You can learn more about our editorial policies here. If you do this hike during after recent rains, you can settle into the sounds of running water in the Draw. Challenge yourself if youre up to it. Legend has it the Peralta family originally from northern Mexico came to these mountains in search of gold in the 1840s. The ranch has a variety of dispersed camping, so take your pick. It may seem like youre lost in suburbia, but youll get there eventually. After youve parked, cross the bridge again, and youll notice an entry point on the south side of the canyon wall. Superstition Harley-Davidson provides free hot dogs and sodas. Once in the canyon, this is where navigation gets complex. But the toughest challenges also reap the best rewards, right? Just outside Phoenix at the base of the Superstition Mountains. Keep your eyes peeled during your visit, and you may even catch sight of a picturesque bighorn sheep perched atop the canyon! Just past the springs, there are also some pools of water, and camping spots are scattered at the base of Charlebois Canyon. Learn more about our editorial policies here. Superstition Wilderness Mesa Ranger District 5140 E. Ingram St. Mesa, Arizona 85205 480.610.3300 Monday-Friday: 8 am - noon | 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Trip Reports "This is a great alternative to hiking back on the Peralta Trail and I recommend it if you have the time. Here are sixof our favorite hikes! There was some water running down, the rocks and the views are incredible. Trail was in good shape and the weather was very nice today. This part of the trail is less crowded and presents an opportunity for some solitude and good views not seen from the main trail. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. But its nice and easy and the end view is beautiful. There is a creek, too, mind you. 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. 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. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. It's this ruggedness that makes them so beautiful, but also what's made them so hard for travelers to navigate throughout history. Additional info: Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle. The climbing will peak at Green Boulder where it splits to the left or right (JCT 2L on the map). Ready for a hike? However, the Apache people also inhabited the area and the Peraltas mining activity did not go unnoticed. Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). Why you should go: Fresh apple picking and a refreshing pine forest. RV or tent camp right in the park, and wake up to killer views of those red cliffs. But the worst part is that whoever made the route just drew a straight line over a cliff. . You can do this the other way around, too. The rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden canyons. 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. You can spend day two exploring some one-off trails and enjoying the creek. 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. The Treasure Loop Hiking Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Lost Dutchman State Park. Before Waltz died, he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location. Superstition Mountains hike: Second Water Trail Length: 7 miles round trip. But going up siphon draw was a blast! Unless you want to go for the long haul, I talk about that hike next! Most of this trail is relatively flat and easy. But dont let that turn you off from this hike you will most definitely get an incredible return on your investment. Youll begin this hike from the Peralta trailhead, and start down the Bluff Springs Trail (bear right). The rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden canyons. This trail has a magnetic pull because of the cave at the end, so I recommend the early start if you want to avoid the masses. 3. Carry ample waterthis is the desert, after all. It is agreat place to escape in the Superstition Wilderness! You won't too much solitude on this hike. Before you know it, youll be surrounded by the canyon walls in all their glory. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacularviews less than half amileup the trail. Note: the distance and elevation may vary dependent upon the distance you choose to travel. 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. We found hiking off the Apache trail (highway) more interesting. Going up seems futile to me, I wouldnt try it. Either way, its a fruitful hike all around but you could say that about every Supes hike! Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. Give yourself plenty of time, have fun, and stay safe. To Superior. Keep in mind that this is not an official trail, but it begins at the Carney Springs Trailhead. Loose rocks on trail. If you do take this trail, a good spot to turn around is the saddle between the spires. Its rich culture makes the trip that much more meaningful, and at each stop on the drive, there is something new to learn. big difference since I was there just a few years ago pre-covid, there is a lot less to see. No one really knows the source of the carvings, but its still a magnificent piece of history and a memory to take home. A favorite spot in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and prickly pear margaritas! Timing is everything. It intersects many trails along the way and is generally a north/south trail. We went down it at night because the hike took us about 12 hours, and it wasn't tons of fun with head lamps. Youll be fine! Similar to Battleship Mountain, navigation gets a little finicky in the river bed, so watch for cairns. Uphill to cave . Ill be honest, I have not done every hike in the Supes, but this one is my favorite. According to the legend, Waltz and his partner successfully extracted gold and supposedly hid a stash somewhere in the Superstition Mountains. There is no where to fill up along the route. The trail begins across the street from the Canyon Lake Marina parking. Spice things up with these fun stops. Cost of entry to park was $10. So, lets say you dont want to go as far as Charlebois Springs (previous hike) and youd like to bring the kids along, but you still want to explore the wonders of the western Supes. Its worth hanging out a few extra minutes to soak up the sights and sounds before continuing to Flatirons flat-topped summit. 2910 W. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120 US https://superstitionhd.com Wear hiking books. View is great, would definitely do again! If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. This hike is shorter than the north side, too, by 3 miles. Check out our review of the 5 best women's day packs of 2018. Recommend that you download the map. 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. site is used. When is the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park? For all the Supes veterans, give yourselves a pat on the back, because its rough out there. She has been published in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New Times, and has traveled overseas for her work. Conditions were cool & dry. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. The town, population six, is Arizona's smallest "community," with a post office as well as a voter's precinct. I hate it when that happens. Not to mention the opportunity for off-trail exploration, too be sure to pick up a Superstition Wilderness trails map to help you navigate. Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. We'll help you pick the right season for you. Or, you can start with the Boulder Canyon Trail, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking area. Learn More . We fell a few times even going slow due to darkness. Whether youre a zealous desert advocate or simply passing through central California, Death Valley is certainly one of the strangest National Parks out there and well worth a camping trip. When we left around 11 there was a line of cars waiting to park. Pretty populated with people. My phone died with 3 miles to go but completed around 20 miles in around 10 hours. I tracked my hike on Garmin, not AllTrails, so my map and stats dont show on here. Do recommend. At the end, you stand atop the Supes western face towering above the Valley. I dont blame them. Its easy to miss a turn and to follow the trail along the wash. Why you should go: An old windmill, an abandoned corral, an oasis in the desert! Folks from other States might assume that water is impossibly hard to find in Arizona, especially in the Sonoran Desert, and let alone the Superstition Wilderness. No snakes this time. 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. Follow trails that reveal mighty mountaintops. Top was windy and beautiful. Expansive views, canyon walls, valley floors, switchbacks, desert trees, and a saguaro forest. It has a 2,781-foot vertical ascent in only 3 miles, there are hardly any switchbacks, and there is some technical scrambling;this trail will be one you will never forget. Its not scorching and the apples are in season. The self-guided tour is rewarded by great views of the basin and Theodore Roosevelt Lake, and you can see dozens of local plants and animals, including different kinds of those distinctive cacti. crowds, fee to enter and park in Lost Dutchman State Park ($7 as of May 2013). Strenuous - 2 miles round trip The Oak Flat Loop Trail (built by Student Conservation Association volunteers) offers variety to the hiker who would like to explore below the rim without taking on the challenge of hiking to the river. A GPS download and a map will come in handy. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via Peralta trailhead). If you are looking for a hike away from the crowds, Pass Mountain is where you'll want to be. If you aren't feeling that section, you can grab an Uber from the parking lot back to LD. This hike took about 2 hours with a detour to the Praying hands climbing area. The spa offers everything from luxurious detox pedicures to deep tissue massages. Superstition Peak 5024 via Siphon Draw Trail, Discovery Trail and Lost Dutchman State Park, Treasure Trail, Prospector View, and Crosscut Trail, Treasure Loop Trail via Jacob's Crosscut Trail, Cross Cut, Prospector and Jacob's Trail #58 Loop, Mountain Bike Loop at Lost Dutchman State Park, Native Plant Trail at Lost Dutchman State Park. There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. 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. If you only have the afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through the rugged trails that lead to Tonto State Forest. Superstition Trail Rides 4.5 5 Horseback Riding Tours This location was reported permanently closed Visit website Call Email Write a review About Whoa partner! The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. Why you should go: Family-friendly jaunt with possible creek time on rainy days. Tons off cactus needles in me. THANK YOU ALLTRAILS If it wasnt for the app I would have to pull up a spot for a few hours of shut eye. 2. TRAILHEAD: First Water Trailhead, Apache Junction DIFFICULTY: moderate DISTANCE: 10.41 Mile Loop APPROX. The Peralta trail extends for miles beyond the saddle, where many people end their hike after getting the best views of Weaver's Needle, to create longer loops. Parking very tight even on a Friday morning. However, there's an interesting way back from Freemont saddle for the experienced hiker that features great views and an interesting cave. Youll have to figure out a way around it. Easy trail for all ages. 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. Eventually, youll descend into the riverbed (keep in mind that during the rainy season, or during storms, there is a high chance for flooding). A short optional climb is 3.0 and the Gypsum Overlook Loop is 2.5. Others have noted that as you continue on the north side of First Water Creek, a tunnel that leads to an old mine operation. Why you should go: Get a dose of cave therapy. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. But, its also humbling. But after a few miles of uphill hiking, youll find yourself walking amongst the trees. This might deem a good turn around point for some, or you can keep on trekking. . FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. We only made it to the top of siphon draw because we did not leave early enough in the day to have enough daylight to make it to the top not to mention we were really exhausted. This creek is prone to flash flooding, so do not enter if its raining, or if there is a chance of rain. The friendly and informative staff makes you feel as if you really are in a Wild West town, perfect for the curious traveler and families of all ages! Click to enlarge. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. It is more of a climb/scramble then a hike. Much easier. Why you should go: A potpourri of Superstition grandeur. Its about nourishment and learning. Numerous creek crossings. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. We hike regularly and are fit. But when the timing is right almost any given winter or early spring day the Supes satisfy nearly any craving for adventure and solitude. 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 Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-run-51ecca3--2?p=-1. Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. Amazing amazing amazing though scary at some points but worth it. The lower dwelling is open to the public, half a mile up a steep path, while the upper cliff can be accessed via guided tour only. If you have enough time, stay two nights. The turn off is a little ways past Lost Dutchman State Park. This was my second time on this hike. For every moment you push yourself on this hike, youll have another moment soaking up spectacular views. Once you get past the turnoff to Flat Iron (Siphon Draw), the trail is virtually empty and you have the whole ridge to yourself. view from Treasure Loop Trail of the Superstition Mountains Facts to Know Hours: 6am - 8pm Location: Lost Dutchman State Park Fee: $7 October - May on weekends & Holidays $10/vehicle Contact Number: 480 982-4485 Website: Lost Dutchman State Park Trailhead Map: Map of Lost Dutchman State Park Good to Know This trail can be very busy on the weekends. This was an awesome hike that took us about 2.5 hour because we missed the trail leading into the wave cave area. Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. This hike is reserved for the most experienced hikers physically and navigationally speaking. There is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area. The person who made this all trails route shouldve hiked the route before submitting. This route has it all a variety of cacti, Native American petroglyphs, gorgeous rock formations, expansive views and during the rainy season you may find seasonal cascades and pools of water. You will take the same approach as Charlebois, i.e. Got there around 830 or 9 on a friday, there were a few people when we started, not too bad though. The Cupertino City Council gave the go-ahead Sept. 17, 2019 for the design of the Regnart Creek Trail, allocating $2.1 million for the trail's design, plus $150,000 for landscaping and/or . Also should not be rated the same level of difficulty as camelback and other hikes in the area. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. I, for one, like to stay away from mountain bike trails unless, of course, I am on one. 3-day, 2-night trip. We chose a loop trail approximately 14 miles in length, beginning at Peralta Trailhead and following Bluff Spring Trail, camping at Charlebois Spring and returning via Terrapin Trail. 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. The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. Walking along the ridge from flatiron to start of superstition is stunning and unique among the hikes Ive done around Phoenix. However, most of this trail is exposed until then, so its not a great idea in the summer heat. But still worth the hike! Cool, sunny, and very windy. It was not clearly marked. TheFlatiron Trailis not for the faint of heart. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Picture 1 of 1. From AZ 88, or Apache Trail, you will eventually cross a bridge. 23-mile figure 8 loop trail. Parker Pass is a great option. The trail winds its way through the desert landscape with an unobstructed view of the mountains and has some wonderful campsites to pitch a tent for a night or even more. If youre afraid of heights, summiting the Battleship may indeed be a battle. This was an epic, long hike that I thoroughly enjoyed. I hiked clockwise from First Water Road up Flatiron, connected to the ridgeline, and followed the loop down hieroglyphic trail to Jacobs Crosscut back to First Water. If you're quiet, you may be able to see big horned rams/sheep that are pretty cool. 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. Although it can be quite crowded on the weekends during the peak season,the views from the saddleare absolutely worth it. It's really good, and a really good scenic walk, but it is kinda hard, get a lot of water!!! Hard on the knees coming down. This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. Great views after the fog cleared. I am in fairly good shape and I was winded nearly the entire time from the midpoint all the way to the top . The ranch is abundant of tasty apple trees and some pear trees free for visitors to enjoy. Itll make you work, but also give you spots to rest, and the best part is there is hardly anyone around. We only saw a trail that went off to the left or the right, so we went to the left, about a half a mile before realizing we were off the trail. Superstition Mountain Hiking: Peralta Canyon Trail Elevation Gain- 1400 feet (427 meters) Trail Type- Go and Return Distance- 4.5 Miles (7.24 km) Difficulty Rating- Moderate to Difficult 5 Stars Pets- Yes The Peralta Canyon Trail is very popular because of the stunning scenery found along its route. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. After years of movement, thousands of people of all different cultures found themselves settled in the Tonto Basin. Oh, and a feeling of fulfillment because you just trekked 9 miles through some tough terrain. One of the hardest treks in the Supes, the Ridgeline isnt for the meek or uninitiated. Good shape. Well never know exactly why they etched these pictures perhaps artistic purposes, or to tell stories, or to symbolize tribal societies and ways of life. This trail does get you closer to the unique spire formations of the Praying Hands. Luckily there were a bunch of cars parked off to the left, by some rope, and that was how we knew where the start of the trail head was. However, its also steeper. An anecdote about Fish Creek is that it is a source of native fish the Apache Trout. 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. 11 Best Places to Go Camping Near Water in Arizona, The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Phoenix, Arizona. At the sign for the Black Mesa Trail is where youll spot the remains of ancient ruins. This 20 mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 2,749 feet takes you to a unique destination: An apple orchid in an old Ranch site. . Worth a trip! Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." The off-trail aspect gives this one an especially adventurous flavor. Want to report conditions for this trail? The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. starting at First Water Trailhead and taking the Dutchmans Trail. Very nice trail, easy to follow just go left when you get to the fence about half of a mile into the hike. I believe in you. 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. Why you should go: An exposed adrenaline rush for adventurous souls. The AllTrails map helped a lot, and there was service most of time. Trail could use some more cairns and/or arrows. For all the Arizona waterfall lovers, this ones for you. At Exit 196, drive north 1 mile on Idaho Road to State Highway 88. Ran out with 6 miles to go. I went counterclockwise on this loop, and I think it might be slight easier to go clockwise. Followed the stream for the first half of the hike. I also pulled a muscle in my quad on the descent, so maybe that had something to do with it. Totally worth it. Not enough time to do a 7-mile loop? This stop on the Apache gives you a breath of a fresh air in a wide open and beautiful area. If you look around closely, you may even find pieces of pottery (look but leave them where they lay). Taken from the First Water trail access road Vote 0 Arizona United States of America North America Place 0 comments Best Add a Comment More posts you may like 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. Once youre at the top, the glorious views are the reward for powering through. From the Cholla parking area, it is a short walk to the Saguaro parking area to complete the loop. 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. Mark will be leading this ride Winkleman Loop 9:30am meetup at Superstition HD, safety and route briefing 9:45, KSU @ 10:00am . If youre going to the top, plan on being out there a good five hours. Backpacking in the Supes is a one-of-a-kind experience. 2021Outdoor Project. Over the next century, his confidant and thousands of other determined parties have searched for the gold only to come up empty. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. The first section will get your blood flowing, but the views of the east side of the mountains will motivate you. Scrambling, scree, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus! Also, the last 7 or so miles is not worth doing, as it is merely a connection between the Hieroglyphics Trail and the Flat Iron/Siphon Draw trailhead. I enjoyed the hike. Why you should go: Conquer the toughest hike on this list. Once you are there, relax, marvel at the views and nibble on the snacks you packed. I did this at the beginning of Feb and it was a lovely and challenging day hike!! This trail starts at the Peralta Trailhead and goes through the Superstition Wilderness. This means the hike is 24 miles, not 19, so be careful of that. In the 1840s, the Peralta family of Mexico discovered gold near Apache Junction and continuously made trips to bring it back to Mexico. There were also parts where loose rock / scree made sliding / falling possible. Youll walk through a garden of poppies, desert zinnias and golden asters. We kind of made right a bit to early and ended up on this trail. Our favorite hikes include everything from family-friendly trails to challenging summit attempts, offering a scenic feast of high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, and of course, spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.

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