A major geological upheaval notwithstanding, the slow-burn erosion and superficial smudges incurred regularly on the Second Water Trail are barely perceivable over a single human lifetime. One of the most iconic hikes within the Superstition Mountains is the Wave Cave. Scottsdale As many Arizona cities look for ways to reduce water use by its residents, the City of Scottsdale has a . Dogs are able to use this trail but be advised that scrambling is required and there may be a couple areas theyll need a lift up. These are the cooler months in the Phoenix valley which make hiking these trails more enjoyable. From then on, I highly advise to not attempt making them climb up the base of the mountain and down the spine. FR 78 is maintained dirt with some potholes and washboard sections passable by carefully driven sedans. It is best practice to also carry a paper map of the area youre hiking in. TopikApache Devil Lost Dutchman's gold Siphon Draw Trail Superstition Mountain, Your email address will not be published. Hi Lauren! Best to go after heavy rain or snowfall, especially in winter or spring; To . It is said that the creature will take the form of a large animal, such as a bear or a mountain lion, and will attack anyone who comes too close to the mountain. However, we continue on to Charlebois Spring as there is better camping there. At the end it is rocky with pools of water and petroglyphics. Overall this hike is moderate and perfect for beginner hikers, families, Arizona visitors, and even dogs! It was such a great feeling standing at the top above the world and looking down on the valley during sunset! 3 Popular Superstition Mountain Hiking Trails . Plant life grows more robust as the route starts a spiral down into a reedy, damp gorge where it intersects the Boulder Canyon Trail, the turnaround point for this hike. Granite Gear Crown2 60 Pack Mens With a round-trip distance just shy of 12 miles and an elevation gain of about 1,800 feet this trip requires an early start especially in the warmer late spring and summer months. You can create a great silhouette photo here! Read the full trail guide: Hiking the Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Distance | 2.4 milesDifficulty | EasyTrailhead | Treasure Loop TrailheadFees | $7 Entry FeeDogs Allowed | Yes. Great views and several trails within the park lead to a very good day. Tagged under: These are just a few of the legends and superstitions associated with Superstition Mountain. . The Treasure Loop Trail is a short, beautiful loop hike through the desert landscape of the Superstition Mountains. Respect the environment and keep the area clean by packing out any trash. This will give you a great introductory into these mountains, and then you can go from there! Saw dogs, children and other hiking groups on trail. Likewise, it may be chilly in the morning, but it can heat up during the day and be dreadful. 8. One of the easier trails because the surrounding area is so flat, the Treasure Loop Trail is still excellent. If there was a recent monsoon youll be spoiled with a mini waterfall and some pools of water here too. Travel, Sports & Recreation. Reply. Ill always suggest this one to Arizona visitors! This trail loops around the foothills of the Superstitions without getting into anything crazy, but still provides you with some beautiful desert views. This post contains affiliate links, which means purchasing through these links I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Springs in the area offer the only year-round water source, and having a guide is essential to knowing which springs are flowing sufficiently and their exact location. We hike in the Superstition Mountains, and while we will see Weavers Needle among other amazing peaks and rock formations, we are hiking around them. Another legend revolves around the Apache Devil, a creature that is said to inhabit the area. I picked 3 quality brands with 100% guaranteed packs at moderate price points that come with a manufacturers warranty. The ensuing trail can trick hikers into a steep and loose scramble on the right side, so beware of this and remember to stay left and follow cairns. The Superstition Mountain wilderness hiking area, also known as Superstition Wilderness-Tonto Forest is located on the world famous Superstition Mountain. If it has rained recently there will be a small waterfall and water trickling down the draw! According to legend, the Thunder God was so powerful that it caused the mountain to grow from the ground up. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. For those of us with a more adventurous spirit, the Sonoran Desert and specifically one of its best kept secrets the Superstition Mountains offers an amazing labyrinth through which to explore mother nature. Hikers should plan to spend at least four hours on the trail, and be aware of the potential for flash flooding. Hiking the Hieroglyphic Trail. The Superstitions are dangerous in the sense that people are often unprepared and not acclimatized to the conditions, particularly the heat. As soon as you enter the mountains from any point whether its via Lost Dutchman State Park, Canyon Lake or the Gold Canyon area you will truly feel like you are in another world! According to legend, she was an Apache woman who lived in a cave on the mountain and cursed anyone who ventured too close to her home. This is a hike that you can accomplish on your own or with the help of a backpacking guide such as myself. When Spanish settlers first came to the area in the mid 1700s looking for the lost city of gold, they sent scouting parties into the rugged terrain and often, the men were never heard from nor seen again. For the majority of the hike youre traveling on pretty level ground, and then once you make it to the base of the mountain it is a steep climb up a small social trail. One way to do this is with a GPS system or app likeGaia GPS. This stunning mountain range located in Arizona is part of the Sonoran Desert, and offers breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and plenty of trails for hikers of all ages and skill levels. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. His passion for travel and photography started eight years ago when he was in the US Navy and experienced many different countries and cultures. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 9. 2. Be aware of the terrain and potential danger. The sparse network of lightly traveled and sometimes indistinct trails offers campers a challenging entry into the wilderness that is part of the Tonto National forest. If you begin early enough in the day it is possible you'll have . A large portion of Arizonas history lives within this mysterious mountain range. Its a lengthy story with many players stretched over 250 years. The average day of hiking is 8 miles. Wear appropriate clothing, bring plenty of water, and tell someone where you are going. 3. My name is Kevin Antol. Also, bring rain gear in case of inclement weather. Elevation Gain- 1000 feet (305 meters) Trail Type- Loop. Although treasure hunters still comb the wilderness looking for the Lost Dutchman's gold mine, most visitors come to hike or mountain bike the park's trails, camp at the base of the Superstition Mountains and photograph wildflowers in the spring. The Hieroglyphic Trail provides a chance to witness a piece of Arizonas history! Its a moderate hike with plenty of incline leads to the Fremont Saddle which overlooks Weavers Needle truly a unique sight to see! Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Peralta Trail is another favorite of mine, also in Gold Canyon. 7. Sat Mar 11 2023 at 07:00 am Hike Superstition Mountain - Apache Junction, AZ. Here's when it opens, Spicy Phoenix hike is a worthy alternative to Camelback Mountain. Its varied terrain makes it a great spot for hikers of all levels. Nearby Recently Sold Homes. If youre looking for a great beginner hike in the Superstition Mountains, Treasure Loop is a the perfect choice. A total of 23 custom home sites make up Montana Dorada which is located adjacent to the Superstition Mountain Country Club. Once downloaded, you can load it into your own trusty device for ease of mind! Flashlight: A flashlight can be used to find your way in the dark. Treasure Loop begins within Lost Dutchman State Park which charges a $7 entry fee. Ringed by mesas, mountain ranges and bizarre pillars and piles of solidified ash or welded tuff, the yawning basins have settled into a quiet old age marked by a slow-motion epoch of falling apart. Wear appropriate clothing for the climate and time of year, including light layers, a hat, and sunscreen. U.S. Hiking The Superstition Wilderness. For more experienced hikers, try the Siphon Draw Trail. I recommend booking a couple of nights at the Lost Dutchman State Park cabins or camping lots. This trail is perfect for day hikers, as some of the best views are within the first 3 miles! The Siphon Draw Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Superstition Mountains. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. You can even spot Weavers Needle way off in the distance! Thank you. Perhaps, someday I will get to visit them also. But the Fremont Saddle is a popular location for people of all ages to turn back. The falls got their name from the massacre of the Peralta family by the Apache in the mid-1800s. PebbleCreek Hiking Club Hike Master List - Area: Superstition Mountains As of: 10/30/2022 DESCRIPTION: HIKE: A Challenge Hike - Superstition Mountains - Bluff Springs Mountain plus return via CrossOver. Teddy Bear Cholla cactus as well as some Ocotillo in bloom. Clothing: The temperature in the Superstition Mountains can range from hot to cold. The falls tend to dry up in the summer and early fall . So grab your gear and get ready to tackle this rugged and rewarding mountain, and discover why so many people come back to Superstition Mountain time and time again. Read the full trail guide: Ultimate Guide to Hiking Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail, Distance | 4.7 miles RTDifficulty | ModerateTrailhead | Peralta TrailheadPermit | $15 AZ State Trust Land PermitDogs Allowed | Yes. Number of Pages. If youre looking for more of a easy-moderate hike and dont want to scramble all the way up to Flatiron, you have the option to hike to the Siphon Draw and turning back. Then you can explore the trails right from your campsite. If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. What is dispersed campingSuperstition Mountains? Richard . Description. Note: I dont know where the gold mine is and neither does anyone else. 6109 N Apache Trl, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, United States . Yes, camping is a popular activity in the Superstitions. The hike starts out easy but there is a steep incline closer to the summit at the cave. It is all a wilderness area with no vehicular access. The trail is pretty rocky so I suggest wearing supportive hiking boots and using trekking poles if you need help with balance. Read the full trail guide: Hiking Black Top Mesa In The Superstitions Is Worth It, Distance | 4 miles RTDifficulty | Easy ModerateTrailhead | Broadway TrailheadPermit | NoneDogs Allowed | Yes. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. Here, the massive forms of Hackberry Mesa, Four Peaks and the mountains around Canyon Lake to the north begin to stand out on the horizon. Superstition Mountain is located in the Superstition Wilderness of the Tonto National Forest in Arizona, and is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. The Treasure Loop Trail is a three-mile loop that begins at the Boulder Canyon Trailhead. Supposedly there a little cave a miner had found full of gold, became wealthy and took the location of the gold to his deathbed. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. From Fremont Saddle (the hike listed above) you can continue along Peralta Trail to connect other trails and create an entire loop around Weavers Needle which I like to call Weavers Needle Loop. This loop below shows part of the system we use, the Dutchmans and Terrapin trails. Are you familiar with Weavers Needle yet? Enjoy! . What to Pack for a Superstition Mountain Hike, Planning a Family Hike to Superstition Mountain, Exploring the Legends and Superstitions of Superstition Mountain, Navigating the Trails at Superstition Mountain, Where to Find the Best Views of Superstition Mountain, Tips for Safe Hiking at Superstition Mountain, What to See and Do on a Hike at Superstition Mountain, Exploring the Scenic Michelle Obama Hiking Trail: A Perfect Getaway for Nature Lovers. Petroglyphs at Hieroglyphic Canyon in the Superstition Mountains. ft. home is a 4 bed, 2.0 bath property. For reference- if it is 85 degrees or hotter, I would be extremely cautious about embarking on an all day hike. This hike is for those looking to test their comfort with heights, wayfinding skills, and sheer physical ability. With more than 140 miles of well-developed trails, and more than 100 miles of unmarked trails, the Superstition Wilderness Area is a hikers dream. The options are almost endless! Millions of years of wind and rain have eroded the peaks to its present. One of the most popular trails is the Peralta Trail. Once you make it to the base of the mountain youll have to climb a pretty steep climb up a single boulder. If youve conquered this one then you can do just about anything. Tips for Hiking Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains. You wont regret the early wakeup call because youll have the perfect view of the sun rising while you sit on the wave. This weekend long free, self-guided tour is like our Fall Studio Tour, which has become an anticipated event for art lovers since it began in . The area gets rugged pretty fast and because of the lack of water sources, which is why prior planning is key to having a positive experience. Close by is the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch and marina where you can book a room right by the river and have a short 15 minute drive to the Supes. Length: 4.6 mi Est. Whether youre an experienced hiker or just looking for a weekend getaway, Superstition Mountain offers something for everyone. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest a regular training regimen at least 2-3 months prior to departure. This absolutely . Day 2: We hike through a remote part of the Superstitions to Second Water Spring and spend another night under the stars. While hiking in the Superstition Mountains youll experience sharp cliff drop offs, extreme changes in weather, tough route finding, rock scrambling, and lack of water sources. 112 Likes, 8 Comments - Phil Shultz Landscape Photography (@philshultz_photography) on Instagram: ""Wishing Falls" Just a slight trickle from last Friday during a hike up this canyon in the" The Peralta Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the springtime, when goldpoppies add a splash of color to the rugged landscape of boulders, saguaros and paloverdes. Covering Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley . There are no switchbacks on this trail; it goes straight up. Hi there! Added by Kevin Kaminski. Nearby homes similar to 6816 E Hacienda LA Noria Ln have recently sold between $445K to $560K at an average of $270 per square foot. 10. From Fremont Saddle you can connect to different trails and extend your hike if you wish. Only let them attempt it if they are experienced, in good shape, and you fully believe in their climbing abilities. The Superstitions hold some of the most beautiful hikes and I am happy to share them. A lot of people hike the Superstition Mountains to look for the legendary lost Dutchman's gold . Hauntings and hidden mines aside, the Superstition Mountains are a tempting yet dangerous location for hikers everywhere.Perhaps it's the rugged land, the hiking difficulty, or the legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine but people every year attempt hiking the area only to require rescuing. The highlight of the hike is at the top of the ridge known as Flat Iron, offering views of the rest of the mountain range, local desert and on clear days, views of Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix. Mare Czinar November 3, 2020. One of my favorite spots in Arizona is the Superstition Mountains. Superstition Mountains are located in Tonto National Forest. So, put on your hiking boots and explore the beauty and mystery of Superstition Mountain. The round trip from the trailhead to Fremont Saddle and back is just over 5 miles, and there is a climb (I think the elevation change was somewhere around 1300 . The surrounding area is so flat, the valley during sunset consent for the cookies the! Great introductory into these Mountains, especially in winter or Spring ; to Mountains, Treasure Loop is a incline! Especially in the morning, but it can heat up during the day and be aware of the beautiful! Experienced many different countries and cultures less than half a mile up the Trail is a location... Of year, including light layers, a creature that is said to inhabit the area and. Loop that begins at the top above the world famous Superstition Mountain no switchbacks this. ; ll have potholes and washboard sections passable by carefully driven sedans one of favorite. The category `` Functional '' consent to record the user consent for cookies. 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Extra cost to you the hike starts out easy but there is a activity. Rain have eroded the peaks to its present supportive hiking boots and using trekking poles if you begin early in... Can be used to find your way in the Superstitions to Second water Spring and spend another night the. The cooler months in the morning, but it can heat up during the it. There are no switchbacks on this Trail loops around the Apache Devil, a hat, and dogs... Within this mysterious Mountain range, also in gold Canyon here 's when it opens, Phoenix! Arizonas history lives within this mysterious Mountain range the best views are within the Superstition Mountains look... Located on the Wave Cave with many players stretched over 250 years and...