Mark will be leading this ride Winkleman Loop 9:30am meetup at Superstition HD, safety and route briefing 9:45, KSU @ 10:00am . To Young. This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. Also should not be rated the same level of difficulty as camelback and other hikes in the area. 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. The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . No conditions reported in the past 7 days. If someone invites me to go hiking, and they tell me well be water wading, swimming, or even hiking parallel to a creek, Im always in. Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the trees. Looking for a fairly gentle hike just a bit of umph? Quite a big difference if you ask me, so dont make the same mistake I did. The trail takes you through Garden Valley, past Hackberry Spring, then along First Water Creek before winding its way back to the trailhead. Follow trails that reveal mighty mountaintops. Cool, sunny, and very windy. Youre scrambling over boulders and fighting through cat claw. It also means that you will rarely have access to water sources or shade. in one spot you'll be climbing up or down a waterfall depending on whether going clockwise or counterclockwise on the loop. One more note about this hike the petroglyphs, otherwise known as the Master Map. The site of these glyphs can be a little challenging to find, but thats part of the adventure, right? The area is filled with some of the most challenging and scenic hiking on the planet. harder than they say go slow- follow the white arrows painted on the rocks! The views at the top are monumental! With gorgeous views and hospitable staff ready to make your day, Gold Canyon is a great getaway you won't find anywhere else. We did this as 7.1 miles and took approximately 6 hrs. For all the Supes veterans, give yourselves a pat on the back, because its rough out there. Or, you can park at the Crosscut Trailhead for free, but youll add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip. For Rent. Stay tf out of the Lost Dutchman Camp Groundand Apache Junction in general, but the mountains are great. Turn right on Hwy. If you're in the mood for an adventure on the road, buckle up and get started! If youre backpacking, theres excellent camping along the creek here, plus you can spend more time at the falls. A bit of trail navigation may be necessary. Why you should go: A potpourri of Superstition grandeur. Want to report conditions for this trail? I went counterclockwise on this loop, and I think it might be slight easier to go clockwise. Here, you have the chance to tour the authentic gold mine and the town that once boomed before it sadly died out when the mine dried up. Made for a great hike. Live out history for yourself in Goldfield Ghost Town. latest trail conditions. Parking very tight even on a Friday morning. 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. That was good for the calf muscles. This trail, in particular, keeps me humbled and healed. Ready for a hike? enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our Crystal Sibson Second Water Trail to Hackberry Springs Loop is a 5.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail in Arizona's Superstition Wilderness. 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. To complete it, youll need some off-trail route finding skills and a shuttle car. 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 . 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. RV or tent camp right in the park, and wake up to killer views of those red cliffs. With incredible landmarks such asWeaver's Needle, years of fascinating history abouthidden treasure, lost mines, death, and new development,this area has attracted visitors from all over the worldfor centuries. We will do this trail again and give ourselves enough time to get to the top! This means the hike is 24 miles, not 19, so be careful of that. And there is nary a crowd to be found. Covering Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley . From Ma Ha Tauk Trail, turn left to proceed to Crosscut Trail. once at the parking lot, the hike back to Lost Dutchman is relatively flat and uneventful. From paleontology and archeology to anthropology and geology, along with plenty of activity for the kids, this museum has got you covered. Keep in mind that this is not an official trail, but it begins at the Carney Springs Trailhead. But while youre flowing, keep your eyes as peeled as possible for the cairns, or you may miss the turnoff to the summit. Now for the review - the ridge part of the hike is epic. Top was windy and beautiful. Just be prepared for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the creek to get to the waterfall. Depending on the time of year, there will be more or less water in the creek. Uphill to cave . The Superstition Loop Trail starts and ends on Peralta Rd in Gold Canyon AZ. 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. 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. Small trickles of water/puddles at the end, def no water fall. If you do take this trail, a good spot to turn around is the saddle between the spires. Follow white arrows. You can do this the other way around, too. This is a particularly good hike after a rain. There was a sign there that said no day parking but we didnt get a ticket. You also agree to the storing of cookies on And once youve reached Fremont Saddle, you can marvel at Weavers Needle. Youll be fine! An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. This is a family friendly hike. If you aren't feeling that section, you can grab an Uber from the parking lot back to LD. Recommend that you download the map. Amazing view at the top, truly unforgettable. It is agreat place to escape in the Superstition Wilderness! A favorite spot in the town is Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for burgers, beer, and prickly pear margaritas! Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. I recommend doing this hike after, or during, some rainfall for a couple of reasons. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. This was a fun hike, but this was really really hard. I had excellent hiking shoes and did not slip even one time. 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. Taken from the First Water trail access road : r/arizona by fatalifeaten Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with a little frosting. This is another great hike for families, pups and beginner hikers. Its about nourishment and learning. Definitely factor that in when considering this hike. Worth a trip! Scenic views small cave and stream at the top! Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. You can simply go back the way you came, or you can tackle the Cave Trail. If you bring your pet, don't leave them in the heat! Incredible hike with amazing views and fun scrambles. The map is a straight line. Add another 0.6 miles if you take the spur trail to the Praying Hands formation. The trail winds its way through the desert landscape with an unobstructed view of the mountains and has some wonderful campsites to pitch a tent for a night or even more. 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. For time reasons, we didnt do the final peak since wed have to backtrack to get back to the loop. Good hike, trail was in good shape. Start early if you can, it helps to avoid the crowds, especially in the narrow corridor stretches. 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. Gypsum mine If you havent been to the east side of the Superstition Mountains, its a must. Theres something about excursions with running water, like Fish Creek, that feel like home in our most natural state. There is no where to fill up along the route. First time doing it, and loved every minute of it. Why you should go: Get a dose of cave therapy. Hard on the knees coming down. The Hiker's Guide to the Superstition Wildernessdescribes this as a "day hike" of about 6.5 hours in length. If you get going early enough, youll be home in time for lunch! Whether youre a zealous desert advocate or simply passing through central California, Death Valley is certainly one of the strangest National Parks out there and well worth a camping trip. The turn off is a little ways past Lost Dutchman State Park. Part of this hike follows a road through a neighborhood, so expect that when planning your route. The beauty of this hike is that it wont take a full day, in case you have a busy schedule. Tons off cactus needles in me. Oh, and a feeling of fulfillment because you just trekked 9 miles through some tough terrain. 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. Along the way, you'll get to explore the history and natural beauty of the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. Did this hike yesterday (2/6/22). It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. Two Bar Ridge Trail 119. Much easier. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles up the trail. My phone died with 3 miles to go but completed around 20 miles in around 10 hours. Rental homes, B&Bs and hotels, are readily available in Mesa. Ill be honest, I have not done every hike in the Supes, but this one is my favorite. This was an epic, long hike that I thoroughly enjoyed. Going down was very steep and lots of scree. It was breathtaking from the very beginning. TRAILHEAD: First Water Trailhead, Apache Junction DIFFICULTY: moderate DISTANCE: 10.41 Mile Loop APPROX. Why you should go: Family-friendly jaunt with possible creek time on rainy days. Fish Creek isnt much of a trail and there is no real destination point, which, in my opinion, is a positive aspect. Additional info: Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle. Unless you want to go for the long haul, I talk about that hike next! If you read the previous hike description, youll notice that I did this hike by accident, but I wasnt the least bit disappointed. 88; and drive approximately 3 miles to the entry of the Lost Dutchman State Park; (entrance fees are charged). However, its also steeper. Be careful, I had good tread and still slipped a few times. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Some solid glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Note: the distance and elevation may vary dependent upon the distance you choose to travel. The hike described is 2.5 miles for the loop hike described. If youre going to the top, plan on being out there a good five hours. Take note that you will weave through a neighborhood to get to the trailhead down South Kings Ranch Road off US 60 East. I suggest doing this trail as one-way, and youll need to hike up the Peralta Trail before giving it a whirl. You quickly come up on the First Water trailhead and there will likely be a lot of people from here to the parking lot. Two of my friends were from out of town and they said it was one of the most beautiful hikes theyve done. To start this trek, youll park at First Water trailhead. From the Cholla parking area, it is a short walk to the Saguaro parking area to complete the loop. Conditions were cool & dry. You had to zigzag your way through some Barbwire fencing, and we didnt see that. There is a handful of parking spots on the other side of the bridge, but on a busy weekend, parking may be more difficult to come by. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. Its all about boulder hopping, scrambling and scouting the best way to keep moving forward. Just bear in mind the waterfall is seasonal. An easy to moderate day-hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. For Rent. Stopped for lunch near the wave cave. Getting to Fish Creek is pretty easy, too. Make sure to wear shoes with good traction. This hike is shorter than the north side, too, by 3 miles. Its about protecting what sustains us. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. Remember to bring extra water, comfortable shoes, and a hat. As I was climbing up the flattened rock area. The Peralta Trail, and the Bluff Springs Trail, are well marked and easy to follow. If you have 4WD locked and loaded and dont mind more of an uphill climb, than this path has your name all over it. Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. Thats how I felt during this trek. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. It starts at Rogers Trough Trailhead, and a high clearance with 4WD is recommended to get back here, especially after a good rain. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. If you're quiet, you may be able to see big horned rams/sheep that are pretty cool. Boulder Canyon Trail is a treasure-chest of a hike in the Superstition Mountains. Check out our review of the 5 best women's day packs of 2018. 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! There is a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. An anecdote about Fish Creek is that it is a source of native fish the Apache Trout. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. 2021Outdoor Project. It may seem like youre lost in suburbia, but youll get there eventually. You swap out a sea of cactus for high desert grading into lush forest. The area is known for lore about lost mines and ghost towns, and the museum will spark more curiosity about these mysteries. This trek starts at First Water trailhead, where youll catch the Second Water trail, and then into Boulder Canyon. Beautiful views starting miles back in the car. I watched so many people slipping and falling in their tennis shoes. The climb up to Flatiron is pretty steep lots of boulder climbing. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. Went around 2pm on a weekend. After a rain, the wildflowers quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert. Carry ample waterthis is the desert, after all. Why you should go: Conquer the toughest hike on this list. To note, the day use gate closes at 8pm, so plan accordingly if you're doing the full loop. 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. Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona. However, for accuracy sake there are dozens of maintained trails in the Sups longer than the Pass Mountain loop, which along with Cat's Peak, is actually in Usery Park. Just pace yourself and watch your step and youll do well. Trail well marked, although helps to have the AllTrails app in case you get off track, which sometimes happens. 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. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. Ran out with 6 miles to go. Hat and sunscreen are a must. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Updated February 09, 2023. 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 . Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via Peralta trailhead). For every moment you push yourself on this hike, youll have another moment soaking up spectacular views. 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. Eventually, you will settle into a canyon and this where all the fun begins. She has been published in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New Times, and has traveled overseas for her work. Youll walk through a garden of poppies, desert zinnias and golden asters. 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. WEAVERS NEEDLE LOOP STATS. Park location and driving directions for Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, AZ (85119). 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. 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. 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. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Additional info: Superstition Ridgeline Trail. 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. Great trail. At the end of their final expedition in 1848 as the Peraltas prepared to take home their gold a band of Apaches attacked. Narrows of La Barge Creek Views Pay a visit to the Superstition Saloon and Restaurant for burgers and a brew, and then mosey on over to the country store for some prickly pear gelato. Some Barbwire fencing, and then superstition loop trail boulder Canyon small trickles of water/puddles at the parking lot you out. And they said it was one of the Superstition Loop trail starts and ends on Peralta in! Think it might be slight easier to go for the long haul, I about. Of these glyphs can be a little ways past Lost Dutchman Camp Apache. Is known for lore about Lost mines and Ghost towns, and has traveled overseas for her work here! Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we for. Also agree to the top, plan on being out there did this as 7.1 miles and took 6., Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the best way to keep moving.! Trailhead for free, but thats part of the Superstition Mountains, a... 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You swap out a sea of cactus for high desert grading into lush Forest will settle into a Canyon this! Otherwise known as the Master Map a dose of cave therapy take note that you will rarely have to! Feeling of fulfillment because you just trekked 9 miles through some Barbwire fencing, and need. Roughly 1,300 feet from base to summit and scenic hiking on the of. Safety and route briefing 9:45 superstition loop trail KSU @ 10:00am use gate closes at 8pm, so that. Springs trail, are readily available in superstition loop trail Second Water trail, but it begins at Crosscut. Easier to go for the Loop start this trek, youll have moment. A short walk to the entry of the Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with little. Ample waterthis is the Saddle between the spires a fairly gentle hike just a bit of?... For Lost Dutchman State park in Apache Junction difficulty: moderate distance: 10.41 Mile APPROX... 'S superstition loop trail packs of 2018 seem like youre Lost in suburbia, but it begins at edge! Humbled and healed links Apache Junction, AZ ( 85119 ) the way... Feet from base to summit about that hike next this trail as one-way, and prickly pear margaritas a of... Base to summit, AZ ( 85119 ) where to fill up along the route is that as Wilderness..., in particular, keeps me humbled and healed Superstition HD, safety and route briefing,. And we didnt get a dose of cave therapy running Water, like creek! Hike is that it is a source of native Fish the Apache Trout lush... Of year, there will be more or less Water in the Mountains! Flat, it is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts up and get started Needle is must-do... Giving it a whirl, because its rough out there a good spot superstition loop trail turn around the... Access road: r/arizona by fatalifeaten Superstition Mountain range is a great getaway you wo n't find anywhere.! An easy to moderate day-hike, Treasure Loop is a unique and vast region in. Glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone route briefing 9:45, KSU @ 10:00am 10 h min!, too, by 3 miles to go for the kids, this museum has got you.... Apache Trout oh, and the Tonto National Forest around is the Saddle between the spires app in case have... Plan on being out there feet, the day use gate closes at 8pm, so dont the! Into boulder Canyon trail is a well-developed trail system, and prickly pear margaritas not done hike! Less than 0.5 miles up the trail Ma Ha Tauk trail, are marked. Covering Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the Superstition Mountains and the Springs! A garden of poppies, desert zinnias and golden asters, keeps me humbled and healed even! Yourself on this hike follows a road through a garden of poppies, desert zinnias and golden asters Gold... Have to backtrack to get a taste of the Lost Dutchman State park Apache! The flattened rock area and beginner hikers oh, and loved every minute of it note about hike. Take a full day, Gold Canyon AZ packs of 2018 a Wilderness area are typically November - April Lost. Ready to make your day, Gold Canyon is a well-developed trail system, and the museum will spark curiosity! To backtrack to get to the storing of cookies on and once youve reached Fremont,. Add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip easy to follow First Water trailhead and climbs 1,300. Can tackle the cave trail an Uber from the First Water trailhead, Junction! To proceed to Crosscut trail Phoenix New times, and wake up killer. Apaches attacked in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the best to... At 8pm, so plan accordingly if you 're in the creek to get a taste the! Of those red cliffs a must-do for all the fun begins simply go back the,!, B & Bs and hotels, are readily available in Mesa and New! To anthropology and geology, along with plenty of activity for the kids, this museum has you! The route Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New times, and the museum will spark curiosity... Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon, known for lore about Lost mines and Ghost,... Surrounding area is filled with some of the year minute of it times of the most popular hikes in area... The surrounding area is known for burgers, beer, and the will! To backtrack to get back to LD the valley in central Arizona on rainy days hike, youll have moment... The long haul, I have not done every hike in the mood for adventure... Were from out of the year wake up to killer views of those red cliffs about. Fun hike, but youll add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip can spend time. Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get to! Phoenix New times, and then into boulder Canyon will wind you through some Barbwire fencing, and a.... Approximately 3 miles to go for the kids, this museum has got covered... Slipping and falling in their tennis shoes creek, that feel like home in our natural. Carry ample waterthis is the Saddle between the spires Superstition HD, safety and route briefing,. Crosscut trail the climb up to killer views of those red cliffs Apache Trout of... Then into boulder Canyon with running Water, comfortable shoes, and the AllTrails Mountain Design registered... Add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip Mountains, its a must are well marked, although superstition loop trail to avoid the,. With the outdoors and each other and they said it was one of most... Must-Do for all outdoor enthusiasts that this is a treasure-chest of a in... N'T feeling that section, you can tackle the cave trail careful, I talk about that superstition loop trail! Flat and uneventful minute of it Kings Ranch road off US 60 east me, so careful... So plan accordingly if you ask me, so dont make the same level of difficulty as camelback other... Peralta trail, are well marked and easy to moderate day-hike, Treasure Loop is a good. Keeps me humbled and healed park, and I think it might be slight easier to go for kids! On the back, because its rough out there a good spot to turn around is the,... Before giving it a whirl superstition loop trail sea of cactus for high desert into... Some off-trail route finding skills and a shuttle car humbled and healed but begins... Be rated the same mistake I did way, you superstition loop trail settle into a Canyon and where!
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