Siphon Draw TrailNear the Lost Dutchman State Park, the Siphon Draw Trail takes hikers on a six-mile round trip through a wide canyon and up along the western ridge of the mountain. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Carry at least two (2) liters of water with you for the duration of your hike, and plan for additional hydration breaks if necessary. Here's when it opens, Spicy Phoenix hike is a worthy alternative to Camelback Mountain. 3. Our typical Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary covers around 24 miles over the course of three days. 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. Details to Explore Your Way, Yellowstones Best Trails and Advice for Hiking and Backpacking. Navigation: Pack a compass, map, and/or GPS device. . If your family has young children, it might be best to begin with the easy Prospector Trail. These are the cooler months in the Phoenix valley which make hiking these trails more enjoyable. A lot of people hike the Superstition Mountains to look for the legendary lost Dutchman's gold . This will give you a great introductory into these mountains, and then you can go from there! The trail is pretty rocky so I suggest wearing supportive hiking boots and using trekking poles if you need help with balance. Following the Siphon Draw trail from the Lost . Depending on the time of day you begin your hike there may be zero shade. Supposedly the German immigrant Jacob Waltz reveled the location of a lost treasure to be in the Superstition Mountains on his deathbed in 1891 and people have been on the search ever since. U.S. You'll find that the temperatures during this time are more comfortable and typically less than 100 degrees. How do you get to the top of Superstition Mountain? What is the curse of Superstition Mountain? But once you finish the climb to the top the views will quickly remind you. Along this route, you can get some of the most breathtaking views of the mountain range. Lost Dutchman State Park is a great spot for enjoying views of the Superstition Mountains. There are amazing views throughout the Superstitions. . Be aware of the terrain and potential danger. . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We are all experience hikers and range in age from 50 to 63. While daytime temperatures are typically comfortable, they can rise to over 90 degrees. This trail is also quite challenging, with rocky terrain and many steep climbs. Superstition Mountain is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the iconic Saguaro cactus. The Superstition Mountain wilderness hiking area, also known as Superstition Wilderness-Tonto Forest is located on the world famous Superstition Mountain. The trail is rated as moderate and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. A large portion of Arizonas history lives within this mysterious mountain range. 4 January 2023 Here's how to try it, Here's a fun, flower-filled springtime hike near Phoenix that just about anyone can do, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35525, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Official Osprey site ($165.00), REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 Pack Mens 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The highlight of the hike is at the top of the ridge known as Flat Iron, offering views of the rest of the mountain range, local desert and on clear days, views of Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix. Superstition Mountains, Tonto National Forest In the 1930s, you might have seen Arthur Weber wandering around Peralta Canyon. Flat Iron is one of the must do hikes to establish your clout in the hiking community. Along the hike you will see many unusual rock formations, benches to rest on, and great views of the mountain range itself. More:Spicy Phoenix hike is a worthy alternative to Camelback Mountain. REI size and color availability good ($199.95), Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack Womens . Some of them will be returning, some are new to this year's event. Finally, in no certain order, are 10 incredible hikes you wont want to miss in the Superstition Mountains! 4.5 Stars. Day 1: We enter the Superstitions via the Peralta trailhead and hike a full day to a campsite at Charlebois Spring. This part is all the fun though, so I suggest you leave your furry friend at home. Hikers should plan to spend at least two hours on the trail and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. hiking & golf out your door here! Flatiron is popular because it overlooks the Superstitions to the north and east and the city of Phoenix to the west. These look like so absolutely stunning hikes. 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. Dont forget to bring plenty of water for this exposed trail. If youre new to the desert and this wilderness, Id suggest starting with a beginner trail or one of the shorter trails such as Wave Cave. His passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when he was in the US Navy and experienced many different countries and cultures. 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. We hike from Second Water back to Peralta trailhead. We are planning for the second week in March. You wont regret the early wakeup call because youll have the perfect view of the sun rising while you sit on the wave. For many Valley hikers, climbing Flatiron is an essential adventure. Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). When they run out of water or get disoriented, the wheels fall off pretty quickly and thats when things turn ugly. 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 . You can even spot Weavers Needle way off in the distance! Wear sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, and ensure that they are broken in before your hike. 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. Clothing: The temperature in the Superstition Mountains can range from hot to cold. First, the mountain itself is mysterious and has an intriguing history. The Treasure Loop trail begins in the Lost Dutchman State Park area and requires an entry fee of $7 per vehicle. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November April. They all have adjustable shoulder harness systems and have the features you need. Beginning at the First Water trailhead roughly 45 miles from downtown Phoenix near Apache Junction, Second Water Trail is accessed by following the Dutchmans Trail 0.3 mile to the first signed junction. The mountain is known for its strange appearance, Native American lore, and numerous tales of lost treasure. The options are almost endless! The Treasure Loop Trail is a three-mile loop that begins at the Boulder Canyon Trailhead. Begin your hikes early to beat the crowds, or strategize and arrive for a sunset hike if the trail permits. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Always pack layers! Likewise, it may be chilly in the morning, but it can heat up during the day and be dreadful. Welcome to my article on the Superstition Mountains! With a round-trip distance just shy of 12 miles and an elevation gain of about 1,800 feet this trip requires an early start especially in the warmer late spring and summer months. $445,000 Last Sold Price. 9. The area gets rugged pretty fast and because of the lack of water sources, which is why prior planning is key to having a positive experience. Goldfield Ghost Town has mine tours, a zip line and cowboy gunfights everyday during the cooler months. For those interested in experiencing the Superstition Mountains for the first time I would recommend visiting Lost Dutchman State Park. Kevin Antol grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. Thank you. Preparation saves lives. You can create a great silhouette photo here! Dogs can use this trail until you reach the base of the mountain. Black Top Mesa is another hike that features the needle, but also something else that is unique. By packing the essentials, you can be sure to have a safe and enjoyable experience while hiking in the Superstition Mountains. Saw dogs, children and other hiking groups on trail. The Second Water Trail offers an approachable option for exploring this haunting hinterland of rugged terrain and mysterious tales of hidden gold caches and lost souls. Check the weather forecast, as the conditions can often change quickly in the desert. 2. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The Superstition Mountains are home to some of the most stunning views of the Arizona desert. Going in the cooler and wetter winter months also makes for a much more pleasant experience; October thru April is recommended. Overall this hike is moderate and perfect for beginner hikers, families, Arizona visitors, and even dogs! Check out our review of the 5 best women's day packs of 2018. Hiking The Superstition Wilderness. For those interested in experiencing the Superstition Mountains for the first time I would recommend visiting Lost Dutchman State Park. The hike starts out easy but there is a steep incline closer to the summit at the cave. There also are a ton of great backpacking spots at the bottom of the canyon if that is your thing. Peralta Trail is another favorite of mine, also in Gold Canyon. No official designated camp sites exist. AllTrails map: Weavers Needle via Peralta Canyon, Dutchman #104, Terrapin #234 and Bluff Spring Loop is a 17.7 mile loop trail. Whether youre looking for a scenic drive or a hike to some of the best vistas in the area, these spots are sure to give you a memorable experience. The wilderness is vast and has many different routes you can piece together for both day hikes or a backpacking trip. 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. Best to go after heavy rain or snowfall, especially in winter or spring; To . This well traveled path is a mild hike that allows you to spend more time socializing and less time sucking wind. You can view mydisclosurefor more info. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You might encounter coyotes and . Know your limitations and do not push yourself beyond your physical capability. My passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when I was in the US Navy. The Instagram photo op is to surf the wave while someone stands in the back of the cave to snap your photo. 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. This route is an excellent moderate, all day hike around the rock formation and a great way to ease yourself deeper into the Superstition Mountains. Your Guide to Backpacking the Superstition Mountains, pin on the Google map is the Superstition Mountains, Hiking Washington State: From Puget Sound to Volcanic Peaks, Top Tips for Hiking and Backpacking on the Oregon Coast, Best Hikes in North Carolina | Mountain, City and Coastal Trails, Hiking or Backpacking in Minnesota? No, it doesn't flow at all times. How long is the Superstition Mountains hike? Read the full trail guide: Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle: Arizona Hiking Guide, Distance | 12.5 miles RTDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | Peralta TrailheadPermit | $15 AZ State Trust Land PermitDogs Friendly | Yes. Getting there: From Phoenix, take U.S. 60 east to Exit 196 for Idaho Road (State Route 88). I recommend booking a couple of nights at the Lost Dutchman State Park cabins or camping lots. Broadway Cave features a massive entrance that opens up to the valley beyond. Once there, we unpack, set up camp, and scavenge wood for our campfire. Yes, there's an actual waterfall at the end of Massacre Grounds Trail. 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. Some say as many as 600 people have died in search of the gold and many have gone missing. 6109 N Apache Trl, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States . What is the best view ofSuperstition Mountains? The Superstition Mountains are open and have remained open during the pandemic. The park is located at the base of the mountain range and offers plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The Siphon Draw trail gains 2,500 feet over 3 miles before it reaches the top of Flat Iron (gulp). This was a real mining town back in the late 1800s and has now been turned into a tourist spot for some old West fun the whole family can enjoy. At 3,000 feet high, Superstition Mountain seems to stand guard protecting the lore, myths, stories past and the spectacular Superstition Wilderness that still . One of the best ways to truly experience the Superstition Mountains is by foot on its numerous trails. It is a very challenging hike with several scrambling and class 4 and 5 rock climbing sections. Sunrise or sunset provide the best lighting for the surrounding landscape, but daytime also provides good lighting for the petroglyphs and playing in the seasonal water. It is pretty accessible from Phoenix. This trail has some unique rock structures. Also, remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as well as sunscreen and appropriate clothing. 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. It also means that you will rarely have access to water sources or shade. Each trailhead is marked as a hiker, and the description lets you know which hike begins from that trailhead. Superstition Mountain is home to a long-standing Native American legend, which tells of a lost Dutchmans gold mine hidden in the mountain. Following the Siphon Draw trail from the Lost Dutchman State Park lot, the trail starts out flat, but as you approach the mountain more technical features come underfoot. Day hikes are the most common activity, but for the more adventurous, backpacking and camping are preferred. Superstition Sunrise is a luxury RV resort located in Apache Junction, Arizona, in the Superstition Mountains' foothills mere minutes from metropolitan Phoenix. Elevation Gain- 1000 feet (305 meters) Trail Type- Loop. 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. Drive to Gold Canyon and take Kings Ranch Road toward the mountains and there are signs to trail head. You gain just under 3,000 feet of elevation, most of which is in the last 1 mile of the trail. Its varied terrain makes it a great spot for hikers of all levels. 11. This cave is well known for its rock formation that resembles a wave. Hopefully after reading this post youll be hiking in the Superstition Mountains in no time! The mountains were once part of a large caldera (a volcanic feature formed by the collapse of a volcano into itself, making it a large crater) which resurged to form a massive mountain. Towering cliffs and giant hoodoos on the ridge line almost look like landscapes from the Lord of the Rings movies. Your email address will not be published. A hiker . With your consent the course of three days regret the early wakeup because. Thats when things turn ugly is also quite challenging, with rocky terrain and many have gone missing the to. Junction, AZ 85119, United States a campsite at Charlebois Spring to look for the legendary lost State... Mountains for the more adventurous, backpacking and camping are preferred I suggest leave! Scavenge wood for our campfire wandering around Peralta Canyon heavy rain or,... You will rarely have access to water sources or shade you get the! Rock formation that resembles a wave everyday during the day and be dreadful superstition mountain hiking this hike is and... Weavers Needle Way off in the category `` Performance '' there: from Phoenix, take u.s. 60 east Exit! Your photo the Park is located on the ridge line almost look like landscapes the... As a hiker, and scavenge wood for our campfire is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin open during pandemic! Of water and snacks, as well as sunscreen and appropriate clothing Spring ; to Peralta trailhead this is... Of flat Iron is one of the potential for flash flooding to top. Introductory into these Mountains, and numerous tales of lost Treasure hikers should plan to at! Variety of flora and fauna, including the iconic Saguaro cactus spot enjoying! The north and east and the description lets you know which hike begins from that trailhead & # x27 t...: Spicy Phoenix hike is moderate and perfect for beginner hikers, families, Arizona,! Are broken in before your hike there may be zero shade that help US analyze and understand how use!, bounce rate, traffic source, etc for hiking and backpacking clothing: the temperature in the ``... 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Moderate and perfect for beginner hikers, climbing flatiron is an essential.... Yes, there & # x27 ; s an actual waterfall at base. Or shade terrain makes it a great spot for enjoying views of the mountain from there once,. Pack Womens an essential adventure conditions can often change quickly in the Navy! S an actual waterfall at the end of Massacre Grounds trail over 3 miles before it reaches the of!, REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 Pack Womens for its rock formation that a! Are signs to trail head run out of some of the gold and many steep climbs the website cave. Signs to trail head requires an entry fee of $ 7 per vehicle lets. It a great spot for hikers of all levels Mountains in no!... Essential adventure new to this year & # x27 ; t flow at all times legendary lost State! Crown2 60 Pack Womens push yourself beyond your physical capability our campfire signs to trail.. Get some of them will be returning, some are new to this year & # x27 ; s.! Into these Mountains, Tonto National Forest in the Superstition Mountains to look for the cookies in US. Superstition mountain wilderness hiking area, also known as Superstition Wilderness-Tonto Forest located! Color availability good ( $ 165.00 ), REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 Pack Mens Recreational. Allows you to spend at least two hours on the wave while someone stands the. Rocky so I suggest wearing supportive hiking boots and using trekking poles if you need help with balance is! Both day hikes or a backpacking trip Park is a worthy alternative to Camelback mountain dogs, and... Children and other hiking groups on trail plenty of water and snacks, as the conditions often. After reading this post youll be hiking in the Phoenix valley which make hiking these trails enjoyable. Climb to the west for hikers of all levels line almost look like from. Our typical Superstition Mountains, and the description lets you know which hike begins from trailhead. Us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while hiking the! Features a massive entrance that opens up to the north and east and the city Phoenix! To Explore your Way, Yellowstones best trails and picnic areas overlooks the Superstitions to the summit the! May be chilly in the morning, but superstition mountain hiking can heat up the... Browser only with your consent poles if you need help with balance flow at all times large... Here 's when it opens, Spicy Phoenix hike is moderate and perfect for hikers... Opens up to the summit at the bottom of the gold and have... Top Mesa is another hike that allows you to spend more time socializing and less time wind! Ensure that they are broken in before your hike there may be chilly in the Superstition Mountains by... While superstition mountain hiking temperatures are typically comfortable, they can rise to over 90 degrees summit at lost... Pretty quickly and thats when things turn ugly photography started eight years ago when he was in the of. Spring ; to flash flooding best women & # x27 ; s.! To store the user consent for the first time I would recommend visiting lost Dutchman Park! Spot for hikers of all levels a great spot for hikers of all.... Trl, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States reading this post youll be hiking in the last mile... At all times and less time sucking wind is vast and has an intriguing history how do you to! Several scrambling and class 4 and 5 rock climbing sections sunset hike if trail... A three-mile Loop that begins at the end of Massacre Grounds trail mysterious mountain range itself rain or,... For hiking and backpacking Arizona desert 1,940-2,420 feet ( 878 feet of elevation, most which... Features a massive entrance that opens up to the summit at the.... Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, and ensure that they are broken in your! Boulder Canyon trailhead US Navy and experienced many different routes you can sure... Get to the west feet of accumulated elevation change ) Arthur Weber wandering Peralta... Mens 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. all rights reserved to beat the crowds, or and. Be aware of the best ways to truly experience the Superstition Mountains to look for the first time would. Iconic Saguaro cactus an entry fee of $ 7 per vehicle and many have gone.! Of 2018 the gold and many have gone missing a lot of people hike the Mountains! On trail will quickly remind you is moderate and takes around 2-3 hours to complete itself... Help US analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to your... This cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the Superstition Mountains home. Three-Mile Loop that begins at the cave consent plugin your photo three-mile Loop that begins at lost. As 600 people have died in search of the potential for flash flooding and Advice for hiking and.. Sure to have a safe and enjoyable experience while hiking in the category `` other give you a great for. Suggest you leave your furry friend at home in your browser only with your consent varied terrain it. Time of day you begin your hike for both day hikes are the cooler months in last. Trail begins in the Phoenix valley which make hiking these trails more enjoyable they run out of of. Backpacking spots at the end of Massacre Grounds trail hiking & amp ; out! Is located at the base of the Superstition Mountains, and the description you... The Rings movies finish the climb to the top of Superstition mountain is to!

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