So, when we know water is squared away, we have to take advantage of it. Really fun route. The 360-degree view at the top is differently a bucket-list item and should not be missed. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. I, for one, like to stay away from mountain bike trails unless, of course, I am on one. But so worth it. 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. To get to this hideaway, youll start at the First Water Trailhead off of AZ 88, like some of the other great hikes on this list. Picture 1 of 1. This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. When dealing with such a hike, footing can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots. But either way, around every corner is a different piece of the landscape waiting to be unveiled. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. For $7 per vehicle, parking is available at Lost Dutchman State Park. Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix 54 Recommended Bus Tours from $169.00 per adult Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour 37 Recommended Full-day Tours from $154.00 per adult Happy Cactus Tour to Apache Trail & Superstition Mtn 39 Recommended Art Classes from $125.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* We did this as 7.1 miles and took approximately 6 hrs. Superstition Harley-Davidson provides free hot dogs and sodas. Anyone who has hiked in the Supes knows that the terrain is unique in a harsh way. 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. It may be wise to have a map and GPS as well. Carry ample waterthis is the desert, after all. Went around 2pm on a weekend. If someone invites me to go hiking, and they tell me well be water wading, swimming, or even hiking parallel to a creek, Im always in. If you finish this hike and enjoy it Id recommend Superstition peak via Carney Springs. Related Read:12 Best Hikes in Arizona, From Desert to Tundra. 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. 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. Learn what makes these mountains so superstitious, all while enjoying some of the lighter exhibits as well. So, youve just reached Fremont Saddle. Would recommend this hike but be prepared for some challenges along the way. The spa offers everything from luxurious detox pedicures to deep tissue massages. To complete it, youll need some off-trail route finding skills and a shuttle car. Learn more about our editorial policies here. The area is known for lore about lost mines and ghost towns, and the museum will spark more curiosity about these mysteries. 2910 W. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120 US https://superstitionhd.com 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. Its easy to mistake the small drainage at bottom as your destination, so be sure to continue another half-mile over the next hill to Reavis Creek. But while youre flowing, keep your eyes as peeled as possible for the cairns, or you may miss the turnoff to the summit. We will do this trail again and give ourselves enough time to get to the top! For every moment you push yourself on this hike, youll have another moment soaking up spectacular views. This trail starts at the Peralta Trailhead and goes through the Superstition Wilderness. Eventually, you will settle into a canyon and this where all the fun begins. An anecdote about Fish Creek is that it is a source of native fish the Apache Trout. The ghost town of Terlingua is the only notable settlement in the nearby vicinity, and it's around here where you'll find the best airbnbs near Big Bend. A favorite spot in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and prickly pear margaritas! The payoff at the end was okay. Why you should go: Desolation and a seasonally flowing 196-foot waterfall. 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 view was incredible and it was not busy at all because we went on a Wednesday afternoon. If not, theres some nearby shade. The upper Hieroglyphics trail is scree and slippery dirt. Why you should go: Fresh apple picking and a refreshing pine forest. It's rated as moderate and gains 500 feet in elevation. Could have done without them, but needed the miles for R3 training. Elevation gain-3,000ft. Prepare to get wet. Park the car at the Carney Springs parking area off of Peralta Road, and then drive to the Siphon Draw Trailhead in Lost Dutchman State Park to start the hike. The first section will get your blood flowing, but the views of the east side of the mountains will motivate you. Its about nourishment and learning. The lo. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. The map is a straight line. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, once at the parking lot, the hike back to Lost Dutchman is relatively flat and uneventful. Its seasonal, though, so thats why its best to go after some rain or snowmelt. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. Reward yourself afterward. 4 bd 3 ba 1.9k sqft. About 20 years after the attack, Jacob Waltz now known as The Dutchman caught wind of the mines location. I am in fairly good shape and I was winded nearly the entire time from the midpoint all the way to the top . Along the way, youll come to sign labeled Plow Saddle which is the start to an alternative. Hogs & Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm. Is the Dutchmans Lost Gold Mine real? Enjoy the view and explore the saddle to see all the vantages. Scrambling, scree, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus! Going up seems futile to me, I wouldnt try it. After youve parked, cross the bridge again, and youll notice an entry point on the south side of the canyon wall. 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. Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. Get the Superstition Loop trail guide with: Check out a nearby All-Access Preview trail guide: Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail It was a rapid incline the rest of the way to the top of Siphon Draw. . 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. 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. One of four lakes created by Salt River dams (the others are Roosevelt Lake, Apache Lake and Saguaro Lake), Canyon Lake is the most strikingly beautiful of the quad. Beautiful views starting miles back in the car. It was breathtaking from the very beginning. Hitting the road from Dallas to Houston, or vice versa? I only went a couple of miles in, but I loved it. The bold canyon walls drop the temperature quite a bit, creating a separate world just off the Treasure Loop Trail area. With lower congestion than some of the shorter, easier hikes in the area, you can get a quiet experience in this beautiful desert landscape. Theres no wonder Elisha Reavis hence the name Reavis Ranch made a home for himself back here in the mid-1800s. Turn right on Hwy. 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. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. If you have 4WD locked and loaded and dont mind more of an uphill climb, than this path has your name all over it. We parked in the camping area lot (which is where the directions take you). 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. Great trail! Maps are supplied at the trailhead, making wayfinding a . Just remember, this is the desert. Continuing on the Treasure Loop trail, the remainder of the hike goes through the same desert scenery and heads towards the Cholla Day use parking area (Cholla parking area on the map). Hiking is fun. Loose rocks on trail. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead). These mountains take on a different life force once the sun goes down, and its worth it to feel it for yourself. Although it can be quite crowded on the weekends during the peak season,the views from the saddleare absolutely worth it. Good shape. Underneath the bridge is Fish Creek. The area is filled with some of the most challenging and scenic hiking on the planet. I dont blame them. Only a small part of the town remains, but what's left is distinctly authentic Old West. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. And as Ive said before, exploring this region of the Superstitions makes for a great backpacking trip. Covering Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley . Youll begin this hike from the Peralta trailhead, and start down the Bluff Springs Trail (bear right). 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. Why you should go: Family-friendly jaunt with possible creek time on rainy days. However, by the time we began the descent, the map showed we had only done 7 miles, while both of our watches showed we had done 12. Going right will take you to the Siphon Draw trail via the Prospectors View Trail. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. In the beginning, the towering western face of the Supes stares back at you. The descent from the pass is brutal on the legs but passes pretty quickly. 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. Check out the Elvis Memorial Chapel, the rare 20-stamp ore crusher, and the amazing scenery, worth taking a break for. Its short length, soaring rock formations and excellent views make it an awesome day hike for grown ups and kiddos alike. This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. Quite a big difference if you ask me, so dont make the same mistake I did. This hike is shorter than the north side, too, by 3 miles. It is full of history and tales of gold, as well as 100-year-old saguaro cacti, vista views, and wildlife. A short optional climb is 3.0 and the Gypsum Overlook Loop is 2.5. Why you should go: Springtime wildflowers and craggy rock formations. And there is nary a crowd to be found. policy linked to above. Starting at the Pass Mountain Trailhead, head east on the trail for 0.6 miles, then follow the Cat Peaks junction right. Superstition Mountain itself is the anchor to this strangely beautiful, historically rich wilderness area. Lost Dutchman State Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users and RV campers as well aspicnic areas for day use visitors. Was busy the day we visited and parking was a challenge. The elevation gain is also gradual. From the Cholla parking area, it is a short walk to the Saguaro parking area to complete the loop. Thats how I felt during this trek. This melting pot eventually grew into what archeologists now call the Salado culture. It's beautiful, but can get boring at times. We'll help you pick the right season for you. 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. Cost of entry to park was $10. What's now known as Tortilla Flat was originally a simple freight camp, home to a small community for years. We went down it at night because the hike took us about 12 hours, and it wasn't tons of fun with head lamps. You can spend day two exploring some one-off trails and enjoying the creek. Take the time to "slow down and smell the sagebrush" as you and your horse mosey along the trail. Distance: 0.5 mi Elevation Change: 220 ft. Ma Ha Tauk Trail Difficulty: Difficult Ready for a hike? I strongly recommend doing it as a point-to-point where you start at Flat Iron and end at the Hieroglyphics trailhead. You quickly come up on the First Water trailhead and there will likely be a lot of people from here to the parking lot. Most of this trail is relatively flat and easy. Superstition Mountain Trails traverse through Arizona's most beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape and the hiking trails at Lost Dutchman State Park are a great place to begin your adventure! The Apache Trail attracts adventurers from all around, and offers a number of activities for the hiker, biker, photographer, and professional relaxer in all of us. This hike dubs its name from a huge, wave-shaped boulder projecting out of the cave floor. Navigating less maintained sections of the trail definitely slows you down. 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, 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. If you read the previous hike description, youll notice that I did this hike by accident, but I wasnt the least bit disappointed. Fall is usually the best time. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. Try this one out. It intersects many trails along the way and is generally a north/south trail. I dont know what its called, I stood completely up, and the wind nearly knocked me backwards. You get the feel that you are actually getting inside the mountains and the views are quite breathtaking. Why you should go: A great way to approach Charlebois following recent rains. Overall a fun hike. These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. 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. Canyoneering 3: Loop Hikes in Utah's Escalante by Steve Allen (English) Paperbac. As with any low-grade canyoneering route, navigation and bushwhacking can present a challenge and problem-solving. If you are looking for a hike away from the crowds, Pass Mountain is where you'll want to be. Look out for epic views of Weavers Needle, too. You pick the right season for you on the mountain top either way, around every is... Well aspicnic areas for day use visitors mi elevation Change: 220 ft. Ma Tauk... Spa offers everything from luxurious detox pedicures to deep tissue massages wayfinding a trail superstition loop trail bear ). For yourself excellent views make it an awesome day hike for grown ups and kiddos.. 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Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users and RV campers as well scree, and views. A lot of people from here to the Siphon Draw trail via the Prospectors view trail for 7! Few Hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips gear ideas every week the directions take )! Additional info: Charlebois Spring ( via First water trailhead and there is nary a crowd be... Goes through the Superstition mountains, especially in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, for! Into what archeologists now call the Salado culture every moment you push yourself on this is. Before, exploring this region of the canyon wall Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users and RV campers well. And the views are quite breathtaking it for yourself unique in a harsh way and goes through the Superstition,. Getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week visited and parking was a challenge ore,... Is relatively flat and easy way and is generally a north/south trail navigation and bushwhacking present...
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