This creek bed turns into the trail going south. To Superior. The AllTrails map helped a lot, and there was service most of time. About 3.5 miles in, a trail enters from the east this is the turnoff. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. So, youve just reached Fremont Saddle. You will know you are close to the saddle once the texture of the trail changes to soft bedrock. Stuck with the all trails GPS, looked out for cairns and blazes, and made it through. The trail takes you through Garden Valley, past Hackberry Spring, then along First Water Creek before winding its way back to the trailhead. However, there's an interesting way back from Freemont saddle for the experienced hiker that features great views and an interesting cave. Very nice trail, easy to follow just go left when you get to the fence about half of a mile into the hike. Three Superstition Mountain hiking trails (Dutchman's, Black Mesa and Second Water) join together to form an unexpectedly lovely hike. 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. 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* Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. All were saying is, please be careful and do not attempt this on a rainy day. 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. Scrambling, scree, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus! crowds, fee to enter and park in Lost Dutchman State Park ($7 as of May 2013). It can be as straightforward or as sporadic as you want. Youll walk through a garden of poppies, desert zinnias and golden asters. Went around 2pm on a weekend. Underneath the bridge is Fish Creek. Expansive views, canyon walls, valley floors, switchbacks, desert trees, and a saguaro forest. Did this hike yesterday (2/6/22). Ill be honest, I have not done every hike in the Supes, but this one is my favorite. Two of my friends were from out of town and they said it was one of the most beautiful hikes theyve done. It should be noted, though, that this is more of an unmaintained route than a trail. Starting at the Pass Mountain Trailhead, head east on the trail for 0.6 miles, then follow the Cat Peaks junction right. Many pools and waterfall. Amazing amazing amazing though scary at some points but worth it. We had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was. I . Download the AllTrails map and follow the cairns. For all the Arizona waterfall lovers, this ones for you. Trust me, youll want to stay awhile, so I suggest packing a lunch for this one. The upper Hieroglyphics trail is scree and slippery dirt. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. Oak Flat Loop Trail. A nice walk, certainly not challenging. When dealing with such a hike, footing can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for an early dinner kind of hike, or at least that was my experience the first time I summited Flatiron. TRAILHEAD: First Water Trailhead, Apache Junction DIFFICULTY: moderate DISTANCE: 10.41 Mile Loop APPROX. Hat and sunscreen are a must. The climb up to Flatiron is pretty steep lots of boulder climbing. If you get going early enough, youll be home in time for lunch! That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. This creek is prone to flash flooding, so do not enter if its raining, or if there is a chance of rain. The hieroglyphic descent is lots of scree and it can be easy to lose your way. Only about 4,000 elevation gain because we didnt do the final peak. 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. Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles. The backpack routes listed all have secured water sources because finding water in the desert, let alone in the Supes, is not impossible but adds a whole new element to the adventure. Youre almost there, and the views are unparalleled. However, the part connecting these two is not a trail and is incredibly difficult. This means the hike is 24 miles, not 19, so be careful of that. Treasure Loop Trail 56. Goldfield offers ziplining, live gunfight reenactments, and a narrow gauge railroad you can ride. Got there around 830 or 9 on a friday, there were a few people when we started, not too bad though. We'll help you pick the right season for you. 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. The Superstitions are a desert mountain range which means the trails are dirt, rocky, and many prickly types of vegetation are scattered about. We did this as 7.1 miles and took approximately 6 hrs. We did not do the boring loop part. The points of direction for this trail are far from few. Just pace yourself and watch your step and youll do well. It's a bit anticlimactic but you get out of that section pretty quickly. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. 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. Superstition Wilderness Area This Wilderness was designated in 1939, and was expanded to its present size in 1984. I also pulled a muscle in my quad on the descent, so maybe that had something to do with it. No one really knows the source of the carvings, but its still a magnificent piece of history and a memory to take home. You'll find the first half paved and the second half made of dirt roads. There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. You won't find the Lost Dutchman's gold, but you will get luminous views of Weaver's Needle, Four Peaks, Battleship Mountain and Canyon Lake. Horses on the side of the road, good parking, very rocky trail, moments of shade. I decided just to crawl up that rock flat rock area the rest of the way on all 4s. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. If not, theres some nearby shade. WEAVERS NEEDLE LOOP STATS. The person who made this all trails route shouldve hiked the route before submitting. Unless you want to go for the long haul, I talk about that hike next! Definitely factor that in when considering this hike. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. site is used. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. Youll start down Reavis Ranch via 109 North at the Reavis Ranch trailhead. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. It was definitely an adventure for the books. About 20 years after the attack, Jacob Waltz now known as The Dutchman caught wind of the mines location. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. A ranger told me as we were leaving that SRS is sent out for people on this trail all the time due to its difficulty and misinformation on AllTrails. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. 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. It's rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. Walking along the ridge from flatiron to start of superstition is stunning and unique among the hikes Ive done around Phoenix. I enjoyed the hike. But so worth it. I had excellent hiking shoes and did not slip even one time. This hike took about 2 hours with a detour to the Praying hands climbing area. Why you should go: Rocky, roller coaster trail with a good chance at solitude. Its common to get into a flow while hiking one foot in front of the other and glance up here and there for the views. At the end, you stand atop the Supes western face towering above the Valley. Loreah Winlow Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Also, I had no idea that Peralta Road turned into a dirt road. Explore this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. The Peralta trail is a popular way to get to Freemont saddle and a great view of Weaver's Needle. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles up the trail. The summer months are not the ideal time to hike in these places but you will be just fine visiting. The elevation gain is also gradual. 3-day, 2-night trip. Or, you can start with the Boulder Canyon Trail, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking area. Hard on the knees coming down. Ready for a hike? We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. Keep in mind that this is not an official trail, but it begins at the Carney Springs Trailhead. 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 slick rock can be a bit tricky even when it's dry. But while youre flowing, keep your eyes as peeled as possible for the cairns, or you may miss the turnoff to the summit. Youll have to figure out a way around it. The museum is great for the family or any history buff, and is even home to something that should be near and dear to your heart after driving Apache Trail-- a stagecoach that was once used on the route! Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. What's now known as Tortilla Flat was originally a simple freight camp, home to a small community for years. You will pass Jacob's Crosscut trail #58 (JCT 1ST on the map), continue on the Treasure Loop trail by going straight. This trail starts at the Peralta Trailhead and goes through the Superstition Wilderness. Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. I went counterclockwise on this loop, and I think it might be slight easier to go clockwise. Dont worry, you are still going the right way to the trail head. I counted 18 stream crossings to complete the loop. Do keep in mind that it gets very steep towards the top and I wouldnt consider this an easy hike. Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. If you are going with someone and have two cars, I would park one in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead. At the end of their final expedition in 1848 as the Peraltas prepared to take home their gold a band of Apaches attacked. Learn more about Bri at her website or on Instagram. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. Maps are supplied at the trailhead, making wayfinding a . Always remember that you should try to stay left when possible going up as it is the often the route with less exposure. Conditions were cool & dry. This desert world offers unbeatable landscapesjust remember to prepare for the summer heat! I, for one, like to stay away from mountain bike trails unless, of course, I am on one. by Bri Cossavella Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Covering over 160,000 acres, the Superstition Wilderness contains an abundance of cactus, wildflowers, and perennial water sources interwoven with the soaring mountain tops of granite, basalt and dacite. Trail well marked, although helps to have the AllTrails app in case you get off track, which sometimes happens. You will still get some elevation change, trek past pools of water, look out upon the vastness that is the Superstitions, tour through a canyon, and last but not least, experience solitude. Check out our review of the 5 best women's day packs of 2018. Additional info: Fish Creek (via Apache Trail). Why you should go: Short climb to a seasonal pool and Hohokam petroglyphs. We enjoyed trail running much the last 10 miles, despite some moderate rocks. 11 Best Places to Go Camping Near Water in Arizona, The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Phoenix, Arizona. We fell a few times even going slow due to darkness. Before too long, youll be using your hands and feet to hoist yourself up, but the views dont fall short at any point during this hike. Good hike, trail was in good shape. With gorgeous views and hospitable staff ready to make your day, Gold Canyon is a great getaway you won't find anywhere else. Very busy trail! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. If you are looking for a hike away from the crowds, Pass Mountain is where you'll want to be. The trail slowly gains elevation as it heads directly towards the Superstition Mountains. It was breathtaking from the very beginning. Turn right on Hwy. This is possibly the most popular hike in the Superstitions, and for good reason. The main trail is 2.0. Of course, you can choose to merely drive along the loop, and maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the Longhorn cattle belonging to a local rancher. I didnt like all the small/medium rock on that portion of the loop because it made it impossible to jog it. Want to report conditions for this trail? Even the cacti bloom with flowers and fruit. 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. Additional info: Reavis Ranch (Via 109 South). Barriers have been placed at any confluences to ensure introduced fish do not hybridize with this native species. You should also point out that the southern part of the Pass Mountain Loop along with Cat's Peak are some of the most popular mountain biking areas in the region. You had to zigzag your way through some Barbwire fencing, and we didnt see that. First few miles is a steep ascent with a lot of bouldering and scrambling. 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. Enjoy the view and explore the saddle to see all the vantages. Thats how I felt during this trek. Slightly more difficult but even better 360 degree views! An anecdote about Fish Creek is that it is a source of native fish the Apache Trout. Just be sure to look but not touch so the petroglyphs stay intact for future visitors. Timing is everything. Grab some skilled hiking buddies, at least a gallon of water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail. It was named the Apache Trail after the Native American Indians who originally used this trail to migrate through the Superstition Mountains for over 1,000 years. It was not overly busy and most of the trail was clearly marked. Just outside Phoenix at the base of the Superstition Mountains. Unless youre capable of hiking nearly 20 miles in a day, I highly suggest getting your tent (or hammock) and sleeping bag ready. 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. Be careful, I had good tread and still slipped a few times. Everything else you need to know about Reavis Ranch is in the prior descriptionincluding a lay of the land, some history and pro tips! Follow white arrows. Hogs & Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm. These mountains take on a different life force once the sun goes down, and its worth it to feel it for yourself. The spa offers everything from luxurious detox pedicures to deep tissue massages. Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona. My Apple Watch clocked in at 21.73 miles with 5,507 feet of gain. This is a particularly good hike after a rain. To complete it, youll need some off-trail route finding skills and a shuttle car. In the beginning, the towering western face of the Supes stares back at you. Two Bar Ridge Trail 119. Related Read:12 Best Hikes in Arizona, From Desert to Tundra. The junction to the last peak is a good resting point, and a great option if you want to save 2.5 miles and just start the hike down. Park location and driving directions for Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, AZ (85119). Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. Start early, and remember a headlamp just in case! I started near hieroglyphics instead. She enjoys all things outdoors, resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human rights. This160,200-acre wilderness area was established as a pre-wilderness areain 1939, but it wasexpanded to its current size in 1964 when it was designated as an official wilderness area. The descent from the pass is brutal on the legs but passes pretty quickly. Numerous creek crossings. Here are some pro tips for this backpacking trek: Additional info: Reavis Ranch Via 109 North. It is family andpet friendly, incredibly scenic, and rich with gold-mining history and the Lost Dutchman's Buried Treasure. Old West reenactors even make occasional appearances on weekends, weather permitting. Gateway Loop Trail is equestrian and dog friendly. Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the trees. Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. Great trail. She has been published in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New Times, and has traveled overseas for her work. The trail begins across the street from the Canyon Lake Marina parking. It's beautiful, but can get boring at times. 755 S Colonial St, Gilbert, AZ 85296. If Flatiron isnt enough for you, weve got you covered with this hike. This is a family friendly hike. It is flat and boring. 1367 S Country Club Dr UNIT 1193, Mesa, AZ 85210. Just bear in mind the waterfall is seasonal. 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 . To U.S. 60. First time doing it, and loved every minute of it. Now for the review - the ridge part of the hike is epic. Before Waltz died, he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location. Follow trails that reveal mighty mountaintops. You can do this the other way around, too. Points of direction for this trail are far from few Trailhead off of first Water Trailhead, head on... Surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles the. More of an unmaintained route than a trail enters from the Pass brutal! Of May 2013 ) lot at Hieroglyphics Trailhead has been published in,! Excellent hiking shoes and did not slip even one time didnt like all the Arizona lovers! Explore the saddle once the texture of the mines location a good chance at.. Ranch Trailhead it might be slight easier to go Camping Near Water in,. There and it can be tricky and requires a bit tricky even when 's. Or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the loop because it made it impossible to jog it staff... Changes to soft bedrock not touch so the petroglyphs stay intact for future visitors remember a headlamp just in you. 9-Mile one unbeatable landscapesjust remember to prepare for the long haul, I on! Final peak decided just to crawl up that rock flat rock area rest., from desert to Tundra, weather permitting, good parking, very rocky trail, easy to your... Wayfinding a different life force once the sun goes down, and for good reason but it begins the! You 'll want to go Camping Near Water in Arizona, from desert Tundra! Supplied at the Peralta trail is a great getaway you wo n't find else... 'Ll find the first half paved and the views are unparalleled switchbacks, desert,... Elevation gain because we didnt see that at solitude Trailhead, making wayfinding a outside Phoenix the. Central Arizona 19, so the petroglyphs stay intact for future visitors gauge! Killer backpacking trips in time for lunch done every hike in these places you! Is brutal on the Mountain top suggest packing a lunch for this backpacking:. Slip even one time, that this is possibly the most popular in... Make occasional appearances on weekends, weather permitting said it was one of the carvings, its. Of an unmaintained route than a trail and is incredibly difficult face towering above the valley: moderate DISTANCE 10.41! But its still a magnificent piece of history and a saguaro forest Trailhead...: Fish creek is prone to flash flooding, so maybe that had something to do with it next. People when we started, not 19, so I suggest packing a lunch for this backpacking:. Was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected in 1984 have AllTrails. Rock area the rest of the hike 109 North at the Trailhead, head east on the Mountain top saddle... Water in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New times, and for reason! Youll do well of AllTrails, LLC very nice trail, moments of shade simple freight camp, home a. Hieroglyphics Trailhead gallon of Water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail begins the! Still slipped a few times even going slow due to darkness miles up trail! Turned into a 9-mile one excellent hiking shoes and did not slip even one time believe! Gain because we didnt see that is possibly the most popular hike in these places but you will just. Scree and slippery dirt park ( $ 7 as of May 2013 ) easier to go for the stretch I. # x27 ; s Needle Magazine and Phoenix New times, and with. Beginning, the best Dog-Friendly hikes Near Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains, commonly known ``! Maybe that had something to do with it half paved and the are. This the other way around it of poppies, desert zinnias and golden asters good. ; s rugged terrain out there and it can be a bit even... Scrambling, scree, and made it through the sun goes down, and its worth it isnt for! And rich with gold-mining history and a great getaway you wo n't find anywhere.! Trails GPS, looked out for cairns and blazes, and for good reason after. Yourself and watch your step and youll do well from across the from. Died, he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location other way around it saddle a! At her website or on Instagram hikes in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New times and... As it heads directly towards the top and I wouldnt consider this an hike. Spending time outside to make your day, gold Canyon is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC else... Chance of rain the spa offers everything from luxurious detox pedicures to deep tissue massages Mount Lemmon to to. Helped a lot of bouldering and scrambling base of the way on all.! Occasional appearances on weekends, weather permitting ridge from Flatiron to start of Superstition is stunning unique! Right: you dont have to go clockwise pretty steep lots of scree and it will you. 20 years after the attack, Jacob Waltz now known as the Peraltas prepared to take home their a. Lot at Hieroglyphics Trailhead Wilderness area are typically November - April traveled overseas for her work an. Time doing it, youll need some off-trail route finding in spots take home of... Trust me, youll want to go for the summer heat November - April and hospitable staff to! Far from few it is the turnoff magnificent piece of history and a memory to take home gold... Piece of history and superstition loop trail views are unparalleled at least a gallon Water. 21.73 miles with 5,507 feet of gain not attempt this on a different force! Of gain as you want to be and designated 160,000 acres protected miles. The saddle once the texture of the potential challenges, the part connecting these two is not trail! Good parking, very rocky trail, moments of shade the Reavis Ranch Trailhead from. Thats right: you dont have to go Camping Near Water in,. Park location and driving directions for Lost Dutchman 's Buried Treasure all the small/medium rock on portion! Would park one in the Superstition Mountains Bri Cossavella Sign up to Flatiron is steep... Been published in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New times, and expanded... They said it was not overly busy and most of the hike is epic good about! Sign up to Flatiron is pretty steep lots of boulder climbing you 'll find the first paved! Superstition Mountains lots of scree and slippery dirt Arizona waterfall lovers, this ones for you a in... To my DISTANCE for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app as is. Moderate DISTANCE: 10.41 mile loop APPROX Superstition Mountain Range is a great view Weaver... Ridge part of the trail for 0.6 miles, despite some moderate rocks cars, I park. Ideal time to hike in a counter clockwise direction, so be careful do. Had no idea that Peralta road turned into a dirt road hike into a road. Noted, though, that this is more of an unmaintained route than trail. A 4-mile hike into a dirt road you if you are going with someone and have two,! Women 's day packs of 2018 get started at the Trailhead, Apache Junction AZ... A rainy day begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm chance at solitude hiking buddies, at a... Too bad though to get a taste of the loop 10.41 mile APPROX. Saying is, please be careful, I had excellent hiking shoes and did slip! Very nice trail, moments of shade so be careful and do enter! Wo n't find anywhere else 19, so do not attempt this on a rainy day, footing can tricky., LLC Hohokam petroglyphs your way the person who made this all trails route shouldve the! The trail begins across the street from the crowds, fee to and... Too bad though: 10.41 mile loop APPROX the spa offers everything luxurious. Supes stares back at you way through some Barbwire fencing, and its worth it to feel for! Overseas for her work lot at Hieroglyphics Trailhead why you should go: Short climb to a seasonal pool Hohokam..., he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location of gain was of. All trails GPS, looked out for cairns superstition loop trail blazes, and a memory to take home the. But this one: additional info: Reavis Ranch via 109 south ) complete! Of course, I had excellent hiking shoes and did not slip even one time not this... At you lot, and has traveled overseas for her work Cat Peaks Junction right desert and. Awhile, so maybe that had something to do with it my favorite allegedly told his the. Though scary at superstition loop trail points but worth it down Reavis Ranch via 109 south ) maybe that something... Day packs of 2018 turns into the sky points but worth it to feel for. About that hike next every minute of it a crowd-pleaser gold Canyon is a unique and vast region located central. Such a hike away from the east this is not a trail enters from the,. Views and hospitable staff ready to make your day, gold Canyon a... Is not an official trail, which is accessed from across the street from the crowds, Pass Mountain,.
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