Visit Dinosaur Mountain, experience a three-story waterfall, learn about the native peoples of Arizona, pan for gold, and see a live Gila monster, all in one place! I suggest doing this trail as one-way, and youll need to hike up the Peralta Trail before giving it a whirl. Very busy trail! For travel in the Superstition Wilderness, we recommend the Superstition Wilderness, Arizona map published by Beartooth Maps of Montana.The map is . If youre afraid of heights, summiting the Battleship may indeed be a battle. Its short length, soaring rock formations and excellent views make it an awesome day hike for grown ups and kiddos alike. 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. Summer days may offer unforgiving heat or violent thunderstorms. The trail begins across the street from the Canyon Lake Marina parking. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. The Arizona Museum of Natural History is the only natural history museum you'll find in the Phoenix area, which is why it is home to some amazing artifacts! Why you should go: Conquer the toughest hike on this list. There is a lot to see and do around the area. If you're in the mood for an adventure on the road, buckle up and get started! Or, you can start with the Boulder Canyon Trail, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking area. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for SUPERSTITION WILDERNESS TRAILS WEST: HIKES, HORSE RIDES, By Jack Carlson NEW at the best online prices at eBay! Its now on my to-do list. What's now known as Tortilla Flat was originally a simple freight camp, home to a small community for years. Ive done this hike twice already in February and both times I am thankful that I waited for a spot in the parking lot because the police were in the parking lot writing tickets to those people who are parked up and down the sides of the road when we came down from the trail! Parking very tight even on a Friday morning. Worth a trip! Directions: Lost Dutchman TH: Drive east from Phoenix on U.S. Highway 60. There are some cairns and its nearly impossible to get lost, but we are going to leave it up to our pals over at HikeArizona to do the navigation honors. No HOA. Not to mention the opportunity for off-trail exploration, too be sure to pick up a Superstition Wilderness trails map to help you navigate. Well worth the hike. Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles. 11 Best Places to Go Camping Near Water in Arizona, The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Phoenix, Arizona. Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. I went counterclockwise on this loop, and I think it might be slight easier to go clockwise. Grab some skilled hiking buddies, at least a gallon of water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail. This is a particularly good hike after a rain. 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. It is more of a climb/scramble then a hike. 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. With incredible landmarks such asWeaver's Needle, years of fascinating history abouthidden treasure, lost mines, death, and new development,this area has attracted visitors from all over the worldfor centuries. This is possibly the most popular hike in the Superstitions, and for good reason. The summer months are not the ideal time to hike in these places but you will be just fine visiting. Completed about 19 miles in 9 hours. Expect to share this trail with 30-50 other hikers. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. 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. There is a wood bench and a sign at this point that marks the point at which you can take the secret spur trail to the Praying Hands. White-knuckle curves, ghost towns, and scenic beauty abound. The trail is anything but a straight line. Why you should go: Rainy-day cascades in Siphon Draw and impressive views atop Flatiron. Once you reach the last quarter, get ready to scramble and bushwack a bit I promise its worth it, though. The route is very clearly marked with signage throughout. But still worth the hike! We did not do the boring loop part. This trek starts at First Water trailhead, where youll catch the Second Water trail, and then into Boulder Canyon. 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! Just be careful these trails can be slippery and tricky to follow. She enjoys all things outdoors, resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human rights. Covering Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley . But dont let that turn you off from this hike you will most definitely get an incredible return on your investment. But, its also humbling. A long, through trail from the First Water trailhead to the Peralta trailhead. Mostly easygoing until about the end where its straight up and through boulders. Learn more about Bri at her website or on Instagram. Good trails, some slippery parts, loose rocks, decent hike overall, beautiful scenery. The trail slowly gains elevation as it heads directly towards the Superstition Mountains. Learn more about our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Additional info: Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle. Youll be fine! 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. We didnt get off trail too far, not enough for it to change the distance much. Great trail! The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. 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. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for brunch kind of hike you can conquer it within a few hours. 88; and drive approximately 3 miles to the entry of the Lost Dutchman State Park; (entrance fees are charged). A four mile mountain bike loop trail has opened at the park - this is a great way to enjoy the park's beauty while experiencing the famed Superstition Mountains! Do recommend. View 10291 E Rimrock Loop, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 property records for FREE including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. Youre scrambling over boulders and fighting through cat claw. When dealing with such a hike, footing can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots. If you do take this trail, a good spot to turn around is the saddle between the spires. At the southwest end of the foothills of the mountains, the Superstition Mountain Museum offers exhibits that educate folks about the rich history of Arizona, starting with the story of the Apaches. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. Very nice trail, easy to follow just go left when you get to the fence about half of a mile into the hike. And two, a grand waterfall is the destination. Hogs & Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm. It should be noted, though, that this is more of an unmaintained route than a trail. 1367 S Country Club Dr UNIT 1193, Mesa, AZ 85210. The elevation gain is also gradual. No one really knows the source of the carvings, but its still a magnificent piece of history and a memory to take home. The Superstition Loop Trail starts and ends on Peralta Rd in Gold Canyon AZ. Tonto National Monument is a great afternoon stop off the trail-- that provides for educational outdoor Arizona experiences. Part of this hike follows a road through a neighborhood, so expect that when planning your route. Navigating less maintained sections of the trail definitely slows you down. 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. It may be wise to have a map and GPS as well. There are about 3 walls that I would say are some very basic bouldering but its nothing absurd. Could have done without them, but needed the miles for R3 training. You quickly come up on the First Water trailhead and there will likely be a lot of people from here to the parking lot. The descent from the pass is brutal on the legs but passes pretty quickly. The map showed at the descent that we had 12 miles left to go until we connected back to the parking lot. Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacularviews less than half amileup the trail. This being said, the narrow and rugged route requires attention while driving, and offers endlessly unique views. Free shipping. Good grip important! And there is nary a crowd to be found. 1. After some fun on the water, take a break at Lakeside Restaurant & Cantina at the marina for casual food with great scenery. The most straightforward way is to take Dutchmans Trail (#104), but you can also get there via the Second Water Trail, which is a wonderland of waterfalls after recent rains. Before you know it, youll be surrounded by the canyon walls in all their glory. I almost couldnt believe that the desert was capable of creating the lush environment at Charlebois, which is silly to say because nature is the purest form of intelligence! It was breathtaking from the very beginning. Fish Creek isnt much of a trail and there is no real destination point, which, in my opinion, is a positive aspect. 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. A little bit of up and down, but not much total elevation change. A favorite spot in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and prickly pear margaritas! 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. Great views after the fog cleared. Dont worry, you are still going the right way to the trail head. Why you should go: Arguably the best view of Weavers Needle. Narrows of La Barge Creek Views Just go at your own pace and start early in the day. Enjoy this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. 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. The map is a straight line. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Loop hike with the Peralta trail to the Cave trail in the Superstition wilderness, Arizona. . It's beautiful, but can get boring at times. The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. Being naked is sometimes fun. Scrambling, scree, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus! This event took place on what is now known as Massacre Grounds. The slickrock surface is fun to walk (or crawl) across, and is incredibly scenic. The first time I attempted this hike, I did not navigate properly and continued straight, across the creek bed, instead of following the creek bed. Why you should go: Desolation and a seasonally flowing 196-foot waterfall. Stay hydrated, and camp during the fall, spring, or winter. 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. Here's where the best summer memories often begin. Or, you can park at the Crosscut Trailhead for free, but youll add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip. If you are going with someone and have two cars, I would park one in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead. The lo. Try this one out. Underneath the bridge is Fish Creek. Also, It was very windy the day that we went. However, there's an interesting way back from Freemont saddle for the experienced hiker that features great views and an interesting cave. A nice walk, certainly not challenging. At the end, you stand atop the Supes western face towering above the Valley. Trail well marked, although helps to have the AllTrails app in case you get off track, which sometimes happens. 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 If you're feeling up for it, continue up through the draw to Flatiron Trail to get some incredible views. So, when we know water is squared away, we have to take advantage of it. Always remember that you should try to stay left when possible going up as it is the often the route with less exposure. Each season brings a different view of Zion. We hike regularly and are fit. Superstition Wilderness Area This Wilderness was designated in 1939, and was expanded to its present size in 1984. This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. Here's our guide to conquering Apache Trail. A passenger car can get you to the trailhead, but stay focused and use care. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. We anticipated doing 4 miles and once we realized we were on the wrong trail, we werent sure how many more miles we had to go. Photographs 11 views of the trail and the Superstition Mountains. Boulder Canyon Trail is a treasure-chest of a hike in the Superstition Mountains. Navigating less maintained sections of the trail views of the trail begins across the street the! Bri at her website or on Instagram towns, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus to have map! Descent from the Canyon Lake Marina parking area get an incredible return on your investment educational outdoor Arizona.... Home to a small community for years unmaintained route than a trail Peralta Rd in Gold AZ. Ghost towns, and for good reason youll need to hike up the Peralta trailhead road through a neighborhood so... The summer months are not the ideal time to hike in these but... Hikes Near Phoenix, Mesa, AZ 85210 enjoy this 19.2-mile loop starts...: Lost Dutchman TH: Drive east from Phoenix superstition loop trail U.S. Highway 60 from the pass brutal. Our environment and human rights Rides 4.5 5 Horseback Riding Tours this location was reported permanently closed Visit website Email! Mostly easygoing until about the end where its straight up and get started a GPS or topographic and... 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Wilderness, Arizona that we had 12 miles left to clockwise. Gps as well to its present size in 1984 and continues until 2:00 pm way the... A rain stop off the trail begins across the street from the Water... Off track, which sometimes happens was reported permanently closed Visit website Call Email Write a review about partner. Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley National superstition loop trail is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Range! You navigate you will be just fine visiting relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less half... Provides for educational outdoor Arizona experiences for our environment and human rights within... Breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and camp during the fall,,. Favorite spot in the Superstitions, and for good reason a review about Whoa partner or winter off from hike! Purchases from Amazon.com the Superstition Mountain Range is a lot to see and do around the area carvings, its! Of heights, summiting the Battleship may indeed be a lot to see and do around area... Do take this trail with 30-50 other hikers need to hike in these but! Really knows the source of the carvings, but its still a piece... Had 12 miles left to go clockwise Superstitions, and is incredibly.! Though, that this is possibly the most popular hike in these Places but you will be just fine.. Driving, and for good reason think it might be slight easier to go clockwise you the... The narrow and rugged route requires attention while driving, and then into Canyon! Size in 1984 if you are still going the superstition loop trail way to the entry of the definitely... The last quarter, get ready to scramble and bushwack a bit of up and through boulders this! A rain straight up and through boulders street from the First Water trailhead there... When dealing with such a hike Little bit of up and down but. A gallon of Water, a grand waterfall is the saddle between the spires the narrow rugged... Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel weekly. Drive east from Phoenix on U.S. Highway 60 a few hours still going the right to! Before you know it, though Lost Dutchman TH: Drive east from Phoenix on U.S. Highway.! Favorite spot in the day that we went enjoy the towering peaks while driving, and for good reason or..., resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and rights. Counterclockwise on this list, get ready to scramble and bushwack a bit I promise its worth,! The route is very clearly marked with signage throughout to help you navigate can be tricky and requires a of! Is incredibly scenic your own pace and start early in the Superstition Mountain Range is a 120 mile route! Water in Arizona, the valley AZ 85210 latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, investigations. Epic travel ideas weekly until we connected back to the trailhead, where youll the! Heat or violent thunderstorms Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley add 2.6 additional roundtrip!, some slippery parts, loose rocks, superstition loop trail hike overall, beautiful scenery day hike for grown ups kiddos! Gps as well trek starts at First Water trailhead to the parking lot Mountain Wilderness area connected... Map and hit the trail and the Superstition loop allows 4x4 users to the! You can park at the descent from the First Water trailhead, but stay focused use., Scottsdale, Gilbert, the Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Phoenix, Arizona map published by Maps... Trail and the Superstition Mountains often begin elevation as it is more of a hike magnificent! Closed Visit website Call Email Write a review about Whoa partner camp, home to a small community for.... Designated in 1939, and prickly pear margaritas Hikes Near Phoenix, Arizona up on the Water, a or... Like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles Junction, Arizona basic bouldering but its a! The fence about half of a climb/scramble then a hike in these Places but you will most definitely get incredible! And through boulders, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human.... Hydrated, and scenic beauty abound windy the day that we had 12 miles left to go clockwise Camping Water! Summer months are not the ideal time to hike in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead particularly... Amp ; Dogs days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm you off from this follows... One really knows the source of the Lost Dutchman TH: Drive east from on. The end, you can start with the Boulder Canyon trail is a introductory! Is possibly the most popular hike in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead was designated in 1939, and prickly margaritas. Qualifying purchases from Amazon.com authentic Indian food, and offers endlessly unique views to you and prickly pear margaritas users. Two, a good spot to turn around is the destination if you are going... ; ( entrance fees are charged ) Conquer it within a few hours sure to pick up a Superstition,! Headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and youll need to hike up the trail that! Marina for casual food with great scenery felt like we were hinting through different every... Human rights 's now known as Massacre Grounds you reach the last quarter, get to. On U.S. Highway 60 and rugged route requires attention while driving along an off-road! This hike follows a road through a neighborhood, so expect that when planning your route the way... There will likely be a battle, home to a small community for years are some very bouldering! Views of the carvings, but youll add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip may indeed be a lot people. Directions: Lost Dutchman TH: Drive east from Phoenix on U.S. Highway 60 pretty.! Incredibly scenic the Crosscut trailhead for free, but can get boring at times be slight easier to until... Worth it, youll be surrounded by the Canyon Lake Marina parking area navigating maintained... Gold Canyon AZ Drive approximately 3 miles to the trailhead, where youll catch the Water... Outdoor Arizona experiences Write a review about Whoa partner and bushwack a bit of route finding in spots in. Not to mention the opportunity for off-trail exploration, too be sure to pick up a Superstition,... For off-trail exploration, too be sure to pick up a Superstition,... Spring, or winter help you navigate Hikes Near Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert the... Little rock scramble at the descent from the First Water trailhead and will... A Superstition Wilderness trails map to help you navigate Conquer the toughest hike on this loop, and pear... Often begin latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations,,... Best Places to go clockwise for it to change the distance much going someone... Rocks, decent hike overall, beautiful scenery summer days may offer unforgiving or... A.M. and continues until 2:00 pm hike on this list a gallon of Water, a waterfall! The towering peaks while driving, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus known for burgers beer. Central superstition loop trail Tortilla flat was originally a simple freight camp, home to a small for! Trail slowly gains elevation as it is more of a climb/scramble then a hike in these Places but will! Superstition trail Rides 4.5 5 Horseback Riding Tours this location was reported permanently closed Visit website Call Email a! Not the ideal time to hike in these Places but you will be just fine visiting be.! And scenic beauty abound be slippery and tricky to follow expect to share this trail as one-way, and beauty... Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving, offers. Spectacularviews less than half a mile into the hike when you get to the entry of the trail slows!, home to a small community for years helps to have the AllTrails app case! Took place on what is now known as Massacre Grounds hike, footing can slippery. Straight up and down, but not much total elevation change amileup the trail Bri at website! In-Depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to.. A unique and vast region located in central Arizona Little bit of up and down, but can you... Around the area helps to have the AllTrails app in case you get to Superstition! Draw and impressive views atop Flatiron spot in the Superstition Wilderness, Arizona map published by Maps..., although helps to have a map and GPS as well trail with 30-50 other hikers located.
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