Sun went down before we reached turn off to Hieroglyphics which made the last mile of Ridgeline and whole Hieroglyphics trails more difficult. Narrows of La Barge Creek Views The views up top are incredible, but dont sleep on the traverse through Siphon Draw. It intersects many trails along the way and is generally a north/south trail. Enjoy this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. Imagining the sunset on the evening of a full moon, and also catching the sunrise, left me speechless. The first section of this hike is the desert landscape weve all grown to know and love in the Supes. Just a stone's throw from the Phoenix metro area, these trails give hikers a sense of solitude in a relatively remote setting. This is probably my favorite time to hike generally. The trail takes you through Garden Valley, past Hackberry Spring, then along First Water Creek before winding its way back to the trailhead. Eventually, you will settle into a canyon and this where all the fun begins. If you bring your pet, don't leave them in the heat! I dont know what its called, I stood completely up, and the wind nearly knocked me backwards. Being naked is sometimes fun. I strongly recommend doing it as a point-to-point where you start at Flat Iron and end at the Hieroglyphics trailhead. Uphill to cave . This was an awesome hike that took us about 2.5 hour because we missed the trail leading into the wave cave area. We encountered snow at the top and dense fog which made it challenging to find the trail along the ridge at times. Only about 4,000 elevation gain because we didnt do the final peak. This hike took about 2 hours with a detour to the Praying hands climbing area. Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with a little frosting. 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. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. The climbing is not technical no need for ropes or rock climbing shoes. So, youve just reached Fremont Saddle. 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. Loreah Winlow Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. 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. 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. At the end of their final expedition in 1848 as the Peraltas prepared to take home their gold a band of Apaches attacked. It's a spectacular hike with stunning views, and the ridgeline is always tons of fun with very few people once you get away from Flat Iron. Got there around 830 or 9 on a friday, there were a few people when we started, not too bad though. Park location and driving directions for Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, AZ (85119). Spice things up with these fun stops. Maps are supplied at the trailhead, making wayfinding a . 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 was a beautiful but very challenging hike! Petrified Forest National Part and North Eastern AZ, Granite Mountain (McDowell Sonoran Preserve), Box Canyon (Christopher Creek- *Technical), San Tan Regional Park - San Tan trail loops, Petrified Forest National Park and North Eastern AZ. Crowds of people climbing all over the glyphs today, really sad to see thousands of years of history ruined like that. Just be prepared for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the creek to get to the waterfall. Give yourself plenty of time, have fun, and stay safe. Reviewers of this hike have claimed the navigation is like solving a hard puzzle. Fall is usually the best time. Its rich culture makes the trip that much more meaningful, and at each stop on the drive, there is something new to learn. Along the way, you'll get to explore the history and natural beauty of the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. 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! Then, after a few switchbacks, youre there. Although much of the history of Tortilla Flat has been lost to time, tourists all along the Apache Trail find the charming little town warm and inviting for a much-deserved break to stretch their legs. Summer days may offer unforgiving heat or violent thunderstorms. Taken from the First Water trail access road : r/arizona by fatalifeaten Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with a little frosting. The creek was flowing strong - impossible to keep the feet dry. DON'T CLIMB ON OR TOUCH THE HEIROGRLYPHS!! 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. The trail begins across the street from the Canyon Lake Marina parking. A 2.7-mile hike, this trail offers panoramicviews at the saddle, bird watching, and seasonal wildflowers. This was my second time on this hike. Our only option was to just keep hiking, and eventually we wound up back at the car. Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. Once you are there, relax, marvel at the views and nibble on the snacks you packed. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. Just go at your own pace and start early in the day. Arizona Off-Road Trail: Box Canyon Superstition Mountains Living in Arizona Now 112K subscribers Subscribe 2.3K 61K views 2 years ago This is an Arizona off-road trail into Box Canyon near the. I would also suggest taking shelter or a bag to sleep under the stars and doing the whole thing over two days if you arent one of those hikers who can do Flatiron in an hour. About 3.5 miles in, a trail enters from the east this is the turnoff. Rental homes, B&Bs and hotels, are readily available in Mesa. Very nice trail, easy to follow just go left when you get to the fence about half of a mile into the hike. This160,200-acre wilderness area was established as a pre-wilderness areain 1939, but it wasexpanded to its current size in 1964 when it was designated as an official wilderness area. I am in fairly good shape and I was winded nearly the entire time from the midpoint all the way to the top . Lovely area. You quickly come up on the First Water trailhead and there will likely be a lot of people from here to the parking lot. $2,495. Ready for a hike? Rocky scramble at the end.. Great views along the trail. From AZ 88, or Apache Trail, you will eventually cross a bridge. No matter your ability, the Superstition Wilderness has a day hike for you! This is a particularly good hike after a rain. This was a fun hike, but this was really really hard. HARD! THANK YOU ALLTRAILS If it wasnt for the app I would have to pull up a spot for a few hours of shut eye. But so worth it. And once youve reached Fremont Saddle, you can marvel at Weavers Needle. Archaeologists claim the petroglyphs date back to 900 A.D when the Hohokam people inhabited the area. Just bear in mind the waterfall is seasonal. All rights reserved. For Sale: 9800 E Superstition Dr, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 $42,000 MLS# 1052656 An impressive hillside lot (almost 1/2 acre) with outstanding views of state land to the south. What happened to the Salado people, and their rich culture that filled the mountains for centuries before they disappeared? The lo. To U.S. 60. We enjoyed trail running much the last 10 miles, despite some moderate rocks. TRAILHEAD: First Water Trailhead, Apache Junction DIFFICULTY: moderate DISTANCE: 10.41 Mile Loop APPROX. It's this ruggedness that makes them so beautiful, but also what's made them so hard for travelers to navigate throughout history. Its a good training route for other difficult Arizona hikes around the area. 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 . Once in the canyon, this is where navigation gets complex. 2910 W. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120 US https://superstitionhd.com This route is longer than the hike via 109 South by roughly 3 miles (covered in the following section) but its also less strenuous on your legs and your vehicle. An anecdote about Fish Creek is that it is a source of native fish the Apache Trout. 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. Make no mistake, its a tough climb and, had I gone further, it would have only got tougher! 4 bd 3 ba 1.9k sqft. I watched so many people slipping and falling in their tennis shoes. Was busy the day we visited and parking was a challenge. Views are spectacular, start early like 4:30am or do a 2 day. An easy to moderate day-hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Best hiked during cooler weather after some rain. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. When is the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park? Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. We'll help you pick the right season for you. 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. I thought we were lost lol. The first section will get your blood flowing, but the views of the east side of the mountains will motivate you. The loop described here is a Easy hike. 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. Unless you want to go for the long haul, I talk about that hike next! We had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was. It was not clearly marked. If not, theres some nearby shade. Perfect day on this fantastic trail. 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. Others have noted that as you continue on the north side of First Water Creek, a tunnel that leads to an old mine operation. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Youre almost there, and the views are unparalleled. Start early, and remember a headlamp just in case! The turn off is a little ways past Lost Dutchman State Park. There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page. To Superior. . The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. Need to Know Bring water. Photographs 11 views of the trail and the Superstition Mountains. Ran out with 6 miles to go. Really fun route. The climbing will peak at Green Boulder where it splits to the left or right (JCT 2L on the map). Parents should be aware that the trail is narrow in places and traverses some steep slopes. Backpacking in the Supes is a one-of-a-kind experience. It may even inspire you to take in as much history as possible and find some answers during your trip along the trail. The off-trail aspect gives this one an especially adventurous flavor. Many pools and waterfall. Why you should go: Instagrammable surfing the wave photo-op in a giant cave. Quite a big difference if you ask me, so dont make the same mistake I did. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. Lots of scrambling. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. Why you should go: An exposed adrenaline rush for adventurous souls. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. Make sure to wear shoes with good traction. 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 You choose your adventure! Trail Descriptions 19th Ave. Trailhead 10500 S. 19th Ave. Crosscut Trail Access: Start at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to connect to Ma a Tauk Trail. You can do this the other way around, too. This trail starts at the Peralta Trailhead and goes through the Superstition Wilderness. For all the Supes veterans, give yourselves a pat on the back, because its rough out there. During the 19th century, the main route through the mountains was a path carved by the Apaches-- later adopted by stagecoach travelers-- earning its name, Apache Trail. Definitely factor that in when considering this hike. This stop on the Apache gives you a breath of a fresh air in a wide open and beautiful area. Reward yourself afterward. This hike is located near Apache Junction, AZ. I did this at the beginning of Feb and it was a lovely and challenging day hike!! 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. Another way to Reavis Ranch, just starting from the south instead of the north. Look for the hieroglyphs on the left. A favorite spot in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and prickly pear margaritas! Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead). There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. Did this hike yesterday (2/6/22). Before you know it, youll be surrounded by the canyon walls in all their glory. While solitude isnt always in the cards on the Peralta Trail, it does offer a journey through a mystical canyon and a desert wonderland even the drive to the trailhead feels like a gift. This melting pot eventually grew into what archeologists now call the Salado culture. According to Arizona Highways, Weavers Needle is named after Paulino Weaver, a famed mountain man, scout, trapper and miner.. I only brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt enough. There is a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. Parking very tight even on a Friday morning. Pretty creek crossings and ethereal area views dot the path. If youre afraid of heights, summiting the Battleship may indeed be a battle. 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. It is agreat place to escape in the Superstition Wilderness! Stay hydrated, and camp during the fall, spring, or winter. 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. The elevation gain is also gradual. Great short hike. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. Recommend that you download the map. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Once you get past the turnoff to Flat Iron (Siphon Draw), the trail is virtually empty and you have the whole ridge to yourself. The main trail is 2.0. The trail slowly gains elevation as it heads directly towards the Superstition Mountains. The Treasure Loop Hiking Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Lost Dutchman State Park. Make the right turn, plan it after a recent rain, and youll experience some of the finest pools and pour-offs in the Supes. If you read the previous hike description, youll notice that I did this hike by accident, but I wasnt the least bit disappointed. Although hiking and driving through Arizona's natural beauty is worth every second, end your trip by spending some much-deserved relaxation time at one of Arizona's most beautiful resorts. For $7 per vehicle, parking is available at Lost Dutchman State Park. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles up the trail. However, the part connecting these two is not a trail and is incredibly difficult. But after a few miles of uphill hiking, youll find yourself walking amongst the trees. Some explorers have even faced their death in search of The Lost Mine. So while we dont recommend looking for gold yourself, you are certain to find the promised land here in youre looking for a great hike. Treasure Loop Trail #56: This 2.4-mile loop gives you a nice overview of the area by looping through the foothills at the base of the mountains. by Bri Cossavella starting at First Water Trailhead and taking the Dutchmans Trail. If Flatiron isnt enough for you, weve got you covered with this hike. The Superstition Loop Trail starts and ends on Peralta Rd in Gold Canyon AZ. We found hiking off the Apache trail (highway) more interesting. Superstition Harley-Davidson provides free hot dogs and sodas. Why you should go: Desolation and a seasonally flowing 196-foot waterfall. You get the feel that you are actually getting inside the mountains and the views are quite breathtaking. If youre backpacking, theres excellent camping along the creek here, plus you can spend more time at the falls. A trip to Hackberry Spring is enough to prove otherwise. 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. Hiking in a clockwise direction means an uphill start and downhill finish but travelling in either direction is permitted. Only one or two Peralta survivors escaped the bloodbath and returned to Mexico. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. The Treasure Loop Trail #56 starts from the Saguaro day use area. In the beginning, the towering western face of the Supes stares back at you. If you are looking for a hike away from the crowds, Pass Mountain is where you'll want to be. Tule Trail 122. Only after a few weeks of consistent winter storms will the waterfall be roaring. 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. Refill Water, but dont sleep on the traverse through Siphon Draw day hike for you, weve you... 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