some very basic bouldering but its nothing absurd. The rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden canyons. Looking for a fairly gentle hike just a bit of umph? Look for the hieroglyphs on the left. Start early if you can, it helps to avoid the crowds, especially in the narrow corridor stretches. 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. A couple notes to level-set expectations: We had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was. Click to enlarge. This 160,000-acre wilderness area contains over 170 miles of trails traversing the Sonoran Desert. To complete it, youll need some off-trail route finding skills and a shuttle car. Theres no wonder Elisha Reavis hence the name Reavis Ranch made a home for himself back here in the mid-1800s. The route is over open slopes bearing a few bushes, saguaro and other cacti, soon reaching a nice viewpoint over the lake, the canyon and the Apache Trail to the east, winding over the hills towards Tortilla Flat. From LDSP, the trail begins flat and slowly starts to rise. If you ever have company from out-of-state, this hike will give them the perfect dose of the desert. To Payson. 1. Going down was very steep and lots of scree. If you want a real challenge, pound in your tent stakes and head over to Peralta Hiking Trail to climb up to the top of the Superstitions. Views are spectacular, start early like 4:30am or do a 2 day. The town, population six, is Arizona's smallest "community," with a post office as well as a voter's precinct. It can be as straightforward or as sporadic as you want. Superstition Mountains hike: Second Water Trail Length: 7 miles round trip. 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. Photographs 11 views of the trail and the Superstition Mountains. The Hiker's Guide to the Superstition Wildernessdescribes this as a "day hike" of about 6.5 hours in length. Hiking in a clockwise direction means an uphill start and downhill finish but travelling in either direction is permitted. Got there around 830 or 9 on a friday, there were a few people when we started, not too bad though. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. 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. 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