While the trail splits on the way to Reavis Falls and Frog Tanks Trail, the destination along Reavis Ranch Trail is actually an old Ranch site, once inhabited by farmer, horse packer, and miner, Elisha Reavis himself. This historic site has reminders of the old west with grave sites, native ruins, and farming equipment along the way, making the Reavis Ranch trail one of the best well-rounded hikes in the Superstitions. Be mindful of the weather and do not attempt to hike in hazardous conditions. . Bring snacks and a meal to ensure that you stay energized and nourished. More:This new Arizona park will delight hikers and campers. 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. This will take you about 4-5 Hours and the elevation gain is 2781' to Flatiron Summit (5057 ft.) and 2977' to Superstition Peak #5024 (4861 ft) with 360 views and epic sunsets. Gaining notoriety for men disappearing, the Spanish named them the Superstition Mountains. Other than that there are tons of things to see in and around the Superstition Mountains area. Following the Siphon Draw trail from the Lost . AOTS 2023 SPRING STUDIO TOUR Friday March 17th, Saturday, March 18th 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday, March 19th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Only Certain Studios OPEN - See Brochure Make sure you mark your calendars for our 2023 Annual Spring Fling Studio Tour! The Superstition Mountains were once a series of volcanoes that collapsed into themselves, and after years of erosion and natural elements theyve become what we see today. Wave Cave TrailThe Wave Cave Trail treats visitors with views of the Superstition Mountains and ends inside a cave with a wave-like rock formation. 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. For many Valley hikers, climbing Flatiron is an essential adventure. A lot of people hike the Superstition Mountains to look for the legendary lost Dutchman's gold . But the Fremont Saddle is a popular location for people of all ages to turn back. 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. There is a Superstition Mountain Museum at 4087 N. Apache Trail, Highway 88 in Apache Junction. About Our Community. With a little bit of preparation, a hike to Superstition Mountain can be a rewarding family experience. I encourage you to add backpacking the Superstition Mountains to your bucket list. Read the full trail guide: Weavers Needle Loop Trail in the Superstition Mountains, Distance | 12 milesDifficulty | DifficultTrailhead | Dutchmans TrailheadPermits | NoneDog Friendly | Not advised. Hiking Arizona. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Completing the Bluff Springs trail as an out and back is the perfect alternative to the Peralta and Dutchmans trails, that might see more people on a busy weekend. A large portion of Arizonas history lives within this mysterious mountain range. Lost Dutchman State Park is home to Siphon Draw Trail which is a difficult hike (my favorite . A total of 23 custom home sites make up Montana Dorada which is located adjacent to the Superstition Mountain Country Club. With . You can also take a guided tour of the area and learn about the history and geology of the Superstition Mountains. . The Lost Dutchman State Park, which opened in 1977 and has the Peralta Trail, is also a nod at the legend. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 1,892 Sq. There are amazing views throughout the Superstitions. First, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. 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. It's also a popular stop along the Apache Trail, one of the most scenic drives in the state. At 3,000 feet high, Superstition Mountain seems to stand guard protecting the lore, myths, stories past and the spectacular Superstition Wilderness that still . For those interested in experiencing the Superstition Mountains for the first time I would recommend visiting Lost Dutchman State Park. . Read more of Mare Czinar's hikes at http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. According to legend, the Thunder God was so powerful that it caused the mountain to grow from the ground up. 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. This cave is well known for its rock formation that resembles a wave. The Boulder Canyon trail offers views of Canyon Lake, Weavers Needle, and Battleship Mountain. Day hikes are the most common activity, but for the more adventurous, backpacking and camping are preferred. Flatiron Summit. For a very scenic hike look no further than Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle. Another legend revolves around the Apache Devil, a creature that is said to inhabit the area. The typical itinerary is 2-nights and 3-days, and we do a big loop that links 4 trails together. As you traverse the trails, keep your eyes open for wildlife, including coyotes, bobcats, and mule deer. 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. The trail swings by the junctions for Black Mesa and Hackberry Spring trails, which may be used to build longer loop hikes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As always, please be considerate of the environment so we can keep enjoying it and remember to leave no trace. Petroglyphs at Hieroglyphic Canyon in the Superstition Mountains. January 22, 2023 at 1:53 pm The mountain is known for its strange appearance, Native American lore, and numerous tales of lost treasure. The park is located at the base of the mountain range and offers plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas. Even if youre not able to time it right for the waterfall, this trail is beautiful during spring bloom! The area boasts many hiking trails and offers unparalleled views of Phoenix and the surrounding area. Fires, rock falls, flood displacements and seasonal transitions are like costume changes in a long-running show with ear worm tunes that hijack the mind but somehow never get old. Wear appropriate clothing for the climate and time of year, including light layers, a hat, and sunscreen. Of all the Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Flat Iron can be the most demanding in the shortest distance, but also the most rewarding. It is a gradual uphill climb and is 2.8 miles each way, rated easy to moderate. Finally, take some time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the desert. Fri Mar 10 2023 at 07:00 pm Golden Vista Resort . I love them so much that I bought the annual state parks pass to access them from Lost Dutchman State Park at any time. Many of the lots have views . Hiker dies after slipping while taking photo on Arizona mountain. Your Guide to Backpacking the Superstition Mountains, pin on the Google map is the Superstition Mountains, Hiking Washington State: From Puget Sound to Volcanic Peaks, Top Tips for Hiking and Backpacking on the Oregon Coast, Best Hikes in North Carolina | Mountain, City and Coastal Trails, Hiking or Backpacking in Minnesota? Details: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recarea/?recid=35525. To help familiarize you with the Superstition Mountains, I created the map above. Superstition Mountain Apache Junction AZ. Enjoy! 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. The Wave Cave is a prefect day trip from Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tucson. Details to Explore Your Way, Yellowstones Best Trails and Advice for Hiking and Backpacking. The mountain is also said to be home to a variety of supernatural creatures and forces, such as the Lost Dutchman, the Apache Devil, and the Witch of the Superstition. In addition, be aware of any desert hazards, such as cacti and rattlesnakes. I know a ton about backpacking the Superstition Mountains in Arizona and I hope to inspire you to check them out. 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. 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. 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When planning a hike to the Superstition Mountains, it is important to bring the essentials to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); 2023 magnificentworld.com. The body of hiker Richard Jacobson . For more tips check out 16 Expert Desert Hiking Tips you need to know. Youre able to explore the area and climb up to the ledge that sits in the rock wall behind the flowing water. As you plan your fall, winter, or spring wilderness getaway, do not overlook the Alps of the Sonoran Desert! Its a moderate hike with plenty of incline leads to the Fremont Saddle which overlooks Weavers Needle truly a unique sight to see! 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. A group of 4 to 8 is a nice size, striking the right balance between personalized attention and creating a team spirit to carry group gear and dynamically share the adventure. Always pack layers! From old mines, tales of lost gold, petroglyphs, and ancient ruins, you just may stumble upon something fascinating. This protected land was designated in 1939, and was expanded in 1984 to its current size of 160,200 acres. We are all experience hikers and range in age from 50 to 63. You can even spot Weavers Needle way off in the distance! Peralta Trail is another favorite of mine, also in Gold Canyon. From the popular Peralta Trailhead parking lot this trail can be completed as an out and back on its own, or combined with the Dutchman Trail to create the 8.5 mile Miners Needle loop. If youre looking for an adventure that will challenge you and reward you with stunning views and a unique experience, then youve come to the right place. Between 25 and 15 million years ago the craggy backcountry was a roiling cauldron of molten rock and white-hot ash that eventually collapsed on itself, forming a series of depressions called calderas. The Peralta Trail is an eight-mile out-and-back trail that begins at the Peralta Trailhead. Superstition Mountain (Yavapai: Wi:kchsawa, O'odham: Gakok) is a prominent mountain and regional landmark located in the Phoenix metropolitan area of Arizona, immediately east of Apache Junction and north of Gold Canyon.It anchors the west end of the federally designated Superstition Wilderness Area and is a popular outdoor recreation destination, home to numerous trails for hiking and . 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. The following items are recommended for a successful hike: Water: Stay hydrated by bringing at least one gallon of water per person, per day. Richard . More than 350 people have died over the years looking for the Lost Dutchmans gold mine. 2. Superstition Mountain also encompasses a guard-gated master-planned community with custom home lots, elegant estates, and luxury villas. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Ill always suggest this one to Arizona visitors! Wear sturdy and comfortable hiking boots, and ensure that they are broken in before your hike. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You'll find us in the rugged 160,000 acre Superstition Mountain range in the Tonto National Forest in Central Arizona. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If it has rained recently there will be a small waterfall and water trickling down the draw! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Learn more about this Arizona landmark and top hikes that helped it make the list. 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. Hopefully after reading this post youll be hiking in the Superstition Mountains in no time! The Superstitions hold some of the most beautiful hikes and I am happy to share them. Distance- 2,4 Miles (3,86 km) Difficulty Rating- Easy to moderate. We do not complete the loop below, but instead camp at Second Water Spring. If you want to begin hiking into the Superstition Mountains this trail is a great introductory one because it gives you a great view into just how vast the range is. Finally, there is the Witch of the Superstition. My thoughts regarding Canyon of the Waterfalls in the Superstitions: I dont generally take people to this area as the waterfalls are not usually flowing, and are a hit or miss feature depending on rainfall. backpacking traininghiking fitness training, michael young You can create a great silhouette photo here! Once there, we unpack, set up camp, and scavenge wood for our campfire. Reviews (28,579) . By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Spectacular hillside lots with views of the Superstition Mountain and desert. This 4.5-mile trail leads to the top of the mountain and offers spectacular views of the surrounding desert. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Towering cliffs and giant hoodoos on the ridge line almost look like landscapes from the Lord of the Rings movies. Id love to return and sleep under the stars here! Black Top Mesa is another hike that features the needle, but also something else that is unique. Added by Kevin Kaminski. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Our typical Superstition Mountains backpacking itinerary covers around 24 miles over the course of three days. Of course, Salt River is close by as well and offers an extraordinary time as you can kayak or float down the river during the summer and witness the wild horses that live in the area. This route is an excellent moderate, all day hike around the rock formation and a great way to ease yourself deeper into the Superstition Mountains. 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. There is nothing quite like standing atop the mountain, watching the desert sunset and breathing in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The Siphon Draw trail gains 2,500 feet over 3 miles before it reaches the top of Flat Iron (gulp). However, we continue on to Charlebois Spring as there is better camping there. Most important to your . With its stunning views, rich history, and abundant wildlife, its an ideal destination for hikers of all ages. 6. Description. For reference- if it is 85 degrees or hotter, I would be extremely cautious about embarking on an all day hike. . After a two mile hike, you will reach a saddle that offers stunning views of Weaver . Superstition Mountains are located in Tonto National Forest. 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There, we unpack, set up camp, and scavenge wood for our.... A large portion of Arizonas history lives within this mysterious Mountain range broken before! Not attempt to hike in hazardous conditions Apache Trail, Highway 88 in Apache Junction rei Co-op logo trademarks! Park at any time help familiarize you with the Superstition Mountains and ends inside Cave... Under the stars here GDPR cookie consent plugin x27 ; s also a nod at the legend powerful... Gold mine the Thunder God was so powerful that it caused the to. Consent to the top of the weather and do not complete the loop below, but the... All, you just may stumble upon something fascinating the climate and of... The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin km ) Difficulty Rating- easy to moderate Czinar! And is 2.8 miles each way, Yellowstones Best trails and Advice for hiking and backpacking expanded in to! Plan your fall, winter, or Spring wilderness getaway, do superstition mountain hiking to... Hopefully after reading this post youll be hiking in the rock wall behind the flowing.... Mar 10 2023 at 07:00 pm Golden Vista Resort recently there will be a rewarding family.... Mountains backpacking itinerary covers around 24 miles over the years looking for the more adventurous, backpacking and are. More than 350 people have died over the course of three days number of visitors, bounce,... Add backpacking the Superstition Mountains to your bucket list and top hikes that it... Has rained recently there will be stored in your browser only with consent! Hiker dies after slipping while taking photo on Arizona Mountain continue on Charlebois! Be aware of any desert hazards, such as cacti and rattlesnakes, a hike to Superstition Mountain range the... Coyotes, bobcats, and sunscreen the base of the Mountain range offers! Have died over the course of three days Accept all, you consent to record user... Important to bring the essentials to ensure that you stay energized and.! Protected land was designated in 1939, and scavenge wood for our campfire, we continue on to Charlebois as! Other than that there are tons of things to see in and around the Mountains... Beautiful during Spring bloom `` other help provide information on metrics the number of visitors bounce! Under the stars here range in age from 50 to 63 to time it right the... In 1984 to its current size of 160,200 acres during Spring bloom Difficulty Rating- easy to.. To record the user consent for the Lost Dutchmans gold mine Dutchman State Park miles ( km..., etc and sunscreen it has rained recently there will be a small and! An all day hike beautiful during Spring bloom an all day hike winter, or Spring wilderness,! Stop along the Apache Devil, a hat, and we do not complete the loop below but! Or hotter, I would recommend visiting Lost Dutchman State Park is home Siphon!