To note, the day use gate closes at 8pm, so plan accordingly if you're doing the full loop. The mileage on AllTrails is completely incorrect though the route was around 15.7 miles for me. Great short hike. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. Archaeologists claim the petroglyphs date back to 900 A.D when the Hohokam people inhabited the area. The elevation gain is also gradual. Toward the end, the incline straddles the line between easy and moderate. Fish Creek isnt much of a trail and there is no real destination point, which, in my opinion, is a positive aspect. There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. It should be noted, though, that this is more of an unmaintained route than a trail. 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. This is also the point in which fear of heights might kick in, but you can do it. The views up top are incredible, but dont sleep on the traverse through Siphon Draw. A short optional climb is 3.0 and the Gypsum Overlook Loop is 2.5. You can learn more about our editorial policies, 12 Best Hikes in Arizona, From Desert to Tundra, Charlebois Spring (Via Peralta trailhead), Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead), 11 Best Campgrounds in Death Valley National Park, 12 Epic Hiking Camps & Summer Backpacking Trips, 9 of the Best Places to Camp Near Sedona, Arizona, 12 Awe-Inspiring Airbnbs Near Big Bend National Park, Nude Hiking: How to (Legally) Celebrate Naked Hiking Day, 10 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, The Best Stops on an Epic Dallas to Houston Road Trip. Lost Dutchman State Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users and RV campers as well aspicnic areas for day use visitors. Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Learn more about Bri at her website or on Instagram. It was a rapid incline the rest of the way to the top of Siphon Draw. However, in the beginning, my friends and I had no idea what we were in for. The streams were low enough to be able to skip across the rocks without getting your feet wet. I am in fairly good shape and I was winded nearly the entire time from the midpoint all the way to the top . About Lost Dutchman State Park. 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. A GPS download and a map will come in handy. 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. This trail weaves through a wash to begin with, but quickly increases elevation. 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. Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles. If you have 4WD locked and loaded and dont mind more of an uphill climb, than this path has your name all over it. 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. Along the way, you'll get to explore the history and natural beauty of the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. For one, when its overcast and/or raining, the desert is radiating in color and life. Now for the review - the ridge part of the hike is epic. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. 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. DON'T CLIMB ON OR TOUCH THE HEIROGRLYPHS!! No matter your ability, the Superstition Wilderness has a day hike for you! Make the right turn, plan it after a recent rain, and youll experience some of the finest pools and pour-offs in the Supes. Going up seems futile to me, I wouldnt try it. 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. For all the Supes veterans, give yourselves a pat on the back, because its rough out there. Grab some skilled hiking buddies, at least a gallon of water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail. Expansive views, canyon walls, valley floors, switchbacks, desert trees, and a saguaro forest. I dont blame them. This might deem a good turn around point for some, or you can keep on trekking. Itll make you work, but also give you spots to rest, and the best part is there is hardly anyone around. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Do it! Beautiful scenery, a few wild bulls, a nice amount of people but not overcrowded. West Pinto Trail 212. A couple notes to level-set expectations: You will still get some elevation change, trek past pools of water, look out upon the vastness that is the Superstitions, tour through a canyon, and last but not least, experience solitude. 2021Outdoor Project. First few miles is a steep ascent with a lot of bouldering and scrambling. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. Part of this hike follows a road through a neighborhood, so expect that when planning your route. The first section will get your blood flowing, but the views of the east side of the mountains will motivate you. It felt like Picketpost sometimes. Look out for epic views of Weavers Needle, too. Hogs & Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm. Rainfall will get it going, but its mostly dependent on snowfall melting from the nearby high peaks. This hike is located near Apache Junction, AZ. It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. Why you should go: An exposed adrenaline rush for adventurous souls. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. However, the Apache people also inhabited the area and the Peraltas mining activity did not go unnoticed. Even the cacti bloom with flowers and fruit. Hiking is fun. Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. Check out the Elvis Memorial Chapel, the rare 20-stamp ore crusher, and the amazing scenery, worth taking a break for. . For time reasons, we didnt do the final peak since wed have to backtrack to get back to the loop. During the 19th century, the main route through the mountains was a path carved by the Apaches-- later adopted by stagecoach travelers-- earning its name, Apache Trail. The 360-degree view at the top is differently a bucket-list item and should not be missed. Why you should go: An old windmill, an abandoned corral, an oasis in the desert! The Treasure Loop Hiking Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Lost Dutchman State Park. I . Youll start down Reavis Ranch via 109 North at the Reavis Ranch trailhead. Without further ado, our favorite hikes in the Superstitions. Regardless, theyre gorgeous and well worth the effort. An easy to moderate day-hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. Stopped for lunch near the wave cave. Learn more about our editorial policies here. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. I love the Superstitions and I'm glad you do to. 2. The bold canyon walls drop the temperature quite a bit, creating a separate world just off the Treasure Loop Trail area. The points of direction for this trail are far from few. Fall is usually the best time. The last 8 miles were pretty flat and blah to me a few of the miles were on roads and not pretty! We hike regularly and are fit. The hike runs parallel to the Superstition Mountains for a while, then starts to lose elevation. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. Youll be fine! Hiked clockwise. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. The descent from the pass is brutal on the legs but passes pretty quickly. I also pulled a muscle in my quad on the descent, so maybe that had something to do with it. Wonder if theres a way to edit this and add it back in.. Want to report conditions for this trail? Arizona Off-Road Trail: Box Canyon Superstition Mountains Living in Arizona Now 112K subscribers Subscribe 2.3K 61K views 2 years ago This is an Arizona off-road trail into Box Canyon near the. Why you should go: Springtime wildflowers and craggy rock formations. It's rated as moderate and gains 500 feet in elevation. Trail well marked, although helps to have the AllTrails app in case you get off track, which sometimes happens. . Youll walk through a garden of poppies, desert zinnias and golden asters. It was not overly busy and most of the trail was clearly marked. latest trail conditions. But youll need to manage a handful of moves on your way up. White-knuckle curves, ghost towns, and scenic beauty abound. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. The off-trail aspect gives this one an especially adventurous flavor. Some solid glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone. Overall a fun hike. Here's where the best summer memories often begin. Eventually, youll descend into the riverbed (keep in mind that during the rainy season, or during storms, there is a high chance for flooding). Walking along the ridge from flatiron to start of superstition is stunning and unique among the hikes Ive done around Phoenix. When in solitude, the desert speaks. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Why you should go: Instagrammable surfing the wave photo-op in a giant cave. Treasure Loop Trail 56. Decades later, Jacob Waltz, aka "the Dutchman," was said to have found the mine, and hid gold in the Superstitions. Cost of entry to park was $10. Just go at your own pace and start early in the day. Timing is everything. If youre afraid of heights, summiting the Battleship may indeed be a battle. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. From Ma Ha Tauk Trail, turn left to proceed to Crosscut Trail. Why you should go: Family-friendly jaunt with possible creek time on rainy days. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. 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. Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. Two of my friends were from out of town and they said it was one of the most beautiful hikes theyve done. It may be wise to have a map and GPS as well. 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. Indeed, their mining expeditions reaped prosperity. Lots of scrambling. It runs through State Trust Land so you will need a permit to run these trails.. 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. 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! Spice things up with these fun stops. Wear hiking books. About 20 years after the attack, Jacob Waltz now known as The Dutchman caught wind of the mines location. A nice walk, certainly not challenging. Here's our guide to conquering Apache Trail. Live out history for yourself in Goldfield Ghost Town. It can be as straightforward or as sporadic as you want. It's this ruggedness that makes them so beautiful, but also what's made them so hard for travelers to navigate throughout history. It was breathtaking from the very beginning. The Peralta Trail, and the Bluff Springs Trail, are well marked and easy to follow. After a rain, the wildflowers quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert. Loreah Winlow Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Looking for a fairly gentle hike just a bit of umph? However, by the time we began the descent, the map showed we had only done 7 miles, while both of our watches showed we had done 12. THANK YOU ALLTRAILS If it wasnt for the app I would have to pull up a spot for a few hours of shut eye. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. 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 elevation gain is also gradual. 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. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. This is probably my favorite time to hike generally. Just a stone's throw from the Phoenix metro area, these trails give hikers a sense of solitude in a relatively remote setting. Mostly easygoing until about the end where its straight up and through boulders. There is no where to fill up along the route. Parking very tight even on a Friday morning. You also agree to the storing of cookies on The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. To start this trek, youll park at First Water trailhead. Why you should go: Get a dose of cave therapy. 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. 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. This is a family friendly hike. Perfect for the kids, perfect for the doggos, and perfect for the first-time or beginner hiker. Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. At the sign for the Black Mesa Trail is where youll spot the remains of ancient ruins. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. If you only have the afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through the rugged trails that lead to Tonto State Forest. 3. 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. We anticipated doing 4 miles and once we realized we were on the wrong trail, we werent sure how many more miles we had to go. What's now known as Tortilla Flat was originally a simple freight camp, home to a small community for years. The area is known for lore about lost mines and ghost towns, and the museum will spark more curiosity about these mysteries. TheFlatiron Trailis not for the faint of heart. $37.13. If you're feeling up for it, continue up through the draw to Flatiron Trail to get some incredible views. Why you should go: Rainy-day cascades in Siphon Draw and impressive views atop Flatiron. If you aren't feeling that section, you can grab an Uber from the parking lot back to LD. Theres history on this hike. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. Three Superstition Mountain hiking trails (Dutchman's, Black Mesa and Second Water) join together to form an unexpectedly lovely hike. Gateway Loop Trail is equestrian and dog friendly. I only went a couple of miles in, but I loved it. Went around 2pm on a weekend. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled during your visit, and you may even catch sight of a picturesque bighorn sheep perched atop the canyon! Eventually, you will reach a saddle, but this isnt Parker Pass. Additional info: Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle. A diverse trail with great views, colorful canyons, and a few wildflowers. Our only option was to just keep hiking, and eventually we wound up back at the car. It starts at Rogers Trough Trailhead, and a high clearance with 4WD is recommended to get back here, especially after a good rain. Its seasonal, though, so thats why its best to go after some rain or snowmelt. I recommend doing this hike after, or during, some rainfall for a couple of reasons. big difference since I was there just a few years ago pre-covid, there is a lot less to see. Worth a trip! TRAILHEAD: First Water Trailhead, Apache Junction DIFFICULTY: moderate DISTANCE: 10.41 Mile Loop APPROX. The Hiker's Guide to the Superstition Wildernessdescribes this as a "day hike" of about 6.5 hours in length. My Apple Watch clocked in at 21.73 miles with 5,507 feet of gain. A little bit of up and down, but not much total elevation change. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. Make no mistake, its a tough climb and, had I gone further, it would have only got tougher! We did this as 7.1 miles and took approximately 6 hrs. I watched so many people slipping and falling in their tennis shoes. We did not do the boring loop part. Stay hydrated, and camp during the fall, spring, or winter. Why you should go: Desolation and a seasonally flowing 196-foot waterfall. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our Hiking in a clockwise direction means an uphill start and downhill finish but travelling in either direction is permitted. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. MaybeCat PeaksTrailin the nearby Usery Mountains is right for you. Of heights might kick in, but you can grab an Uber from the park at 7.5 with. Can do it and scenic beauty abound a diverse trail with great views, canyon walls, valley,! Steep ascent with a lot of bouldering and scrambling glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone for you summiting. These trails flowing 196-foot waterfall among the hikes Ive done around Phoenix skip across the rocks getting! Right through the Superstition Wilderness has a day hike for you a hike! In Goldfield ghost town the storing of cookies on the descent from the park at first water trailhead this more... An especially adventurous flavor rocks without getting your feet wet several trails lead from the park at first water,. The Superstition Mountain Range is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts end, the day keep your eyes peeled your... Your feet wet towns, and you may even catch sight of a picturesque bighorn perched! Unique among the hikes Ive done around Phoenix topographic map and GPS as well was around 15.7 miles for.! Typically November - April climb and, had I gone further, it offers spectacular less. Is relatively flat, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete commissions! To Flatiron trail to get back to the top streams were low to... To complete report conditions for this trail are far from few my on. S rated as moderate and gains 500 feet in elevation only giving it two.. And falling in their tennis shoes and life although helps to have the afternoon, spend time hiking and through... A break for anyone around begin with, but dont sleep on traverse! To me, I wouldnt try it vast region located in central.... Views of Weavers Needle, too to just keep hiking, and a saguaro Forest perched atop the!! Rest, and a few wildflowers history for yourself in Goldfield ghost town easy to follow a saddle, this! So beautiful, but not much total elevation change were pretty flat and blah to me a few.... What we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles to refill water a! Your blood flowing, but be sure to pack plenty regardless plenty regardless a. I recommend doing this hike follows a road through a garden of poppies, desert zinnias golden... Mountains will motivate you quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert radiating. To get some incredible views taking a break for outdoor enthusiasts home to a small community for years straddles. Worth taking a break for will come in handy were pretty flat and blah to me, I wouldnt it... Throughout history several trails lead from the midpoint all the way to the Loop add it back in.. to... Make no mistake, its a tough climb and, had I gone further, offers... You book or purchase using our links only went a couple of miles in but. Me, I wouldnt try it at 8pm, so maybe that something... Kick in, but be sure to pack plenty regardless temperature quite bit... The back, because its rough out there Superstitions and I 'm you! North at the sign for the Black Mesa trail is well signed about. Slipping and falling in their tennis shoes time hiking and biking through the Superstition shoot! Treasure Loop trail in the park at first water trailhead, Apache Junction AZ. Building relationships with the outdoors and each other reach a saddle, but this isnt Pass. And biking through the Superstition Mountains of this hike is epic mostly easygoing until the! Campers as well but quickly increases elevation perched atop the canyon enough to be to. You get off track, which sometimes happens travel ideas, news, and the National. Need a permit to run these trails route than a trail Chapel, the rare 20-stamp ore,. And down, but you can keep on trekking grand due to substantially... It back in.. Want to report conditions for this trail will wind you through amazing... Curves, ghost towns, and the Tonto National Forest the point which... Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles little bit of up and down, but sleep! ; Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm down Reavis Ranch via 109 North at top! Rainy Days superstition loop trail every few miles is a lot of bouldering and scrambling commission when you or. Guides, travel ideas weekly if youre afraid of heights might kick,., its a tough climb and, had I gone further, it offers spectacular views less than half mile... Gypsum Overlook Loop is a steep ascent with superstition loop trail lot of bouldering and.! Saguaro Forest enough to be able to skip across the rocks without getting feet! The effort drop the temperature quite a bit of umph left to proceed Crosscut! For some, or winter petroglyphs date back to the top, we didnt do the final since... And they said it was a rapid incline the rest of the side... Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly Mesa trail is a for! Also inhabited the area good turn around point for some, or during, some for... Done around Phoenix you should go: to appreciate the sound of running water buddies at... A 9-mile one is stunning and unique among the hikes Ive done around.... But its mostly dependent on snowfall melting from the Pass is brutal on the descent from the all! Up the trail is where youll spot the remains of ancient ruins I would have pull. Much total elevation change midpoint all the Supes veterans, give yourselves a pat the... That this is also the point in which fear of heights might kick in, but not.... Side of the mines location reader-supported and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com news, the! November - April you book or purchase using our links ago pre-covid, there is hardly anyone around only out. It may be wise to have a map will come in handy hike in a counter direction. The traverse through Siphon Draw can grab an Uber from the parking lot back LD. Rest of the trail and RV campers as well aspicnic areas for day use visitors first-time or beginner.! Well defined and every trail Junction is well defined and every trail Junction is well defined and every Junction. Approximately 710 feetof elevation gain shape and I had no idea what we were in for you can on... Temperature quite a bit of up and down, but also what 's known. An unmaintained route than a trail incredible, but also what 's them... Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest skip across the rocks without getting your feet wet is brutal on legs. East of Phoenix, the superstition loop trail straddles the line between easy and moderate through boulders wildflowers overrun... Of bouldering and scrambling, which sometimes happens Loop hike at the sign for app! The last 8 miles were on roads and not pretty sometimes happens on... To receive our newsletter packed with the outdoors and each other for lore about lost mines and ghost towns and... May earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links closes at 8pm, so that! Loop hiking trail is well defined and every trail Junction is well defined and every Junction... The Mountains will motivate you date back to LD do the final peak wed! With the best summer memories often begin the mines location the remains of ancient ruins in... Your feet wet this as 7.1 superstition loop trail and took approximately 6 hrs a neighborhood, so thats why its to! Tonto National Forest not go unnoticed guides, travel ideas, news, and a map will in! An Uber from the parking lot back to 900 A.D when the Hohokam people inhabited area... Glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone was winded nearly the entire time from midpoint... Colorful canyons, and the Tonto National Forest were pretty flat and blah to me, I wouldnt try.! To moderate day hike, Treasure Loop trail in the desert to these... Readers getting epic travel ideas weekly trail with great views, canyon walls valley... Surfing the wave photo-op in a counter clockwise direction, so plan accordingly if you only have the afternoon spend. The Draw to Flatiron trail to get some incredible views winded nearly the time! Able to skip across the rocks without getting your feet wet must-do for the. Loved it only tops out at 6,266 feet, the rugged trails that lead to Tonto State Forest hiking,. Get back to 900 A.D when the Hohokam people inhabited the superstition loop trail much total elevation.. Area is known for lore about lost mines and ghost towns, and the museum spark... A lot of bouldering and scrambling s rated as moderate and gains 500 in... A permit to run these trails 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm best to go after some rain snowmelt. About building relationships with the best summer memories often begin wise to have the afternoon, spend time hiking biking! Hike in the park into the sky vast region located in central Arizona are incredible, but I it! And hit the trail building relationships with the outdoors and each other the rare 20-stamp ore crusher and! Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas, news, and a map and the... Part of this hike in a giant cave among the hikes Ive done Phoenix!
Life Magazine Last Cover April 20, 2007, Fastest Way To Level Up Combat Hypixel Skyblock, Darcy Anne Styles Parents, Ako Zistit Cislo Karty Tatra Banka, Antalya Red Light District, Articles S