Thank you to whoever did that! Try this one out. The real treat of this hike is the impressive up close views of the Superstition mountains and Apache Junction framed in the desert. But when the timing is right almost any given winter or early spring day the Supes satisfy nearly any craving for adventure and solitude. Theres no wonder Elisha Reavis hence the name Reavis Ranch made a home for himself back here in the mid-1800s. Did this hike yesterday (2/6/22). Elevation gain-3,000ft. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. Without further ado, our favorite hikes in the Superstitions. Hes also the one who planted the apple orchard. The Peralta Trail, and the Bluff Springs Trail, are well marked and easy to follow. The slickrock surface is fun to walk (or crawl) across, and is incredibly scenic. No matter your ability, the Superstition Wilderness has a day hike for you! Lots of wet muddy spots throughout trail today. Was busy the day we visited and parking was a challenge. 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! There are about 3 walls that I would say are some very basic bouldering but its nothing absurd. Directions: Lost Dutchman TH: Drive east from Phoenix on U.S. Highway 60. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Great trail. In case you want to crank up the heat while youre out there, there are several trails that shoot off from the loop trail and up toward the base of the mountains. There are many spots where you can see both east (towards Four Peaks and Superstition Wilderness) and west (towards Phoenix) and its moments like those that remind you why you're about to hike 20+ miles. The Hiker's Guide to the Superstition Wildernessdescribes this as a "day hike" of about 6.5 hours in length. Gateway Loop Trail is equestrian and dog friendly. By clicking "ACCEPT", you agree to be the terms and conditions of each Start early if you can, it helps to avoid the crowds, especially in the narrow corridor stretches. 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. 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. 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. 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. That was good for the calf muscles. It's rated as moderate and gains 500 feet in elevation. 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. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. Some solid glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone. Picture 1 of 1. Hogs & Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm. Don't be fooled by its historic roots, this trail is a modern driver's dream, with hairpin turns, sweeping curves, and stunning new views around every corner. You will know you are close to the saddle once the texture of the trail changes to soft bedrock. If youre backpacking, theres excellent camping along the creek here, plus you can spend more time at the falls. Reviewers of this hike have claimed the navigation is like solving a hard puzzle. 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! I only brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt enough. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. The loop described here is a Easy hike. In reality, you would probably (assuming you're not camping) start at the day use parking lot, which adds just over a mile round trip. Worth a trip! Horses on the side of the road, good parking, very rocky trail, moments of shade. You also agree to the storing of cookies on Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. As other said, the parking lot fills up really fast so you will need to get there early to get a spot or just be patient and wait people come and go all the time. Itll make you work, but also give you spots to rest, and the best part is there is hardly anyone around. AllTrails says 19.2 miles with 4,767 feet of gain. Once you reach the last quarter, get ready to scramble and bushwack a bit I promise its worth it, though. Far from your average vacation or weekend getaway, Apache Trail may have had its travel challenges way back when, but is now a welcoming slew of fun points around every turn, ready to be discovered. policy linked to above. In the 1840s, the Peralta family of Mexico discovered gold near Apache Junction and continuously made trips to bring it back to Mexico. Reward yourself afterward. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. We kind of made right a bit to early and ended up on this trail. Crystal Sibson Second Water Trail to Hackberry Springs Loop is a 5.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail in Arizona's Superstition Wilderness. Its about nourishment and learning. A bit of trail navigation may be necessary. I did this at the beginning of Feb and it was a lovely and challenging day hike!! My Apple Watch clocked in at 21.73 miles with 5,507 feet of gain. 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. This desert world offers unbeatable landscapesjust remember to prepare for the summer heat! It is family andpet friendly, incredibly scenic, and rich with gold-mining history and the Lost Dutchman's Buried Treasure. Check out our review of the 5 best women's day packs of 2018. Great views after the fog cleared. 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. Wonder if theres a way to edit this and add it back in.. Is the Dutchmans Lost Gold Mine real? The bold canyon walls drop the temperature quite a bit, creating a separate world just off the Treasure Loop Trail area. This is a family friendly hike. Typical desert plants of Saguaro, prickly pear, and Cholla are seen here. 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. Follow white arrows. A couple notes to level-set expectations: The payoff at the end was okay. There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page. Add another 0.6 miles if you take the spur trail to the Praying Hands formation. This was an awesome hike that took us about 2.5 hour because we missed the trail leading into the wave cave area. The towering crags of the Superstition Mountain glow brilliantly opposite the setting sun. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. The marina at Canyon Lake will take care of all of your boating needs, and additionally has a campground for lodging! Youll still get a good 11+ miles in. About Lost Dutchman State Park. Let the Sonoran Desert be your guide to limitless adventure. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. Trail was in good shape and the weather was very nice today. We enjoyed trail running much the last 10 miles, despite some moderate rocks. We encountered snow at the top and dense fog which made it challenging to find the trail along the ridge at times. I believe in you. Youll pass a handful of small caves, do a little scrambling, and have much more solitude than you got on the Peralta Trail which was probably none unless you got lucky. 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. Once you work your way up a few hundred feet, youll have breathtaking views of Canyon Lake behind you and the endless layers of the Superstitions on the horizon ahead. This was a beautiful but very challenging hike! Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. For Rent. Pools on the hieroglyphics trail were pretty but that stretch of the trail is super crowded! The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. 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. Before Waltz died, he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location. Here's how to make 'em work together. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via Peralta trailhead). And if youre considering the hike any other time of year, catching the sunset is the next best alternative. 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. Explore Superstition Mountain Trails - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. It starts at Rogers Trough Trailhead, and a high clearance with 4WD is recommended to get back here, especially after a good rain. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. The climbing is not technical no need for ropes or rock climbing shoes. Similar to Battleship Mountain, navigation gets a little finicky in the river bed, so watch for cairns. Remember to bring extra water, comfortable shoes, and a hat. Stopped for lunch near the wave cave. Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the trees. The first section of this hike is the desert landscape weve all grown to know and love in the Supes. Only saw about 5 people total along the ridge. Eventually, you will settle into a canyon and this where all the fun begins. Awesome hieroglyphs at the end and a small waterfall. These mountains take on a different life force once the sun goes down, and its worth it to feel it for yourself. A few huge cattle along the way. Trail well marked, although helps to have the AllTrails app in case you get off track, which sometimes happens. Just go at your own pace and start early in the day. But the toughest challenges also reap the best rewards, right? The trail through Peralta Canyon is a popular Class 1 affair, but the less-used and more rugged Cave Trail involves a bit of scrambling, really more like clambering, if one follows the . 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. Fish Creek isnt much of a trail and there is no real destination point, which, in my opinion, is a positive aspect. From AZ 88, or Apache Trail, you will eventually cross a bridge. A little bit of up and down, but not much total elevation change. White-knuckle curves, ghost towns, and scenic beauty abound. You swap out a sea of cactus for high desert grading into lush forest. This trail lifts you high above the rugged mountains of the Supes. From the Peralta trailhead, head right toward Bluff Springs (to the left is the Peralta Trail, which is described at #5 on this list). But still worth the hike! Much easier. You will cross First Water Creek several times, so if you are doing this hike during the rainy season, heres your chance to take pleasure in some fresh water. Easy trail for all ages. We clocked 12 miles without the 9 mile flat area, had someone pick us up at Hieroglyphics lot, so the trail is a little longer than what it says here. 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. This trail does get you closer to the unique spire formations of the Praying Hands. Superstition Backroads 2.5 A short day close to town. We went down it at night because the hike took us about 12 hours, and it wasn't tons of fun with head lamps. Ready to get out there? This hike offersspectacular scenery andmoderate difficulty for a great day hike option during the fall, winter, and spring months. The hardest part was superstition mountain peak as scrambling and lack of trail in parts made it tough. So, when we know water is squared away, we have to take advantage of it. This was a fun hike, but this was really really hard. Now for the review - the ridge part of the hike is epic. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. 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. Be careful, I had good tread and still slipped a few times. Not enough time to do a 7-mile loop? Distance: 0.5 mi Elevation Change: 220 ft. Ma Ha Tauk Trail Difficulty: Difficult Unless you want to go for the long haul, I talk about that hike next! 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 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. If Flatiron isnt enough for you, weve got you covered with this hike. Do keep in mind that it gets very steep towards the top and I wouldnt consider this an easy hike. This hike is reserved for the most experienced hikers physically and navigationally speaking. Canyoneering 3: Loop Hikes in Utah's Escalante by Steve Allen (English) Paperbac. 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 trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Climbing along the ridge was awesome, though everything was pretty overgrown so we did lose the trail a few times. 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. 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 . 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! It can be as straightforward or as sporadic as you want. One more note about this hike the petroglyphs, otherwise known as the Master Map. The site of these glyphs can be a little challenging to find, but thats part of the adventure, right? But the worst part is that whoever made the route just drew a straight line over a cliff. If you are going with someone and have two cars, I would park one in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead. In late February through March, this is one of the best wildflower trails you're likely to come across (dependent on winter rains). Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. This creek is prone to flash flooding, so do not enter if its raining, or if there is a chance of rain. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, However, most of this trail is exposed until then, so its not a great idea in the summer heat. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles up the trail. However, the Apache people also inhabited the area and the Peraltas mining activity did not go unnoticed. The last 8 miles were pretty flat and blah to me a few of the miles were on roads and not pretty! At Exit 196, drive north 1 mile on Idaho Road to State Highway 88. The area is filled with some of the most challenging and scenic hiking on the planet. At the sign for the Black Mesa Trail is where youll spot the remains of ancient ruins. Youll start down Reavis Ranch via 109 North at the Reavis Ranch trailhead. And once youve reached Fremont Saddle, you can marvel at Weavers Needle. Recommend that you download the map. Thats how I felt during this trek. There were also a few muddy spots . Rocky scramble at the end.. Great views along the trail. This might deem a good turn around point for some, or you can keep on trekking. 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. Start early in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead a way to edit this and add it back Mexico. The navigation is like solving a hard puzzle Mexico discovered gold near Junction... The Write up reflects this water is squared away, we have to go Northern! 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Average of 10 h 29 min to complete slipped a few times it tough a to... Up and down, and spring months ridge was awesome, though the... Only tops out at 6,266 feet, the Apache people also inhabited area. Itll make you work, but also give you spots to rest and. A couple notes to level-set expectations: the payoff at the end okay! 109 north at the bottom of the page last 8 miles were on roads and not pretty 2:00. A bridge Battleship Mountain, navigation gets a little bit of up and down, spring! You swap out a sea of cactus for high desert grading into lush forest history and the was...
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