The top of the Superstition Mountains Flatiron — a massive rock resembling an upside-down clothes iron — offers some of the most spectacular views in the Phoenix metro area. Barriers have been placed at any confluences to ensure introduced fish do not hybridize with this native species. Why you should go: Fresh apple picking and a refreshing pine forest. You can do this the other way around, too. 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. Why you should go: A potpourri of Superstition grandeur. This is possibly the most popular hike in the Superstitions, and for good reason. The Siphon Draw trail gains 2,500 feet over 3 miles before it reaches the top of Flat Iron (gulp). If you’re backpacking, there’s excellent camping along the creek here, plus you can spend more time at the falls. After a wet winter, the desert’s thirst is quenched and truly begins to blossom. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. 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. Battleship mountain may be named for its resemblance to an ocean vessel, but the climb can be described as a battle of its own. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path destination in the Arizona “high country,” Show Low may be just what you're looking for. The last of the Mexicans to die were killed in the area marked on maps as the Massacre Grounds. This 2.4 mile round-trip trail features an elevation change of 450 feet and offers some surprising views without the work to ascend the mountainside. The trail crests a high ridge after a quarter-mile, and makes a rugged 2-mile descent into Cedar Basin. If you look around closely, you may even find pieces of pottery (look but leave them where they lay). It was definitely an adventure for the books. Why you should go: Sip fresh spring water and enjoy some petroglyphs. The mountains are located less than an hour’s drive away from both Phoenix and Scottsdale. For $7 per vehicle, parking is available at Lost Dutchman State Park. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. Eventually, you’ll descend into the riverbed (keep in mind that during the rainy season, or during storms, there is a high chance for flooding). This is a wake up at dawn and be back for brunch kind of hike — you can conquer it within a few hours. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead). And two, a grand waterfall is the destination. Backpacking in the Supes is a one-of-a-kind experience. We did our best to provide you with the best directions from HikeArizona. Completing the Bluff Springs trail as an out and back is the perfect alternative to the Peralta and Dutchman’s trails, that might see more people on a busy weekend. The beauty of this hike is that it won’t take a full day, in case you have a busy schedule. Either way, it’s a fruitful hike all around — but you could say that about every Supes hike! The turn off is a little ways past Lost Dutchman State Park. Beginning at the Peralta Trailhead, the Bluff Springs Trail is 3.5 mile section with about 340 feet of climbing. A trip to Hackberry Spring is enough to prove otherwise. But  the Fremont Saddle is a popular location for people of all ages to turn back. 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. Just before the top you face a 12-foot vertical section, but with care and maybe a hand from a fellow hiker, you can find a safe way to the most spectacular views overlooking all of the East Valley. She is a Phoenix-based journalist with five years of writing and editing experience. Eventually, you will reach a saddle, but this isn’t Parker Pass. This 24 mile out-and-back features a modest elevation gain of 3,500 feet and is best done as an overnight backpacking trip. It’s also situated in the perfect area to add a few more miles with various trails beginning near the Lost Dutchman State Park lot. Use this list of the best hiking trails in the Superstition Mountains to plan your next journey to what locals call the “Supes.”. Lemmon and more. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. 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. Just past the springs, there are also some pools of water, and camping spots are scattered at the base of Charlebois Canyon. I also pulled a muscle in my quad on the descent, so maybe that had something to do with it. If you haven’t been to the east side of the Superstition Mountains, it’s a must. Why you should go: Instagrammable “surfing the wave” photo-op in a giant cave. Tales of gold, mystery and phenomena defines the lore of the Superstitions. Additional info: Superstition Ridgeline Trail. If you have 4WD locked and loaded and don’t mind more of an uphill climb, than this path has your name all over it. Looking for a fairly gentle hike just a bit of umph? It’s all about boulder hopping, scrambling and scouting the best way to keep moving forward. Gorgeous rock formations . This creek is prone to flash flooding, so do not enter if it’s raining, or if there is a chance of rain. Renting a cabin in Flagstaff is one of the best ways to experience Northern Arizona's draws in any season. Discover 13 of the best cabin rentals in Arizona, from small cozy cabins to luxurious chalets in Flagstaff, Munds Park, Pinetop, Mt. The route you choose will also determine the difficulty and length. 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. Some explorers have even faced their death in search of “The Lost Mine.” So while we don’t recommend looking for gold yourself, you are certain to find the promised land here in you’re looking for a great hike. Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. We enjoyed hiking Superstition Mountains near Apache Junction Arizona. Wilderness area. Sedona oozes charm and charisma, providing prospective visitors with no shortage of fantastic vacation rental options. Grab some skilled hiking buddies, at least a gallon of water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail. Hike the peralta trail through the beautiful superstition mountains to this breath taking view of weavers needle. 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. A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE AND PLAY Superstition Mountain is a private, 24 hr guard gated golf community with over 700 homesites and custom lots situated in 17 beautifully designed neighborhoods, situated outside of Phoenix in the East Valley in the shadows of the legendary Superstition Mountains in beautiful Gold Canyon, Arizona. However, they said it was the last time they would allow me to pick the trail. These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. Semi-Custom Apache Trail Day Trip Including Dolly Steamboat and Superstition Mountain. This trail is perfect for day hikers, as some of the best views are within the first 3 miles! Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. From AZ 88, or Apache Trail, you will eventually cross a bridge. But once you’re at the top of this mountain, the views are 360 degrees: Weavers Needle, Black Mesa, Canyon Lake, LaBarge Canyon and the vastness of the Superstition Wilderness. The towering crags of the Superstition Mountain glow brilliantly opposite the setting sun. Superstition Mountain Bureau of Land Management - OHV Area 13,000 acre open area contains sand dunes, mud hills, rocky trails, and typical hard pack desert terrain. To complete it, you’ll need some off-trail route finding skills and a shuttle car. Imagining the sunset on the evening of a full moon, and also catching the sunrise, left me speechless. I recommend lacing up your boots in the springtime for this one. Or, you can park at the Crosscut Trailhead for free, but you’ll add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip. This event took place on what is now known as Massacre Grounds. The Superstition Wilderness is known as a hiding place for secrets. Fish Creek isn’t much of a trail and there is no real destination point, which, in my opinion, is a positive aspect. For all the Arizona waterfall lovers, this one’s for you. Keep in mind that this is not an official trail, but it begins at the Carney Springs Trailhead. While the trail splits on the way to Reavis Falls and Frog Tanks Trail, the destination along Reavis Ranch Trail is actually an old Ranch site, once inhabited by farmer, horse packer, and miner, Elisha Reavis himself. starting at First Water Trailhead and taking the Dutchman’s Trail. This trail weaves through a wash to begin with, but quickly increases elevation. Click here for larger-size photo. Why you should go: Family-friendly jaunt with possible creek time on rainy days. You’ll start down Reavis Ranch via 109 North at the Reavis Ranch trailhead. See more ideas about superstition mountains, superstition, arizona. You can learn more about our editorial and affiliate policy here. Amazing hiking!!! Once you’ve reached the turnoff for Flatiron, just keep going up. 2013 : The body of Eric Fernandes , 23, was found on June 3rd by a hiker who, along with some friends, had taken it upon themselves to keep searching after authorities held back. I believe in you. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. The magnificent mountain range offers our members and those in the Phoenix-area incredible hiking and unparalleled views of the local desert surroundings. If you’re traveling, please check state and local COVID-19 guidelines before booking. Situated 50 miles east of the Phoenix, AZ metropolitan area is one of the best hiking areas within about an hours drive of a major city. At the sign for the Black Mesa Trail is where you’ll spot the remains of ancient ruins. This hike is shorter than the north side, too, by 3 miles. It presents an adventure for rock climbers, too, some of which have even camped out at the top. And if you’re considering the hike any other time of year, catching the sunset is the next best alternative. Additional info: Peralta Trail/Fremont Saddle. Perfect for the kids, perfect for the doggos, and perfect for the first-time or beginner hiker. I don’t blame them. From LDSP, the trail begins flat and slowly starts to rise. A GPS download and a map will come in handy. There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. So, let’s say you don’t want to go as far as Charlebois Springs (previous hike) and you’d like to bring the kids along, but you still want to explore the wonders of the western Supes. From here it is a series of cairn finding exercises to guide you to some of the most impressive 360 degree views in the Superstition Wilderness. However, it’s also steeper. After you’ve parked, cross the bridge again, and you’ll notice an entry point on the south side of the canyon wall. Look out for epic views of Weavers Needle, too. There’s history on this hike. Why you should go: Conquer the toughest hike on this list. For one, when it’s overcast and/or raining, the desert is radiating in color and life. By Mountain. If you ever have company from out-of-state, this hike will give them the perfect dose of the desert. Why you should go: A great way to approach Charlebois following recent rains. Socializing and less time sucking wind and unparalleled views of the Lost Dutchman ’ s thirst quenched! Recreational Equipment, Inc. all rights reserved you swap out a sea of cactus for high desert grading lush... 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