Why you should go: Get a dose of cave therapy. 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. Well never know exactly why they etched these pictures perhaps artistic purposes, or to tell stories, or to symbolize tribal societies and ways of life. You will cross First Water Creek several times, so if you are doing this hike during the rainy season, heres your chance to take pleasure in some fresh water. For one, when its overcast and/or raining, the desert is radiating in color and life. Not enough time to do a 7-mile loop? crowds, fee to enter and park in Lost Dutchman State Park ($7 as of May 2013). A short optional climb is 3.0 and the Gypsum Overlook Loop is 2.5. RV or tent camp right in the park, and wake up to killer views of those red cliffs. Ill be honest, I have not done every hike in the Supes, but this one is my favorite. The payoff at the end was okay. Hopefully, its enough to cool you off a bit. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. Once in the canyon, this is where navigation gets complex. Mark will be leading this ride Winkleman Loop 9:30am meetup at Superstition HD, safety and route briefing 9:45, KSU @ 10:00am . To start this trek, youll park at First Water trailhead. These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. Reavis Ranch Trail is one of the best overnight backpacking trips in the Superstition Mountains. Very busy, but fun and just the right amount of challenge. Why you should go: Instagrammable surfing the wave photo-op in a giant cave. 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. This hike is reserved for the most experienced hikers physically and navigationally speaking. 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. It's rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. I only brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt enough. Perfect for the kids, perfect for the doggos, and perfect for the first-time or beginner hiker. 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. It was a rapid incline the rest of the way to the top of Siphon Draw. Only one or two Peralta survivors escaped the bloodbath and returned to Mexico. Trail could use some more cairns and/or arrows. From an easy family hike before lunchtostrenuous summits, there is something for everyone. The trail crests a high ridge after a quarter-mile, and makes a rugged 2-mile descent into Cedar Basin. There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. 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! There is a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. And if youre considering the hike any other time of year, catching the sunset is the next best alternative. Don't be fooled by its historic roots, this trail is a modern driver's dream, with hairpin turns, sweeping curves, and stunning new views around every corner. Much easier. Superstition Wilderness Mesa Ranger District 5140 E. Ingram St. Mesa, Arizona 85205 480.610.3300 Monday-Friday: 8 am - noon | 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Lost Dutchman State Park 6109 N. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85119 480.982.4485 Trip Reports Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). Whether you come for a weekend or stay for the week, Sedona and the surrounding area boast some great camping opportunities. Worth a trip! Although it can be quite crowded on the weekends during the peak season,the views from the saddleare absolutely worth it. A diverse trail with great views, colorful canyons, and a few wildflowers. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. Loop hike with the Peralta trail to the Cave trail in the Superstition wilderness, Arizona. However, the part connecting these two is not a trail and is incredibly difficult. Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. 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. Its rocky, sharp and unforgiving. If you have enough time, stay two nights. As mentioned in the intro, members of the Peralta family regularly mined these mountains before falling victim to a murderous ambush by a band of Apaches. To Young. Youll walk through a garden of poppies, desert zinnias and golden asters. Why you should go: Fresh apple picking and a refreshing pine forest. Park location and driving directions for Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, AZ (85119). We started out around 11am temps were in the high 50s. Start early, and remember a headlamp just in case! Only after a few weeks of consistent winter storms will the waterfall be roaring. Good shape. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, Download the AllTrails map and follow the cairns. Similar to Battleship Mountain, navigation gets a little finicky in the river bed, so watch for cairns. by Bri Cossavella Ive done this hike twice already in February and both times I am thankful that I waited for a spot in the parking lot because the police were in the parking lot writing tickets to those people who are parked up and down the sides of the road when we came down from the trail! A long, through trail from the First Water trailhead to the Peralta trailhead. The map is a straight line. Its a good training route for other difficult Arizona hikes around the area. Depending on how long youd like to stay, or what youd like to see there are numerous route and side trip options. This 160,000-acre wilderness area contains over 170 miles of trails traversing the Sonoran Desert. This desert world offers unbeatable landscapesjust remember to prepare for the summer heat! 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. Stay tf out of the Lost Dutchman Camp Groundand Apache Junction in general, but the mountains are great. Take the time to "slow down and smell the sagebrush" as you and your horse mosey along the trail. To stay on this loop hike, go left here. The desert turns surprisingly green and the wildflowers abound. However, its also steeper. The area is known for lore about lost mines and ghost towns, and the museum will spark more curiosity about these mysteries. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. Backpacking in the Supes is a one-of-a-kind experience. Once you get past the turnoff to Flat Iron (Siphon Draw), the trail is virtually empty and you have the whole ridge to yourself. No one really knows the source of the carvings, but its still a magnificent piece of history and a memory to take home. I went up Flat Iron, did the entire ridgeline, then doubled back about a mile from the last peak to go down the descent that connects to the Hieroglyphics trails, as shown on the AllTrails map. It was definitely an adventure for the books. Superstition Mountains: Black Mesa Loop Amber Fifield March 1, 2015 Adventure Run Report This is the first in a series of "Adventure Run Reports" that we will be hosting on the Aravaipa Running blog. Perfect day on this fantastic trail. when you get to get to the barbered wire- theres a way thru that.. totally worth pictures on the wave rock! Awesome hike with varied terrain and views. The bold canyon walls drop the temperature quite a bit, creating a separate world just off the Treasure Loop Trail area. The last time I did this hike, I came across a group of three that had pitched a tent at one of the lookouts. She enjoys all things outdoors, resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human rights. The slick rock can be a bit tricky even when it's dry. 88; and drive approximately 3 miles to the entry of the Lost Dutchman State Park; (entrance fees are charged). The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. Completed about 19 miles in 9 hours. Learn more about Bri at her website or on Instagram. Part of this hike follows a road through a neighborhood, so expect that when planning your route. If you bring your pet, don't leave them in the heat! Trail conditions vary from fair to very poor. But, its also humbling. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. starting at First Water Trailhead and taking the Dutchmans Trail. 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. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. Good grip important! 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. With lower congestion than some of the shorter, easier hikes in the area, you can get a quiet experience in this beautiful desert landscape. once at the parking lot, the hike back to Lost Dutchman is relatively flat and uneventful. Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. No snakes this time. Overall a fun hike. latest trail conditions. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Crowds of people climbing all over the glyphs today, really sad to see thousands of years of history ruined like that. This was longer then 5.5 miles. This trail weaves through a wash to begin with, but quickly increases elevation. Rental homes, B&Bs and hotels, are readily available in Mesa. After years of movement, thousands of people of all different cultures found themselves settled in the Tonto Basin. The hardest part was superstition mountain peak as scrambling and lack of trail in parts made it tough. Just be prepared for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the creek to get to the waterfall. A few huge cattle along the way. Lots of wet muddy spots throughout trail today. The main trail is 2.0. Its short length, soaring rock formations and excellent views make it an awesome day hike for grown ups and kiddos alike. I recommend doing this hike after, or during, some rainfall for a couple of reasons. Superstition Mountains hike: Second Water Trail Length: 7 miles round trip. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. Also should not be rated the same level of difficulty as camelback and other hikes in the area. This was an awesome hike that took us about 2.5 hour because we missed the trail leading into the wave cave area. 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. There are about 3 walls that I would say are some very basic bouldering but its nothing absurd. Why you should go: A potpourri of Superstition grandeur. Free shipping. If not, theres some nearby shade. 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. 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. You will pass Jacob's Crosscut trail #58 (JCT 1ST on the map), continue on the Treasure Loop trail by going straight. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-run-51ecca3--2?p=-1. I enjoyed the hike. And there is nary a crowd to be found. You can simply go back the way you came, or you can tackle the Cave Trail. Two of my friends were from out of town and they said it was one of the most beautiful hikes theyve done. Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. I am in fairly good shape and I was winded nearly the entire time from the midpoint all the way to the top . It may even inspire you to take in as much history as possible and find some answers during your trip along the trail. This is a particularly good hike after a rain. Ran out with 6 miles to go. The climbing is not technical no need for ropes or rock climbing shoes. Great views after the fog cleared. Adventure into the mountain via horseback, or join a guided tour of the history of women and their roles in the 1800s. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. We had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was. Top was windy and beautiful. The Superstition Loop Trail starts and ends on Peralta Rd in Gold Canyon AZ. For Rent. Best hiked during cooler weather after some rain. It's a bit anticlimactic but you get out of that section pretty quickly. Elevation gain-3,000ft. An anecdote about Fish Creek is that it is a source of native fish the Apache Trout. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for brunch kind of hike you can conquer it within a few hours. Taken from the First Water trail access road Vote 0 Arizona United States of America North America Place 0 comments Best Add a Comment More posts you may like A long, through trail from the midpoint all the way you,! 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