Only one or two Peralta survivors escaped the bloodbath and returned to Mexico. The hardest part was superstition mountain peak as scrambling and lack of trail in parts made it tough. We did this as 7.1 miles and took approximately 6 hrs. Perfect day on this fantastic trail. There is a creek, too, mind you. This event took place on what is now known as Massacre Grounds. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Here's where the best summer memories often begin. The first section will get your blood flowing, but the views of the east side of the mountains will motivate you. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles up the trail. Beautiful scenery, a few wild bulls, a nice amount of people but not overcrowded. This hike is reserved for the most experienced hikers physically and navigationally speaking. Additional info: Reavis Ranch (Via 109 South). DON'T CLIMB ON OR TOUCH THE HEIROGRLYPHS!! The Wave was cool to see. The elevation gain is also gradual. Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. The trail crests a high ridge after a quarter-mile, and makes a rugged 2-mile descent into Cedar Basin. We found hiking off the Apache trail (highway) more interesting. This is another great hike for families, pups and beginner hikers. Climbing along the ridge was awesome, though everything was pretty overgrown so we did lose the trail a few times. Pools on the hieroglyphics trail were pretty but that stretch of the trail is super crowded! Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. 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. The elevation gain is also gradual. Picture 1 of 1. 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. Navigating less maintained sections of the trail definitely slows you down. Completed about 19 miles in 9 hours. Gateway Loop Trail is equestrian and dog friendly. It's this ruggedness that makes them so beautiful, but also what's made them so hard for travelers to navigate throughout history. Really want to amp up your trip? Like walking into a desert forest. Either way, its a fruitful hike all around but you could say that about every Supes hike! Several trails lead from the park into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. You will take the same approach as Charlebois, i.e. We started out around 11am temps were in the high 50s. According to Arizona Highways, Weavers Needle is named after Paulino Weaver, a famed mountain man, scout, trapper and miner.. For all the Arizona waterfall lovers, this ones for you. Its common to get into a flow while hiking one foot in front of the other and glance up here and there for the views. We didnt get off trail too far, not enough for it to change the distance much. Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the trees. We kind of made right a bit to early and ended up on this trail. Three Superstition Mountain hiking trails (Dutchman's, Black Mesa and Second Water) join together to form an unexpectedly lovely hike. Its worth hanging out a few extra minutes to soak up the sights and sounds before continuing to Flatirons flat-topped summit. But going up siphon draw was a blast! The ghost town of Terlingua is the only notable settlement in the nearby vicinity, and it's around here where you'll find the best airbnbs near Big Bend. 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. The lower dwelling is open to the public, half a mile up a steep path, while the upper cliff can be accessed via guided tour only. The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. 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. Why you should go: Conquer the toughest hike on this list. Wonder if theres a way to edit this and add it back in.. Beautiful views starting miles back in the car. You swap out a sea of cactus for high desert grading into lush forest. The AllTrails trail starts at the Flat Iron trailhead. But youll need to manage a handful of moves on your way up. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. Once youve reached the turnoff for Flatiron, just keep going up. Backpacking in the Supes is a one-of-a-kind experience. Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. An easy to moderate day-hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. A diverse trail with great views, colorful canyons, and a few wildflowers. You won't too much solitude on this hike. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Boulder Canyon Trail is a treasure-chest of a hike in the Superstition Mountains. Horses on the side of the road, good parking, very rocky trail, moments of shade. 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! Toward the end, the incline straddles the line between easy and moderate. Well worth the hike. A GPS download and a map will come in handy. WEAVERS NEEDLE LOOP STATS. Over the next century, his confidant and thousands of other determined parties have searched for the gold only to come up empty. Unless you want to go for the long haul, I talk about that hike next! Look for a ridgetop slanting downward from left to right at its base and off to the right youll see a small horizontal opening. Conditions were cool & dry. We did not do the boring loop part. Beautiful views everywhere, except the south part of the trail, which was burned and boring. Loose rocks on trail. There's no better way to appreciate nature than being fully immersed in it for days and weeks on end. There were also parts where loose rock / scree made sliding / falling possible. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. Continuing on the Treasure Loop trail, the remainder of the hike goes through the same desert scenery and heads towards the Cholla Day use parking area (Cholla parking area on the map). 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. There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. Oh, and a feeling of fulfillment because you just trekked 9 miles through some tough terrain. Don't let that discourage you, though! We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. But the worst part is that whoever made the route just drew a straight line over a cliff. Make no mistake, its a tough climb and, had I gone further, it would have only got tougher! The lo. Why you should go: An old windmill, an abandoned corral, an oasis in the desert! Summer days may offer unforgiving heat or violent thunderstorms. Then, after a few switchbacks, youre there. Explore the most popular trails in my list Superstition Mountain Trails with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. From the Cholla parking area, it is a short walk to the Saguaro parking area to complete the loop. Only about 4,000 elevation gain because we didnt do the final peak. If youre going to the top, plan on being out there a good five hours. From Ma Ha Tauk Trail, turn left to proceed to Crosscut Trail. Just pace yourself and watch your step and youll do well. Next time I'll try to make it to the waterfall! Click to enlarge. Its all about boulder hopping, scrambling and scouting the best way to keep moving forward. Shared By: Hiking Project Staff Full Details Trail Ratings 4.5 from 4 votes Trail Rankings #3 This was an awesome hike that took us about 2.5 hour because we missed the trail leading into the wave cave area. In late February through March, this is one of the best wildflower trails you're likely to come across (dependent on winter rains). Eventually, you will settle into a canyon and this where all the fun begins. 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. Updated February 09, 2023. I am in fairly good shape and I was winded nearly the entire time from the midpoint all the way to the top . Why you should go: Fresh apple picking and a refreshing pine forest. It is more of a climb/scramble then a hike. Also, the last 7 or so miles is not worth doing, as it is merely a connection between the Hieroglyphics Trail and the Flat Iron/Siphon Draw trailhead. Here's how to make 'em work together. Superstition Mountains hike: Second Water Trail Length: 7 miles round trip. I would highly highly recommend wearing proper footwear for this. Enjoy the view and explore the saddle to see all the vantages. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. The creek was flowing strong - impossible to keep the feet dry. If you have enough time, stay two nights. You can spend day two exploring some one-off trails and enjoying the creek. Maybe Im late in the game, but I was very impressed with this idea. So, youve just reached Fremont Saddle. This trail, in particular, keeps me humbled and healed. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via Peralta trailhead). The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. Just remember, this is the desert. Getting to Fish Creek is pretty easy, too. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Trust me, youll want to stay awhile, so I suggest packing a lunch for this one. Superstition Peak 5024 via Siphon Draw Trail, Discovery Trail and Lost Dutchman State Park, Treasure Trail, Prospector View, and Crosscut Trail, Treasure Loop Trail via Jacob's Crosscut Trail, Cross Cut, Prospector and Jacob's Trail #58 Loop, Mountain Bike Loop at Lost Dutchman State Park, Native Plant Trail at Lost Dutchman State Park. To Superior. 11 Best Places to Go Camping Near Water in Arizona, The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Phoenix, Arizona. Underneath the bridge is Fish Creek. . Its about more than standing on the mountain top. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-run-51ecca3--2?p=-1. The Cave Trail-Peralta Loop is a moderately strenuous day hike through some of the most spectacular and best-known terrain of Arizona's Superstition Wilderness. The last time I did this hike, I came across a group of three that had pitched a tent at one of the lookouts. Itll make you work, but also give you spots to rest, and the best part is there is hardly anyone around. My Apple Watch clocked in at 21.73 miles with 5,507 feet of gain. Fantastic trail but it is no hike, you are basically climbing once you hit half way point. And there is nary a crowd to be found. once at the parking lot, the hike back to Lost Dutchman is relatively flat and uneventful. 2021Outdoor Project. A nice walk, certainly not challenging. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Thank you to whoever did that! Many pools and waterfall. She enjoys all things outdoors, resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human rights. Why you should go: Family-friendly jaunt with possible creek time on rainy days. White-knuckle curves, ghost towns, and scenic beauty abound. in one spot you'll be climbing up or down a waterfall depending on whether going clockwise or counterclockwise on the loop. Seen in: Arizona, Arizona Hiking, Hike, Southwest. When he died, he took the location of the mine to his grave. 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? Follow trails that reveal mighty mountaintops. Download the AllTrails map and follow the cairns. Why you should go: Short climb to a seasonal pool and Hohokam petroglyphs. The hike described is 2.5 miles for the loop hike described. Along the way, youll come to sign labeled Plow Saddle which is the start to an alternative. Check out the Elvis Memorial Chapel, the rare 20-stamp ore crusher, and the amazing scenery, worth taking a break for. I strongly recommend doing it as a point-to-point where you start at Flat Iron and end at the Hieroglyphics trailhead. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. This creek bed turns into the trail going south. Once you work your way up a few hundred feet, youll have breathtaking views of Canyon Lake behind you and the endless layers of the Superstitions on the horizon ahead. Of course, you can choose to merely drive along the loop, and maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the Longhorn cattle belonging to a local rancher. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. Beautiful trail, but a lot of the hieroglyphs have been destroyed by people climbing on them. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Although there are creeks and springs along the way, don't count on them. Although much of the history of Tortilla Flat has been lost to time, tourists all along the Apache Trail find the charming little town warm and inviting for a much-deserved break to stretch their legs. With lower congestion than some of the shorter, easier hikes in the area, you can get a quiet experience in this beautiful desert landscape. Turn left to proceed to Crosscut trail resistance training, authentic Indian food, and the best way to waterfall. This idea must-do for all outdoor superstition loop trail outdoors, resistance training, authentic food. 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