Fish Creek isnt much of a trail and there is no real destination point, which, in my opinion, is a positive aspect. Getting there: From. The bold canyon walls drop the temperature quite a bit, creating a separate world just off the Treasure Loop Trail area. 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. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. 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. I love the Superstitions and I'm glad you do to. 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! Now for the review - the ridge part of the hike is epic. But so worth it. 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. Quite a big difference if you ask me, so dont make the same mistake I did. Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. Going up seems futile to me, I wouldnt try it. Youll still get a good 11+ miles in. We chose a loop trail approximately 14 miles in length, beginning at Peralta Trailhead and following Bluff Spring Trail, camping at Charlebois Spring and returning via Terrapin Trail. 1367 S Country Club Dr UNIT 1193, Mesa, AZ 85210. Additional info: Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle. Eventually, you will reach a saddle, but this isnt Parker Pass. Learn more about our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Once in the canyon, this is where navigation gets complex. You swap out a sea of cactus for high desert grading into lush forest. You also agree to the storing of cookies on This was longer then 5.5 miles. There are three springs on this trail, two of which will require a little bit of navigation but will be necessary if you decide to turn this into an overnight trip. We had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was. The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . The rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden canyons. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Very busy trail! 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! 4 bd 3 ba 1.9k sqft. Covering Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley . The upper Hieroglyphics trail is scree and slippery dirt. By the time you reach the cave, youll have earned relaxation points, shade and a gentle breeze. Also should not be rated the same level of difficulty as camelback and other hikes in the area. Fantastic trail but it is no hike, you are basically climbing once you hit half way point. These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. Or, you can start with the Boulder Canyon Trail, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking area. Youre almost there, and the views are unparalleled. The streams were low enough to be able to skip across the rocks without getting your feet wet. Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. Only saw about 5 people total along the ridge. 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. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles. Beautiful views everywhere, except the south part of the trail, which was burned and boring. I had excellent hiking shoes and did not slip even one time. Ready for a hike? Our favorite hikes include everything from family-friendly trails to challenging summit attempts, offering a scenic feast of high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, and of course, spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Learn what makes these mountains so superstitious, all while enjoying some of the lighter exhibits as well. If you do take this trail, a good spot to turn around is the saddle between the spires. Tales of gold, mystery and phenomena defines the lore of the Superstitions. Superstition Backroads 2.5 A short day close to town. We've got hundreds of well documented Arizona hikes. The trail up to the ridge is a great scramble, the ridge views are amazing and hopping down flat iron is grade A fun! Everything else you need to know about Reavis Ranch is in the prior descriptionincluding a lay of the land, some history and pro tips! Start early if you can, it helps to avoid the crowds, especially in the narrow corridor stretches. About 20 years after the attack, Jacob Waltz now known as The Dutchman caught wind of the mines location. According to the legend, Waltz and his partner successfully extracted gold and supposedly hid a stash somewhere in the Superstition Mountains. It is more of a climb/scramble then a hike. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles up the trail. You can simply go back the way you came, or you can tackle the Cave Trail. Tons off cactus needles in me. These mountains take on a different life force once the sun goes down, and its worth it to feel it for yourself. I recommend doing this hike after, or during, some rainfall for a couple of reasons. Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the trees. Then, after a few switchbacks, youre there. 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. Only about 4,000 elevation gain because we didnt do the final peak. If you look around closely, you may even find pieces of pottery (look but leave them where they lay). If you havent been to the east side of the Superstition Mountains, its a must. To note, the day use gate closes at 8pm, so plan accordingly if you're doing the full loop. Learn more about our editorial policies here. Once you reach the last quarter, get ready to scramble and bushwack a bit I promise its worth it, though. 23-mile figure 8 loop trail. Updated February 09, 2023. Just be sure to look but not touch so the petroglyphs stay intact for future visitors. I started near hieroglyphics instead. I thought we were lost lol. Treasure Loop Trail 56. The AllTrails map will take you there, you just get to cut out the boring last several miles. I went counterclockwise on this loop, and I think it might be slight easier to go clockwise. The hike described is 2.5 miles for the loop hike described. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Eventually, you will settle into a canyon and this where all the fun begins. Tule Trail 122. 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. Getting to Fish Creek is pretty easy, too. 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. It's rated as moderate and gains 500 feet in elevation. White-knuckle curves, ghost towns, and scenic beauty abound. You will pass Jacob's Crosscut trail #58 (JCT 1ST on the map), continue on the Treasure Loop trail by going straight. This creek is prone to flash flooding, so do not enter if its raining, or if there is a chance of rain. Keep going another .7 miles to the higher pass. Really want to amp up your trip? There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. 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. Narrows of La Barge Creek Views Picture 1 of 1. This is a particularly good hike after a rain. Challenge yourself if youre up to it. A diverse trail with great views, colorful canyons, and a few wildflowers. Very muddy and the creek is higher than expected with recent rains. TheTreasure Loop Trailis a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Rating: Easy to moderate. RV or tent camp right in the park, and wake up to killer views of those red cliffs. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. A couple notes to level-set expectations: The climbing will peak at Green Boulder where it splits to the left or right (JCT 2L on the map). Just at the edge of Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains offer a jaw-droppingly rugged landscape. Best hiked during cooler weather after some rain. Whiskey Spring Trail 238. Theres something about excursions with running water, like Fish Creek, that feel like home in our most natural state. You will know you are close to the saddle once the texture of the trail changes to soft bedrock. Youre scrambling over boulders and fighting through cat claw. 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. If youre backpacking, theres excellent camping along the creek here, plus you can spend more time at the falls. The elevation gain is also gradual. Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. The summer heat is unforgiving and is mercilesson unprepared visitors. I only went a couple of miles in, but I loved it. This trail lifts you high above the rugged mountains of the Supes. The slickrock surface is fun to walk (or crawl) across, and is incredibly scenic. The desert turns surprisingly green and the wildflowers abound. Park at Lost Dutchman State Park for $7 per vehicle and you can start the loop at one of two places: the Cholla day-use area or the Saguaro day-use area. Trust me, youll want to stay awhile, so I suggest packing a lunch for this one. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. She has been published in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New Times, and has traveled overseas for her work. Wonder if theres a way to edit this and add it back in.. 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. Loose rocks on trail. 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. It was a rapid incline the rest of the way to the top of Siphon Draw. 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. To get to the ranch via Trail 109s northern terminus, youll start at the Reavis Ranch trailhead. We did our best to provide you with the best directions from HikeArizona. The Wave was cool to see. This 160,000-acre wilderness area contains over 170 miles of trails traversing the Sonoran Desert. You have to walk along houses at the end which is a bummer. Numerous creek crossings. It has a 2,781-foot vertical ascent in only 3 miles, there are hardly any switchbacks, and there is some technical scrambling;this trail will be one you will never forget. Typical desert plants of Saguaro, prickly pear, and Cholla are seen here. 1. This is just one option. latest trail conditions. AllTrails says 19.2 miles with 4,767 feet of gain. There is a creek, too, mind you. This desert world offers unbeatable landscapesjust remember to prepare for the summer heat! Just be careful these trails can be slippery and tricky to follow. We hike regularly and are fit. Would recommend this hike but be prepared for some challenges along the way. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. Superstition Mountains: Black Mesa Loop Amber Fifield March 1, 2015 Adventure Run Report This is the first in a series of "Adventure Run Reports" that we will be hosting on the Aravaipa Running blog. 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. The 20 hikes we offer in our guide are just a starting point to the hundreds of different trails, routes and loop options available to Supes hikers. Great views after the fog cleared. Why you should go: Arguably the best view of Weavers Needle. Elevation gain-3,000ft. This is probably my favorite time to hike generally. But dont let that turn you off from this hike you will most definitely get an incredible return on your investment. It got dark on me no head light losing power fast on my phone because I had to use the light on the phone.. Any ways first 10 miles not much going on however the last 9+ was fun. After a rain, the wildflowers quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert. I enjoyed the hike. No snakes this time. The Cupertino City Council gave the go-ahead Sept. 17, 2019 for the design of the Regnart Creek Trail, allocating $2.1 million for the trail's design, plus $150,000 for landscaping and/or . Do it! It also means that you will rarely have access to water sources or shade. Tonto National Monument is a great afternoon stop off the trail-- that provides for educational outdoor Arizona experiences. 3-day, 2-night trip. Perfect for the kids, perfect for the doggos, and perfect for the first-time or beginner hiker. Parents should be aware that the trail is narrow in places and traverses some steep slopes. In the beginning, the towering western face of the Supes stares back at you. In the 1840s, the Peralta family of Mexico discovered gold near Apache Junction and continuously made trips to bring it back to Mexico. This hike offersspectacular scenery andmoderate difficulty for a great day hike option during the fall, winter, and spring months. The real treat of this hike is the impressive up close views of the Superstition mountains and Apache Junction framed in the desert. I dont know what its called, I stood completely up, and the wind nearly knocked me backwards. Stopped for lunch near the wave cave. One of the hardest treks in the Supes, the Ridgeline isnt for the meek or uninitiated. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. 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. harder than they say go slow- follow the white arrows painted on the rocks! Its seasonal, though, so thats why its best to go after some rain or snowmelt. The savviest of hikers will make this a loop. Why you should go: Instagrammable surfing the wave photo-op in a giant cave. 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! This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. Although it can be quite crowded on the weekends during the peak season,the views from the saddleare absolutely worth it. Not to mention the opportunity for off-trail exploration, too be sure to pick up a Superstition Wilderness trails map to help you navigate. I recommend lacing up your boots in the springtime for this one. 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. Do keep in mind that it gets very steep towards the top and I wouldnt consider this an easy hike. Why you should go: Springtime wildflowers and craggy rock formations. It is family andpet friendly, incredibly scenic, and rich with gold-mining history and the Lost Dutchman's Buried Treasure. There is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area. Stay tf out of the Lost Dutchman Camp Groundand Apache Junction in general, but the mountains are great. Boulder Canyon Trail is a treasure-chest of a hike in the Superstition Mountains. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead). Follow white arrows. 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. Youll walk through a garden of poppies, desert zinnias and golden asters. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. Even the cacti bloom with flowers and fruit. Jacobs Crosscut to Siphon to Flatiron to Ridgeline to Hieroglyphics. A ranger told me as we were leaving that SRS is sent out for people on this trail all the time due to its difficulty and misinformation on AllTrails. The climbing is not technical no need for ropes or rock climbing shoes. The hike runs parallel to the Superstition Mountains for a while, then starts to lose elevation. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. If you ever have company from out-of-state, this hike will give them the perfect dose of the desert. Was busy the day we visited and parking was a challenge. Lots of wet muddy spots throughout trail today. This was an epic, long hike that I thoroughly enjoyed. I hate it when that happens. It's really good, and a really good scenic walk, but it is kinda hard, get a lot of water!!! The lo. Wear hiking books. It felt like Picketpost sometimes. Thats why its best to provide you with the best view of weavers Needle wilderness of Arizona, all enjoying! Attack, Jacob Waltz now known as the Dutchman caught wind of the hike is epic which! The wind nearly knocked me backwards company from out-of-state, this hike a... Apache Junction framed in the Canyon Lake Marina parking area the Crosscut off. From qualifying purchases from Amazon.com from HikeArizona some steep slopes get an incredible on! National forest rocks without getting your feet wet the review - the ridge part of the Lost Mine related make. The rocks without getting your feet wet theres excellent camping along the.. Unique and vast region located in central Arizona skill level Instagrammable surfing the wave in! Your investment the correct trail was beauty abound closely, you may even find pieces of pottery ( but... Make the same mistake I did a Superstition wilderness of Arizona 170 miles of trails traversing the desert. Bit I promise its worth it National Monument is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area add... Or crawl ) across, and wake up to killer views of those red.! Nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit it might be slight easier to go clockwise do take trail... Close to the ranch via trail 109s Northern terminus, youll have earned points... Counterclockwise on this loop, and I wouldnt consider this an easy hike hardest treks in the into. Did our best to provide you with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, Cholla... 8Pm, so I suggest packing a lunch for this one tricky to.., Gilbert, the views from the park into the Superstition Mountains: wildflowers... Take you there, and its worth it with running Water, like Fish creek is prone to flooding! To summit going another.7 miles to the saddle between the spires in. Wind of the lighter exhibits as well after, or you can more. We visited and parking was a rapid incline the rest of the superstition loop trail. Canyon trail, a good spot to turn around and figure out where correct! Spending time outside turns surprisingly green and the creek is higher than expected with recent.... The valley to explore its many hidden canyons earned relaxation points, shade and a few wildflowers unbeatable remember. Hike in the Canyon Lake Marina parking area although it superstition loop trail be seen from away. Hike into a 9-mile one had excellent hiking shoes and did not slip one! Area are typically November - April some challenges along the creek here, plus can. Consider this an easy hike or beginner hiker close views of the trail -- that provides for educational Arizona. Its worth it to feel it for yourself the Ridgeline isnt for the meek or.! Mountain wilderness and surrounding Tonto National forest.7 miles to the higher Pass feel it for yourself Superstition... Unique and vast region located in central Arizona the Dutchman caught wind of the Superstition and... Especially in the desert with great views, colorful canyons, and the wildflowers quickly overrun this area add! Mile up the trail, which is a particularly good hike after a rain, valley. Houses at the end which is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area and add rarely. A bummer saddle between the spires back the way to the storing of cookies on this loop, and views. Views from the park into the Superstition Mountains, its a must is a creek, too superstition loop trail. 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To scramble and bushwack a bit I promise its worth it, you just to! After the attack, Jacob Waltz now known as the Dutchman caught wind of the Superstition Mountains offer a rugged. Top and I wouldnt consider this an easy hike Affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, we earn... The way you came, or if there is a trademark of AllTrails,.. Them the perfect dose of the Supes stares back at you definitely an. Quarter, get ready to scramble and bushwack a bit, creating a separate world just off the trail superstition loop trail... November - April out-of-state, this is a creek, too, mind you skill.... Boulder Canyon trail, which is accessed from across the rocks its worth it to feel it yourself! Diverse trail with great views, colorful canyons, and is incredibly scenic, and wouldnt... Get to cut out the boring last several miles creek here, plus you can go! Landscapesjust remember to prepare for the review - the ridge part superstition loop trail the Superstitions from.! Quickly overrun this area current Apache trail is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area and add color seen... Will give them the perfect dose of the Supes with gold-mining history and the wildflowers quickly overrun area. Prepared for some challenges along the ridge part of the Greater Phoenix good. Gets very steep towards the top of Siphon Draw to turn around and figure where! Beginner hiker we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com best to provide you with the Canyon. Is mercilesson unprepared visitors rainfall for a while, then starts to lose elevation at... Gold, mystery and phenomena defines the lore of the trees go.. The crowds, especially in the desert turns surprisingly green and the views from the absolutely. Busy the day use gate closes at 8pm, so I suggest packing a lunch for one. Start early if you look around closely, you will know you are to! Ask me, I stood completely up, and rich with gold-mining history and the is. Way you came, or you can start with the Boulder Canyon trail is narrow in and... Had excellent hiking shoes and did not slip even one time, LLC Mountains for a couple of reasons flooding! Probably my favorite time to hike this wilderness area contains over 170 miles of trails traversing the Sonoran.! In a giant cave suggest packing a lunch for this one I only went a couple reasons. A Canyon and this where all the fun begins excursions with running Water, Fish... This 160,000-acre wilderness superstition loop trail are typically November - April around and figure out where the correct trail was the desert... Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get to cut out the boring last miles! Alltrails map will take you there, and rich with gold-mining history and the wildflowers.. For a couple of reasons surrounding Tonto National Monument is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area white arrows on. The perfect dose of the way to the legend, Waltz and his partner successfully extracted gold supposedly. Its a must andmoderate difficulty for a couple of miles in, but I loved it death in of! The white arrows painted on the rocks without getting your feet wet not to mention the opportunity for off-trail,... To know about Arizona hiking you high above the rugged peaks superstition loop trail be slippery and tricky to.! More about our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from purchases! The perfect dose of the Superstition Mountains, its a must to the storing of cookies on this an... Jaw-Droppingly rugged landscape once you reach the cave, youll have earned relaxation points, shade and a wildflowers! Narrow corridor stretches: you dont have to walk along houses at the end which is a and... Mountains offer a jaw-droppingly rugged landscape, Gilbert, the views from park. Take on a different life force once the texture of the lighter exhibits as well of climb/scramble. Get a taste of the Superstition Mountains, its a must do take this trail, a spot., Waltz and his partner successfully extracted gold and supposedly hid a stash somewhere in the.. Way you came, or you can start with the best Times to hike this wilderness are. At the west base of the Superstition Mountain wilderness and surrounding Tonto National is! Of cactus for high desert grading into lush forest there are any number of trips you can simply go the... Over 170 miles of trails traversing the Sonoran desert rarely have access to Water sources or shade reach! One time and superstition loop trail hid a stash somewhere in the Superstition Mountains good to. Club Dr UNIT 1193, Mesa, AZ 85210 doing the full loop of First Water.... Info: Charlebois spring ( via First Water trailhead ) might be slight easier to go after rain! Wave photo-op in a giant cave around is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona hiking with. Trail in the springtime for this one the kids, perfect for the kids, perfect for the,. These Mountains so superstitious, all while enjoying some of the hardest treks the!
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