Very muddy and the creek is higher than expected with recent rains. The points of direction for this trail are far from few. 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. Named after the fabled lost gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park is located in the Sonoran Desert, at the base of the Superstition Mountains, only 40 miles east of Phoenix. Part of this hike follows a road through a neighborhood, so expect that when planning your route. Treasure Loop Trail 56. It was breathtaking from the very beginning. Eventually, youll descend into the riverbed (keep in mind that during the rainy season, or during storms, there is a high chance for flooding). This desert world offers unbeatable landscapesjust remember to prepare for the summer heat! Our first comes from Aravaipa Ambassador Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote mountains and canyons across Arizona. Additional info: Reavis Ranch (Via 109 South). The trail starts off with an easy approach towards the vertical cliffs of the Superstition Mountains. To Superior. Why you should go: In just four miles, you get some of the Supes sweetest sights. Grab some skilled hiking buddies, at least a gallon of water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail. The Superstition Wilderness is known as a hiding place for secrets. 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. 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. 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. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. Lovely area. The loop described here is a Easy hike. Well marked and maintained. 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. Just pace yourself and watch your step and youll do well. To start this trek, youll park at First Water trailhead. The friendly and informative staff makes you feel as if you really are in a Wild West town, perfect for the curious traveler and families of all ages! Beautiful views everywhere, except the south part of the trail, which was burned and boring. Reviewers of this hike have claimed the navigation is like solving a hard puzzle. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. No snakes this time. The area is filled with some of the most challenging and scenic hiking on the planet. If you're quiet, you may be able to see big horned rams/sheep that are pretty cool. Great short hike. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. Spice things up with these fun stops. Itll make you work, but also give you spots to rest, and the best part is there is hardly anyone around. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. The creek was flowing strong - impossible to keep the feet dry. Why you should go: A potpourri of Superstition grandeur. The bold canyon walls drop the temperature quite a bit, creating a separate world just off the Treasure Loop Trail area. Ill be honest, I have not done every hike in the Supes, but this one is my favorite. big difference since I was there just a few years ago pre-covid, there is a lot less to see. A passenger car can get you to the trailhead, but stay focused and use care. About 3.5 miles in, a trail enters from the east this is the turnoff. We started out around 11am temps were in the high 50s. Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. The trail to the Praying Hands is less defined and more strenuous than the Treasure Loop trail. 2910 W. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120 US https://superstitionhd.com It intersects many trails along the way and is generally a north/south trail. There is a lot to see and do around the area. Up to 24 inches deep at the crossings! Unless you want to go for the long haul, I talk about that hike next! I started near hieroglyphics instead. 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. Hogs & Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm. Before Waltz died, he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location. Park the car at the Carney Springs parking area off of Peralta Road, and then drive to the Siphon Draw Trailhead in Lost Dutchman State Park to start the hike. Directions: Lost Dutchman TH: Drive east from Phoenix on U.S. Highway 60. But these trips also present a challenge because the region has areas where water is seldom found. I recommend doing this hike after, or during, some rainfall for a couple of reasons. A 2.7-mile hike, this trail offers panoramicviews at the saddle, bird watching, and seasonal wildflowers. 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. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. This is a particularly good hike after a rain. There is a creek, too, mind you. Why you should go: Sip fresh spring water and enjoy some petroglyphs. When we left around 11 there was a line of cars waiting to park. It's rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. Are you looking for a great day pack? This was my second time on this hike. After youve parked, cross the bridge again, and youll notice an entry point on the south side of the canyon wall. 755 S Colonial St, Gilbert, AZ 85296. A couple notes to level-set expectations: 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. The lo. This hike dubs its name from a huge, wave-shaped boulder projecting out of the cave floor. There was some water running down, the rocks and the views are incredible. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. Cool, sunny, and very windy. Thank you to whoever did that! Why you should go: Arguably the best view of Weavers Needle. 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. This creek bed turns into the trail going south. Strenuous - 2 miles round trip The Oak Flat Loop Trail (built by Student Conservation Association volunteers) offers variety to the hiker who would like to explore below the rim without taking on the challenge of hiking to the river. Definitely factor that in when considering this hike. A trip to Hackberry Spring is enough to prove otherwise. Carry ample waterthis is the desert, after all. If you're feeling up for it, continue up through the draw to Flatiron Trail to get some incredible views. Free shipping. At the sign for the Black Mesa Trail is where youll spot the remains of ancient ruins. It felt like Picketpost sometimes. Taken from the First Water trail access road : r/arizona by fatalifeaten Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with a little frosting. Went around 2pm on a weekend. 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. To Young. From LDSP, the trail begins flat and slowly starts to rise. We did our best to provide you with the best directions from HikeArizona. These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. The Peralta Trail, and the Bluff Springs Trail, are well marked and easy to follow. 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. The turn off is a little ways past Lost Dutchman State Park. 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. This is possibly the most popular hike in the Superstitions, and for good reason. Superstition Mountain Trails traverse through Arizona's most beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape and the hiking trails at Lost Dutchman State Park are a great place to begin your adventure! Just outside Phoenix at the base of the Superstition Mountains. Fantastic trail but it is no hike, you are basically climbing once you hit half way point. Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. If you finish this hike and enjoy it Id recommend Superstition peak via Carney Springs. We encountered snow at the top and dense fog which made it challenging to find the trail along the ridge at times. Great trail! Two Bar Ridge Trail 119. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. Youre almost there, and the views are unparalleled. Don't let that discourage you, though! The hike runs parallel to the Superstition Mountains for a while, then starts to lose elevation. You also agree to the storing of cookies on This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. Just be sure to look but not touch so the petroglyphs stay intact for future visitors. This creek is prone to flash flooding, so do not enter if its raining, or if there is a chance of rain. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. 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. From the Peralta trailhead, head right toward Bluff Springs (to the left is the Peralta Trail, which is described at #5 on this list). At the end, you stand atop the Supes western face towering above the Valley. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. Just remember, this is the desert. Anyone who has hiked in the Supes knows that the terrain is unique in a harsh way. As I was climbing up the flattened rock area. From Ma Ha Tauk Trail, turn left to proceed to Crosscut Trail. Gateway Loop Trail is equestrian and dog friendly. That was good for the calf muscles. If it's a little to hot for an open air hike, meander intoSiphon Draw Trail! Need to Know Bring water. 4 bd 3 ba 1.9k sqft. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. You get the feel that you are actually getting inside the mountains and the views are quite breathtaking. In late February through March, this is one of the best wildflower trails you're likely to come across (dependent on winter rains). We had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was. If you are going with someone and have two cars, I would park one in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. 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! Looking for a fairly gentle hike just a bit of umph? 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. Thats the cave! Look for a ridgetop slanting downward from left to right at its base and off to the right youll see a small horizontal opening. Decades later, Jacob Waltz, aka "the Dutchman," was said to have found the mine, and hid gold in the Superstitions. We parked in the camping area lot (which is where the directions take you). Bri Cossavella is a freelance writer for Territory Supply. Theres history on this hike. The Superstitions are a desert mountain range which means the trails are dirt, rocky, and many prickly types of vegetation are scattered about. Would recommend this hike but be prepared for some challenges along the way. Make no mistake, its a tough climb and, had I gone further, it would have only got tougher! 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. You choose your adventure! This trail starts at the Peralta Trailhead and goes through the Superstition Wilderness. I watched so many people slipping and falling in their tennis shoes. Others have noted that as you continue on the north side of First Water Creek, a tunnel that leads to an old mine operation. Quite a big difference if you ask me, so dont make the same mistake I did. Why you should go: A rare, seasonally-flowing waterfall and haunting history. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. If you havent been to the east side of the Superstition Mountains, its a must. Is the Dutchmans Lost Gold Mine real? I . Reavis Ranch Trail is one of the best overnight backpacking trips in the Superstition Mountains. Mark will be leading this ride Winkleman Loop 9:30am meetup at Superstition HD, safety and route briefing 9:45, KSU @ 10:00am . For Rent. MaybeCat PeaksTrailin the nearby Usery Mountains is right for you. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. Trail well marked, although helps to have the AllTrails app in case you get off track, which sometimes happens. 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. Just be careful these trails can be slippery and tricky to follow. WEAVERS NEEDLE LOOP STATS. Just when you think you have an understanding the Supes, you find another piece of territory to blow you away. When dealing with such a hike, footing can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots. Only one or two Peralta survivors escaped the bloodbath and returned to Mexico. Barriers have been placed at any confluences to ensure introduced fish do not hybridize with this native species. This event took place on what is now known as Massacre Grounds. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. Indeed, their mining expeditions reaped prosperity. The towering crags of the Superstition Mountain glow brilliantly opposite the setting sun. It was a rapid incline the rest of the way to the top of Siphon Draw. According to Arizona Highways, Weavers Needle is named after Paulino Weaver, a famed mountain man, scout, trapper and miner.. 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. policy linked to above. Always remember that you should try to stay left when possible going up as it is the often the route with less exposure. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. Great trail. Once youve reached the turnoff for Flatiron, just keep going up. Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. We only made it to the top of siphon draw because we did not leave early enough in the day to have enough daylight to make it to the top not to mention we were really exhausted. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. Our only option was to just keep hiking, and eventually we wound up back at the car. Over the next century, his confidant and thousands of other determined parties have searched for the gold only to come up empty. 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. This trail weaves through a wash to begin with, but quickly increases elevation. There is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area. Learn more about our editorial policies here. Superstition Harley-Davidson provides free hot dogs and sodas. All were saying is, please be careful and do not attempt this on a rainy day. But while youre flowing, keep your eyes as peeled as possible for the cairns, or you may miss the turnoff to the summit. Regardless, theyre gorgeous and well worth the effort. Or, you can start with the Boulder Canyon Trail, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking area. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. A big one, too. Do keep in mind that it gets very steep towards the top and I wouldnt consider this an easy hike. The route is over open slopes bearing a few bushes, saguaro and other cacti, soon reaching a nice viewpoint over the lake, the canyon and the Apache Trail to the east, winding over the hills towards Tortilla Flat. It is agreat place to escape in the Superstition Wilderness! The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . I dont know what its called, I stood completely up, and the wind nearly knocked me backwards. Hiking is fun. In the beginning, the towering western face of the Supes stares back at you. Its rocky, sharp and unforgiving. Its common to get into a flow while hiking one foot in front of the other and glance up here and there for the views. 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. The upper Hieroglyphics trail is scree and slippery dirt. Additional info: Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle. To Payson. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles up the trail. Next time I'll try to make it to the waterfall! My Apple Watch clocked in at 21.73 miles with 5,507 feet of gain. Rating: Easy to moderate. Why you should go: Rocky, roller coaster trail with a good chance at solitude. There's no better way to appreciate nature than being fully immersed in it for days and weeks on end. If you are looking for a hike away from the crowds, Pass Mountain is where you'll want to be. Everything else you need to know about Reavis Ranch is in the prior descriptionincluding a lay of the land, some history and pro tips! The route you choose will also determine the difficulty and length. This is probably my favorite time to hike generally. . It was not overly busy and most of the trail was clearly marked. There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page. An easy to moderate day-hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. Additional info: Superstition Ridgeline Trail. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacularviews less than half amileup the trail. Learn more about our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Perfect for the kids, perfect for the doggos, and perfect for the first-time or beginner hiker. With lower congestion than some of the shorter, easier hikes in the area, you can get a quiet experience in this beautiful desert landscape. The hardest part was superstition mountain peak as scrambling and lack of trail in parts made it tough. Really want to amp up your trip? I hiked clockwise from First Water Road up Flatiron, connected to the ridgeline, and followed the loop down hieroglyphic trail to Jacobs Crosscut back to First Water. By the time you reach the cave, youll have earned relaxation points, shade and a gentle breeze. Its seasonal, though, so thats why its best to go after some rain or snowmelt. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Muddy trail. Some solid glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone. Could have done without them, but needed the miles for R3 training. You may even catch some live music during your stay! It's a bit anticlimactic but you get out of that section pretty quickly. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-run-51ecca3--2?p=-1. 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. Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix 54 Recommended Bus Tours from $169.00 per adult Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour 37 Recommended Full-day Tours from $154.00 per adult Happy Cactus Tour to Apache Trail & Superstition Mtn 39 Recommended Art Classes from $125.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Much easier. So, youve just reached Fremont Saddle. 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). This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. 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. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. Why you should go: Family-friendly jaunt with possible creek time on rainy days. I did this at the beginning of Feb and it was a lovely and challenging day hike!! Now for the review - the ridge part of the hike is epic. Horses on the side of the road, good parking, very rocky trail, moments of shade. The elevation gain is also gradual. Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. TheFlatiron Trailis not for the faint of heart. The climb up to Flatiron is pretty steep lots of boulder climbing. Do it! Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. A little bit of up and down, but not much total elevation change. The spa offers everything from luxurious detox pedicures to deep tissue massages. Wonder if theres a way to edit this and add it back in.. If you get going early enough, youll be home in time for lunch! We hike regularly and are fit. Parking very tight even on a Friday morning. Goldfield offers ziplining, live gunfight reenactments, and a narrow gauge railroad you can ride. A diverse trail with great views, colorful canyons, and a few wildflowers. From paleontology and archeology to anthropology and geology, along with plenty of activity for the kids, this museum has got you covered. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our The trail slowly gains elevation as it heads directly towards the Superstition Mountains. 88; and drive approximately 3 miles to the entry of the Lost Dutchman State Park; (entrance fees are charged). But dont let my misstep dissuade you from giving it a go. She enjoys all things outdoors, resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human rights. Easy trail for all ages. The AllTrails trail starts at the Flat Iron trailhead. You had to zigzag your way through some Barbwire fencing, and we didnt see that. 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. 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. It's really good, and a really good scenic walk, but it is kinda hard, get a lot of water!!! 2021Outdoor Project. This trail lifts you high above the rugged mountains of the Supes. Do recommend. 1. If you bring your pet, don't leave them in the heat! A short optional climb is 3.0 and the Gypsum Overlook Loop is 2.5. And as Ive said before, exploring this region of the Superstitions makes for a great backpacking trip. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. This is also the point in which fear of heights might kick in, but you can do it. If you ever have company from out-of-state, this hike will give them the perfect dose of the desert. Amazing view at the top, truly unforgettable. Hopefully, its enough to cool you off a bit. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Depending on how long youd like to stay, or what youd like to see there are numerous route and side trip options. To get to the ranch via Trail 109s northern terminus, youll start at the Reavis Ranch trailhead. You may even catch some climbers top roping the Praying Hands rock formation. Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the trees. 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. About 20 years after the attack, Jacob Waltz now known as The Dutchman caught wind of the mines location. Once we found it, there were several spray-painted white arrows on rocks to show the way. The marina at Canyon Lake will take care of all of your boating needs, and additionally has a campground for lodging! The trail begins across the street from the Canyon Lake Marina parking. Its about nourishment and learning. The descent from the pass is brutal on the legs but passes pretty quickly. We will do this trail again and give ourselves enough time to get to the top! It's still one of the best ways through the Superstitions. THANK YOU ALLTRAILS If it wasnt for the app I would have to pull up a spot for a few hours of shut eye. You have to walk along houses at the end which is a bummer. It starts at Rogers Trough Trailhead, and a high clearance with 4WD is recommended to get back here, especially after a good rain. The Wave was cool to see. Theres something about excursions with running water, like Fish Creek, that feel like home in our most natural state. But dont let that turn you off from this hike you will most definitely get an incredible return on your investment. Here's how to make 'em work together. 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. Although it can be quite crowded on the weekends during the peak season,the views from the saddleare absolutely worth it. With gorgeous views and hospitable staff ready to make your day, Gold Canyon is a great getaway you won't find anywhere else. 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. Although there are creeks and springs along the way, don't count on them. This was longer then 5.5 miles. Stopped for lunch near the wave cave. It also means that you will rarely have access to water sources or shade. This was an awesome hike that took us about 2.5 hour because we missed the trail leading into the wave cave area. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead). Try this one out.

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