superstition loop trail

It was not clearly marked. Summer days may offer unforgiving heat or violent thunderstorms. The savviest of hikers will make this a loop. Ran out with 6 miles to go. 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. There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. I was fine because I hydrated in advance and it was a cool day, but definitely recommend bringing plenty with you to prevent running out. Some solid glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone. However, its also steeper. This stop on the Apache gives you a breath of a fresh air in a wide open and beautiful area. It has a 2,781-foot vertical ascent in only 3 miles, there are hardly any switchbacks, and there is some technical scrambling;this trail will be one you will never forget. From paleontology and archeology to anthropology and geology, along with plenty of activity for the kids, this museum has got you covered. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Rocky scramble at the end.. Great views along the trail. crowds, fee to enter and park in Lost Dutchman State Park ($7 as of May 2013). 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. Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. . Loose rocks on trail. The rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden canyons. Wear hiking books. 3. Even the cacti bloom with flowers and fruit. Underneath the bridge is Fish Creek. Check out the Elvis Memorial Chapel, the rare 20-stamp ore crusher, and the amazing scenery, worth taking a break for. Here's our guide to conquering Apache Trail. Itll make you work, but also give you spots to rest, and the best part is there is hardly anyone around. 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. The town, population six, is Arizona's smallest "community," with a post office as well as a voter's precinct. Great views after the fog cleared. Its worth hanging out a few extra minutes to soak up the sights and sounds before continuing to Flatirons flat-topped summit. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." 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. Only a small part of the town remains, but what's left is distinctly authentic Old West. A GPS download and a map will come in handy. This is possibly the most popular hike in the Superstitions, and for good reason. There is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area. But after a few miles of uphill hiking, youll find yourself walking amongst the trees. The area is filled with some of the most challenging and scenic hiking on the planet. Seen in: Arizona, Arizona Hiking, Hike, Southwest. It may be wise to have a map and GPS as well. I would highly highly recommend wearing proper footwear for this. Each season brings a different view of Zion. I decided just to crawl up that rock flat rock area the rest of the way on all 4s. The first three-quarters of this hike is relatively flat. To complete it, youll need some off-trail route finding skills and a shuttle car. 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. First time doing it, and loved every minute of it. Thats how I felt during this trek. To get to this hideaway, youll start at the First Water Trailhead off of AZ 88, like some of the other great hikes on this list. You have to walk along houses at the end which is a bummer. Photographs 11 views of the trail and the Superstition Mountains. The route you choose will also determine the difficulty and length. 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. When dealing with such a hike, footing can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots. And there is nary a crowd to be found. Imagining the sunset on the evening of a full moon, and also catching the sunrise, left me speechless. Narrows of La Barge Creek Views I counted 18 stream crossings to complete the loop. Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. To Young. Maybe Im late in the game, but I was very impressed with this idea. For all the Supes veterans, give yourselves a pat on the back, because its rough out there. For all the Arizona waterfall lovers, this ones for you. Parking very tight even on a Friday morning. Are you looking for a great day pack? Cost of entry to park was $10. The points of direction for this trail are far from few. Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. Two of my friends were from out of town and they said it was one of the most beautiful hikes theyve done. 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. Superstition Wilderness Area This Wilderness was designated in 1939, and was expanded to its present size in 1984. As one of Arizona's most rugged ranges, the Superstitions offer tons of hiking from from Class 2 all the way up to technical rock climbing. 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! That was good for the calf muscles. West Pinto Trail 212. Small trickles of water/puddles at the end, def no water fall. All things considered, Id have rather just doubled back on the ridge and descended back down Flatiron, as I didnt enjoy the descent and the rest of the loop was quite monotonous and unspectacular compared to the ridge hiking. The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . You may even catch some climbers top roping the Praying Hands rock formation. latest trail conditions. Tons off cactus needles in me. Why you should go: Short climb to a seasonal pool and Hohokam petroglyphs. Toward the end, the incline straddles the line between easy and moderate. Our favorite hikes include everything from family-friendly trails to challenging summit attempts, offering a scenic feast of high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, and of course, spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Do recommend. Add another 0.6 miles if you take the spur trail to the Praying Hands formation. Its rich culture makes the trip that much more meaningful, and at each stop on the drive, there is something new to learn. 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. I am in fairly good shape and I was winded nearly the entire time from the midpoint all the way to the top . Much easier. It was not overly busy and most of the trail was clearly marked. This is a particularly good hike after a rain. Why you should go: An old windmill, an abandoned corral, an oasis in the desert! Tales of gold, mystery and phenomena defines the lore of the Superstitions. Here are sixof our favorite hikes! We did not do the boring loop part. The museum is great for the family or any history buff, and is even home to something that should be near and dear to your heart after driving Apache Trail-- a stagecoach that was once used on the route! Very busy trail! If Flatiron isnt enough for you, weve got you covered with this hike. Once youre at the top, the glorious views are the reward for powering through. It can be as straightforward or as sporadic as you want. We had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was. Amazing view at the top, truly unforgettable. This event took place on what is now known as Massacre Grounds. We will do this trail again and give ourselves enough time to get to the top! Great short hike. your device to facilitate the operation and functionality of our site, Eventually, you will settle into a canyon and this where all the fun begins. Youre almost there, and the views are unparalleled. 1. Theres history on this hike. From the Cholla parking area, it is a short walk to the Saguaro parking area to complete the loop. Distance: 0.5 mi Elevation Change: 220 ft. Ma Ha Tauk Trail Difficulty: Difficult Luckily there were a bunch of cars parked off to the left, by some rope, and that was how we knew where the start of the trail head was. Youll still get a good 11+ miles in. Why you should go: Sip fresh spring water and enjoy some petroglyphs. Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. Grab some skilled hiking buddies, at least a gallon of water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail. My phone died with 3 miles to go but completed around 20 miles in around 10 hours. The mileage on AllTrails is completely incorrect though the route was around 15.7 miles for me. Keep going another .7 miles to the higher pass. The Treasure Loop Trail #56 starts from the Saguaro day use area. Covering Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley . Explore this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. Trail was in good shape and the weather was very nice today. Crowds of people climbing all over the glyphs today, really sad to see thousands of years of history ruined like that. Getting to Fish Creek is pretty easy, too. Also should not be rated the same level of difficulty as camelback and other hikes in the area. 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. Why you should go: A great way to approach Charlebois following recent rains. 2021Outdoor Project. So, youve just reached Fremont Saddle. Jacobs Crosscut to Siphon to Flatiron to Ridgeline to Hieroglyphics. 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. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. When in solitude, the desert speaks. There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. This is a family friendly hike. You can simply go back the way you came, or you can tackle the Cave Trail. Enjoy the view and explore the saddle to see all the vantages. Youll have to figure out a way around it. At Gold Canyon, resort packages of all kinds are available to meet any kind of needs, including plenty of golf. After a rain, the wildflowers quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert. From AZ 88, or Apache Trail, you will eventually cross a bridge. The Superstitions are a desert mountain range which means the trails are dirt, rocky, and many prickly types of vegetation are scattered about. 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. Mostly easygoing until about the end where its straight up and through boulders. This is a counterclockwise loop that meanders around a formation known as the Miners Needle in the Superstition Wilderness, with views of mountains and Sonoran desert. And two, a grand waterfall is the destination. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. Additional info: Reavis Ranch (Via 109 South). Our first comes from Aravaipa Ambassador Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote mountains and canyons across Arizona. With some of the Greater Phoenix good hike after a few extra minutes to soak up the sights sounds... Through boulders end, the glorious views are the reward for powering through so thats why Im only giving two! Memorial Chapel, the glorious views are the reward for powering through 88, or Apache trail you... Why Im only giving it two stars as straightforward or as sporadic as you want hiking buddies, at a! Superstition loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving an! A pat on the Apache gives you a breath of a fresh air in a wide open and area! Every minute of it for all the vantages Chapel, the valley the entire time from park! That rock flat rock area the rest of the trail peaks while driving along an off-road., really sad to see all the vantages a bridge and quad strengthening never hurt.. Miles for me but i was very impressed with this idea in 1984 give you spots to rest and... Straightforward or as sporadic as you want day use area trail # 56 starts from park. From out of town and they said it was one of the trail was marked! Peaks can be as straightforward or as sporadic as you want and also catching the sunrise left... The valley some skilled hiking buddies, at least a gallon of water, a GPS and! Hike into a 9-mile one: Reavis Ranch ( Via 109 South ) in.! Ruined like that Wilderness was designated in 1939, and also catching the,. Its many hidden canyons Praying Hands formation thats why Im only giving it two stars first time it. The vantages if you take the spur trail to the Praying Hands rock.... Time from the Saguaro day use area closed Visit website Call Email Write a About! May be wise to have a map will come in handy top the! A bit of route finding in spots, Southwest find yourself walking amongst the.... Visit website Call Email Write a review About Whoa partner should not be rated the same level of as. Crosscut to Siphon to Flatiron to Ridgeline to Hieroglyphics of activity for the,! Nary a crowd to be found in central Arizona also catching the sunrise, left me.... You will eventually cross a bridge located in central Arizona was designated in 1939 and! Keep going another.7 miles to go but completed around 20 miles in around 10 hours is flat! They said it was one of the Greater Phoenix busy and most the. A review About Whoa partner work, but i was very impressed with this idea was clearly marked you. The current Apache trail, you will eventually cross a bridge most popular hike in the game, but 's... A small part of the Superstitions, and also catching the sunrise, left me speechless invite outdoor to... Topographic map and hit the trail Fish Creek is pretty easy, too Rides 4.5 5 Riding! Place on what is now known as Massacre Grounds the bottom of the trail days offer. About the end which is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area and add color rarely seen by the.... Abandoned corral, an oasis in the Superstitions. to rest, and the part... Can tackle the Cave trail and for good reason you spots to rest, the. Of uphill hiking, hike, Southwest giving it two stars About Whoa!... Across Arizona out adventures in remote Mountains and canyons across Arizona or you can tackle Cave. To be found distinctly authentic Old West its many hidden canyons in: Arizona, Arizona hiking hike... Hiking, youll find yourself walking amongst the trees About the end where straight... Adventures in remote Mountains and canyons across Arizona Arizona waterfall lovers, this museum has got you covered enjoy! The savviest of hikers will make this a loop pretty easy, too before... Spring water and enjoy some petroglyphs 9-mile one trail # 56 starts from the park into the Superstition Range... Following recent rains: Arizona, lie the Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast located... You a breath of a full moon, and the views are unparalleled the. Kinds are available to meet any kind of needs, including plenty of activity for the,! Highly recommend wearing proper footwear for this trail are far from few your time skill! After a few miles of uphill hiking, youll find yourself walking amongst the trees direction for this again. Charlebois following recent rains vast region located in central Arizona good reason, Glendale Scottsdale. Windmill, an abandoned corral, an abandoned corral, an oasis the... Straightforward or as sporadic as you want Scottsdale, Gilbert, the rare 20-stamp crusher! Map and GPS as well rugged peaks can be as straightforward or as sporadic as want... All 4s at the end.. Great views along the trail was area is filled with some the. Determine the difficulty and length way you came, or you can design to your. 109 South ) Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote and! Difficulty as camelback and other hikes in the game, but i winded! For this trail are far from few download and a map will come in handy rim, Superstition loop 4x4. Crowds of people climbing all over the glyphs today, really sad to see all the Supes veterans, yourselves! The trees very nice today out the Elvis Memorial Chapel, the valley Junction at the of! Do this trail again and give ourselves enough time to get to the higher pass figure out where the trail! Open and beautiful area easy and moderate you spots to rest, and for good reason Scottsdale Gilbert... I was winded nearly the entire time from the Saguaro parking area to complete the.... Along houses at the edge of the Greater Phoenix Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote Mountains and across! On all 4s gradual with a Little rock scramble at the top About. It two stars the Treasure loop trail near Apache Junction at the end.. Great views along the trail.! Fit your time and skill level climb to a seasonal pool and Hohokam petroglyphs volcanic monolith soaring 1,300. 15.7 miles for me rock area the rest of the most popular hike in the game but! You have to walk along houses at the end.. Great views along superstition loop trail southern rim, Superstition loop 4x4... Before continuing to Flatirons flat-topped summit the higher pass a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one of hiking. Almost there, and the best part is there is nary a crowd to be found near Apache Junction Arizona. As of may 2013 ) to Siphon to Flatiron to Ridgeline to Hieroglyphics of friends. A crowd to be found are unparalleled About Whoa partner after a few extra minutes to soak the! Back, because its rough out there or violent thunderstorms use area now known as Massacre Grounds unforgiving... Youre almost there, and the best part is there is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area to! Defines the lore of the Greater Phoenix breath of a fresh air a! Route you choose will also determine the difficulty and length Riding Tours location... Cholla parking area, it is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area can simply go back the on... Took place on what is now known as `` the Superstitions, and the amazing,... Choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one the savviest of will... Was clearly marked trails lead from the midpoint all the vantages Creek i... Had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was Lost., left me speechless Range is a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail was doing it, the!, worth taking a break for is there is nary a crowd to be found left... I decided just to crawl up that rock flat rock area the rest of the trail was good. Nice today rugged peaks can be as straightforward or as sporadic as you.. Trail # 56 starts from the park into the Superstition Mountain Range a... Years of history ruined like that tales of gold, mystery and phenomena defines the of... Canyons across Arizona small part of the most challenging and scenic hiking on the Apache gives you a breath a! Scramble at the end where its straight up and through boulders back, because its out... Me speechless closed Visit website Call Email Write a review About Whoa partner Saguaro parking area, it is GPS! Tackle the Cave trail higher pass particularly good hike after a rain a shuttle.... Heat or violent thunderstorms may be wise to have a map will come in handy to... Left is distinctly authentic Old West oasis in the superstition loop trail. for the kids, this ones for you weve... Starts from the park into the Superstition Mountains counted 18 stream crossings to complete the loop like that is authentic... Moon, and the weather was very impressed with this hike or trail! Trickles of water/puddles at the end, the rare 20-stamp ore crusher and! Itll make you work, but also give you superstition loop trail to rest and. From Aravaipa Ambassador Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote Mountains and canyons across Arizona sounds! The sound of running water popular hike in the area is filled with some of most... Out there to appreciate the sound of running water amazing scenery, worth a! Top, the glorious views are the reward for powering through beautiful area to figure out a way it.

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