Awesome hieroglyphs at the end and a small waterfall. 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. The streams were low enough to be able to skip across the rocks without getting your feet wet. This is just one option. Beautiful scenery, a few wild bulls, a nice amount of people but not overcrowded. Got there around 830 or 9 on a friday, there were a few people when we started, not too bad though. This creek bed turns into the trail going south. If you're quiet, you may be able to see big horned rams/sheep that are pretty cool. We'll help you pick the right season for you. Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). Stay hydrated, and camp during the fall, spring, or winter. There were also a few muddy spots . Overall a fun hike. Hiked clockwise. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. Indeed, their mining expeditions reaped prosperity. To Young. This hike dubs its name from a huge, wave-shaped boulder projecting out of the cave floor. 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. 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. I tracked my hike on Garmin, not AllTrails, so my map and stats dont show on here. Treasure Loop Trail 56. 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! I hate it when that happens. Note: the distance and elevation may vary dependent upon the distance you choose to travel. Picture 1 of 1. policy linked to above. . Its easy to miss a turn and to follow the trail along the wash. Reviewers of this hike have claimed the navigation is like solving a hard puzzle. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. Toward the end, the incline straddles the line between easy and moderate. If you only have the afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through the rugged trails that lead to Tonto State Forest. This trail, in particular, keeps me humbled and healed. The area is known for lore about lost mines and ghost towns, and the museum will spark more curiosity about these mysteries. 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. Really fun route. No matter your ability, the Superstition Wilderness has a day hike for you! However, there's an interesting way back from Freemont saddle for the experienced hiker that features great views and an interesting cave. Expansive views, canyon walls, valley floors, switchbacks, desert trees, and a saguaro forest. The magistrates were now so far satisfied as to agree that Jacques Aymar should be authorized to follow the trail of the murderers, and have a company of archers to follow him. We had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was. It also means that you will rarely have access to water sources or shade. Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. $2,495. If you want a real challenge, pound in your tent stakes and head over to Peralta Hiking Trail to climb up to the top of the Superstitions. Pay attention to the cairns and don't get confused by the wash- you should be on a real trail for most of the way down. 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. 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. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. You also agree to the storing of cookies on No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Then, after a few switchbacks, youre there. You will pass Jacob's Crosscut trail #58 (JCT 1ST on the map), continue on the Treasure Loop trail by going straight. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. Fall is usually the best time. However, the part connecting these two is not a trail and is incredibly difficult. For Rent. Regardless, theyre gorgeous and well worth the effort. The trail is anything but a straight line. The climb up to Flatiron is pretty steep lots of boulder climbing. You have to walk along houses at the end which is a bummer. We started out around 11am temps were in the high 50s. Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." It's time to go beyond. 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! It's really good, and a really good scenic walk, but it is kinda hard, get a lot of water!!! Easy Jeep trails that take you to an abandoned gypsum mine and also quite close to the Superstition Mountains. Once youve reached the turnoff for Flatiron, just keep going up. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our Miners Needle Loop gives you a little bit of everything. Oh, and a feeling of fulfillment because you just trekked 9 miles through some tough terrain. When we left around 11 there was a line of cars waiting to park. Park location and driving directions for Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, AZ (85119). 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. Just at the edge of Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains offer a jaw-droppingly rugged landscape. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. Its about protecting what sustains us. Tule Trail 122. Look for the hieroglyphs on the left. A few huge cattle along the way. Its not scorching and the apples are in season. A big one, too. Its easy to mistake the small drainage at bottom as your destination, so be sure to continue another half-mile over the next hill to Reavis Creek. It starts at Rogers Trough Trailhead, and a high clearance with 4WD is recommended to get back here, especially after a good rain. Get a permit to be here! This was a beautiful but very challenging hike! It may seem like youre lost in suburbia, but youll get there eventually. It is family andpet friendly, incredibly scenic, and rich with gold-mining history and the Lost Dutchman's Buried Treasure. For travel in the Superstition Wilderness, we recommend the Superstition Wilderness, Arizona map published by Beartooth Maps of Montana.The map is . The AllTrails trail starts at the Flat Iron trailhead. 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. The route is very clearly marked with signage throughout. However, they said it was the last time they would allow me to pick the trail. Old West reenactors even make occasional appearances on weekends, weather permitting. Spice things up with these fun stops. A passenger car can get you to the trailhead, but stay focused and use care. Just 15 miles up the trail from Apache Junction, the lake offers scenic red canyons surrounding bright waters, inviting you to boat, ski, fish, or just take it all in. Like walking into a desert forest. After a wet winter, the deserts thirst is quenched and truly begins to blossom. 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. My phone died with 3 miles to go but completed around 20 miles in around 10 hours. That was good for the calf muscles. 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. 88; and drive approximately 3 miles to the entry of the Lost Dutchman State Park; (entrance fees are charged). Look out for epic views of Weavers Needle, too. Distance: 12.5 miles Type: Loop Elevation Gain: 2,561 feet Difficulty: Moderate Location: Superstition Mountains Trailhead: Peralta Trailhead Dogs Allowed: Yes Local Tip: If you aren't up for a 12.5 mile hike but still want to check out the famous Weavers Needle, you can hike part of the trail up to Fremont Saddle and then back for a much shorter, yet still scenic . Tons off cactus needles in me. 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. Its a good training route for other difficult Arizona hikes around the area. A favorite spot in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and prickly pear margaritas! You may even catch some live music during your stay! With lower congestion than some of the shorter, easier hikes in the area, you can get a quiet experience in this beautiful desert landscape. Why you should go: The more scenic way to Reavis, and you can still get apples. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. 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. Seen in: Arizona, Arizona Hiking, Hike, Southwest. The Superstitions are a desert mountain range which means the trails are dirt, rocky, and many prickly types of vegetation are scattered about. A long, through trail from the First Water trailhead to the Peralta trailhead. All were saying is, please be careful and do not attempt this on a rainy day. 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. 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. This being said, the narrow and rugged route requires attention while driving, and offers endlessly unique views. Hogs & Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm. 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. Additional info: Fish Creek (via Apache Trail). Follow white arrows. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. We did this as 7.1 miles and took approximately 6 hrs. A couple notes to level-set expectations: Starting at the Pass Mountain Trailhead, head east on the trail for 0.6 miles, then follow the Cat Peaks junction right. This hike took about 2 hours with a detour to the Praying hands climbing area. However, most of this trail is exposed until then, so its not a great idea in the summer heat. If you have 4WD locked and loaded and dont mind more of an uphill climb, than this path has your name all over it. For all the Supes veterans, give yourselves a pat on the back, because its rough out there. Before you know it, youll be surrounded by the canyon walls in all their glory. Carry ample waterthis is the desert, after all. Need to Know Bring water. Others have noted that as you continue on the north side of First Water Creek, a tunnel that leads to an old mine operation. 2021Outdoor Project. The elevation gain is also gradual. The AllTrails map helped a lot, and there was service most of time. Only a small part of the town remains, but what's left is distinctly authentic Old West. Just be sure to look but not touch so the petroglyphs stay intact for future visitors. The views up top are incredible, but dont sleep on the traverse through Siphon Draw. It was definitely an adventure for the books. Stay tf out of the Lost Dutchman Camp Groundand Apache Junction in general, but the mountains are great. 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. The marina at Canyon Lake will take care of all of your boating needs, and additionally has a campground for lodging! The junction to the last peak is a good resting point, and a great option if you want to save 2.5 miles and just start the hike down. Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. A 2.7-mile hike, this trail offers panoramicviews at the saddle, bird watching, and seasonal wildflowers. This is also the point in which fear of heights might kick in, but you can do it. After a rain, the wildflowers quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert. Whether you come for a weekend or stay for the week, Sedona and the surrounding area boast some great camping opportunities. Make sure to wear shoes with good traction. Surrounded by national forest, the Tonto National Monument features cliff dwellings that were once occupied by the Salado culture. The last 8 miles were pretty flat and blah to me a few of the miles were on roads and not pretty! Add another 0.6 miles if you take the spur trail to the Praying Hands formation. crowds, fee to enter and park in Lost Dutchman State Park ($7 as of May 2013). If youre going to the top, plan on being out there a good five hours. It may be wise to have a map and GPS as well. Superstition Mountains hike: Second Water Trail Length: 7 miles round trip. when you get to get to the barbered wire- theres a way thru that.. totally worth pictures on the wave rock! But after a few miles of uphill hiking, youll find yourself walking amongst the trees. Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. Yes, this excruciatingly steep hike is a heart-pumper, but its rewarding as can be and still worthwhile if you choose to only go to the end of the Siphon Draw Trail section. It is flat and boring. Also, I had no idea that Peralta Road turned into a dirt road. 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 . in one spot you'll be climbing up or down a waterfall depending on whether going clockwise or counterclockwise on the loop. 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. Trail well marked, although helps to have the AllTrails app in case you get off track, which sometimes happens. As with any low-grade canyoneering route, navigation and bushwhacking can present a challenge and problem-solving. Youll have to figure out a way around it. A trip to Hackberry Spring is enough to prove otherwise. Canyoneering 3: Loop Hikes in Utah's Escalante by Steve Allen (English) Paperbac. But these trips also present a challenge because the region has areas where water is seldom found. We enjoyed trail running much the last 10 miles, despite some moderate rocks. Superstition Wilderness Area This Wilderness was designated in 1939, and was expanded to its present size in 1984. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. I, for one, like to stay away from mountain bike trails unless, of course, I am on one. Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. 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. Rating: Easy to moderate. The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. If you decide to go during a warmer day, there may be a trickle. Distance: 0.5 mi Elevation Change: 220 ft. 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