A couple notes to level-set expectations: A trip to Hackberry Spring is enough to prove otherwise. View is great, would definitely do again! But these trips also present a challenge because the region has areas where water is seldom found. 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. The first section of this hike is the desert landscape weve all grown to know and love in the Supes. Ill be honest, I have not done every hike in the Supes, but this one is my favorite. Imagining the sunset on the evening of a full moon, and also catching the sunrise, left me speechless. An anecdote about Fish Creek is that it is a source of native fish the Apache Trout. Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. The Wave was cool to see. To Young. Superstition Backroads 2.5 A short day close to town. Look for the hieroglyphs on the left. In 1905, the trail was officially designated as an aid for the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam, with Apache Junction at one end, and Theodore Roosevelt Lake at the other. Spice things up with these fun stops. There are about 3 walls that I would say are some very basic bouldering but its nothing absurd. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. The points of direction for this trail are far from few. If you have the luxury hiking on a weekday, especially during cooler months, you may want to consider packing that brunch to go as you might wind up with the whole cave to yourself. Trail could use some more cairns and/or arrows. If you decide to go during a warmer day, there may be a trickle. Although there are creeks and springs along the way, don't count on them. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. Wonder if theres a way to edit this and add it back in.. Stopped for lunch near the wave cave. Fall is usually the best time. For all the Arizona waterfall lovers, this ones for you. You won't find the Lost Dutchman's gold, but you will get luminous views of Weaver's Needle, Four Peaks, Battleship Mountain and Canyon Lake. As the story goes, the family was ambushed by Apaches while on a gold expedition, leaving all but one or two family members left for dead. Learn More . Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. At the sign for the Black Mesa Trail is where youll spot the remains of ancient ruins. The loop described here is a Easy hike. Watch the sunset during dinner at Kokopellis Restaurant, or put your feet up at The Ledge at Dinosaur Mountain's outdoor bar and fire pits. The trail to the Praying Hands is less defined and more strenuous than the Treasure Loop trail. Many pools and waterfall. Cost of entry to park was $10. It's a bit anticlimactic but you get out of that section pretty quickly. 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. A bit of trail navigation may be necessary. Dont worry, you are still going the right way to the trail head. The backpack routes listed all have secured water sources because finding water in the desert, let alone in the Supes, is not impossible but adds a whole new element to the adventure. Learn what makes these mountains so superstitious, all while enjoying some of the lighter exhibits as well. 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. She is a Phoenix-based journalist with five years of writing and editing experience. Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. Hard on the knees coming down. Depending on the time of year, there will be more or less water in the creek. A GPS download and a map will come in handy. 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. Just when you think you have an understanding the Supes, you find another piece of territory to blow you away. If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. Take note that you will weave through a neighborhood to get to the trailhead down South Kings Ranch Road off US 60 East. 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. Start early, and remember a headlamp just in case! Itll make you work, but also give you spots to rest, and the best part is there is hardly anyone around. Why you should go: Rainy-day cascades in Siphon Draw and impressive views atop Flatiron. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. You can do this the other way around, too. Hitting the road from Dallas to Houston, or vice versa? A passenger car can get you to the trailhead, but stay focused and use care. 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 won't too much solitude on this hike. 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. Its about protecting what sustains us. You'll find the first half paved and the second half made of dirt roads. Also, the last 7 or so miles is not worth doing, as it is merely a connection between the Hieroglyphics Trail and the Flat Iron/Siphon Draw trailhead. This melting pot eventually grew into what archeologists now call the Salado culture. Totally worth it. The last time I did this hike, I came across a group of three that had pitched a tent at one of the lookouts. Continuing on the Treasure Loop trail, the remainder of the hike goes through the same desert scenery and heads towards the Cholla Day use parking area (Cholla parking area on the map). Although it can be quite crowded on the weekends during the peak season,the views from the saddleare absolutely worth it. 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. Much easier. There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page. There's no better way to appreciate nature than being fully immersed in it for days and weeks on end. Easy Jeep trails that take you to an abandoned gypsum mine and also quite close to the Superstition Mountains. The summer heat is unforgiving and is mercilesson unprepared visitors. Superstition Mountain itself is the anchor to this strangely beautiful, historically rich wilderness area. The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. Loop hike with the Peralta trail to the Cave trail in the Superstition wilderness, Arizona. Was busy the day we visited and parking was a challenge. Along the way, you'll get to explore the history and natural beauty of the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. It may seem like youre lost in suburbia, but youll get there eventually. It is full of history and tales of gold, as well as 100-year-old saguaro cacti, vista views, and wildlife. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Scrambling, scree, and beautiful fields of saguaro cactus! The mileage on AllTrails is completely incorrect though the route was around 15.7 miles for me. Oh, and a feeling of fulfillment because you just trekked 9 miles through some tough terrain. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." Decades later, Jacob Waltz, aka "the Dutchman," was said to have found the mine, and hid gold in the Superstitions. Best hiked during cooler weather after some rain. This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. 3-day, 2-night trip. Or, you can start with the Boulder Canyon Trail, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking area. The Treasure Loop Hiking Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Lost Dutchman State Park. When he died, he took the location of the mine to his grave. The rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden canyons. Preview trail Backpacking Hiking Views No shade Conditions When we left around 11 there was a line of cars waiting to park. Why you should go: Get a dose of cave therapy. Just be prepared for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the creek to get to the waterfall. The first three-quarters of this hike is relatively flat. To start this trek, youll park at First Water trailhead. Rocky scramble at the end.. Great views along the trail. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Directions: Lost Dutchman TH: Drive east from Phoenix on U.S. Highway 60. To Payson. Starting at the Pass Mountain Trailhead, head east on the trail for 0.6 miles, then follow the Cat Peaks junction right. Goldfield offers ziplining, live gunfight reenactments, and a narrow gauge railroad you can ride. It runs through State Trust Land so you will need a permit to run these trails.. Gateway Loop Trail is equestrian and dog friendly. For time reasons, we didnt do the final peak since wed have to backtrack to get back to the loop. I, for one, like to stay away from mountain bike trails unless, of course, I am on one. To get to the ranch via Trail 109s northern terminus, youll start at the Reavis Ranch trailhead. No matter your ability, the Superstition Wilderness has a day hike for you! 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