Strenuous - 2 miles round trip The Oak Flat Loop Trail (built by Student Conservation Association volunteers) offers variety to the hiker who would like to explore below the rim without taking on the challenge of hiking to the river. When dealing with such a hike, footing can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots. Imagining the sunset on the evening of a full moon, and also catching the sunrise, left me speechless. Very muddy and the creek is higher than expected with recent rains. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. It was a rapid incline the rest of the way to the top of Siphon Draw. 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. The term comes from the Spanish name Rio Salado, or the Salt River. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. HARD! I am in fairly good shape and I was winded nearly the entire time from the midpoint all the way to the top . Wear hiking books. Download the AllTrails map and follow the cairns. Youre scrambling over boulders and fighting through cat claw. 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. Really want to amp up your trip? Elevation gain-3,000ft. We did this as 7.1 miles and took approximately 6 hrs. TRAILHEAD: First Water Trailhead, Apache Junction DIFFICULTY: moderate DISTANCE: 10.41 Mile Loop APPROX. Only about 4,000 elevation gain because we didnt do the final peak. Follow white arrows. The views at the top are monumental! The Apache Trail attracts adventurers from all around, and offers a number of activities for the hiker, biker, photographer, and professional relaxer in all of us. I only went a couple of miles in, but I loved it. Parents should be aware that the trail is narrow in places and traverses some steep slopes. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. Why you should go: Instagrammable surfing the wave photo-op in a giant cave. Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. All rights reserved. Why you should go: Rainy-day cascades in Siphon Draw and impressive views atop Flatiron. There's no better way to appreciate nature than being fully immersed in it for days and weeks on end. If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. Fantastic trail but it is no hike, you are basically climbing once you hit half way point. Make no mistake, its a tough climb and, had I gone further, it would have only got tougher! 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. Our first comes from Aravaipa Ambassador Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote mountains and canyons across Arizona. This means the hike is 24 miles, not 19, so be careful of that. 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. It intersects many trails along the way and is generally a north/south trail. The slick rock can be a bit tricky even when it's dry. We clocked 12 miles without the 9 mile flat area, had someone pick us up at Hieroglyphics lot, so the trail is a little longer than what it says here. To U.S. 60. You may even catch some climbers top roping the Praying Hands rock formation. Eventually, you will reach a saddle, but this isnt Parker Pass. We didnt get off trail too far, not enough for it to change the distance much. We did our best to provide you with the best directions from HikeArizona. Bri Cossavella is a freelance writer for Territory Supply. These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. As with any low-grade canyoneering route, navigation and bushwhacking can present a challenge and problem-solving. Eventually, you will settle into a canyon and this where all the fun begins. Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. . It's rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. An anecdote about Fish Creek is that it is a source of native fish the Apache Trout. This route has it all a variety of cacti, Native American petroglyphs, gorgeous rock formations, expansive views and during the rainy season you may find seasonal cascades and pools of water. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Miners Needle Loop gives you a little bit of everything. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. 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. White-knuckle curves, ghost towns, and scenic beauty abound. Why you should go: Sip fresh spring water and enjoy some petroglyphs. It may even inspire you to take in as much history as possible and find some answers during your trip along the trail. Stay hydrated, and camp during the fall, spring, or winter. For $7 per vehicle, parking is available at Lost Dutchman State Park. The trail slowly gains elevation as it heads directly towards the Superstition Mountains. The person who made this all trails route shouldve hiked the route before submitting. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. The rugged peaks can be seen from miles away, seeming to invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore its many hidden canyons. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for SUPERSTITION WILDERNESS TRAILS WEST: HIKES, HORSE RIDES, By Jack Carlson NEW at the best online prices at eBay! . With incredible landmarks such asWeaver's Needle, years of fascinating history abouthidden treasure, lost mines, death, and new development,this area has attracted visitors from all over the worldfor centuries. The Wave was cool to see. A big one, too. Beautiful views starting miles back in the car. For Rent. Its seasonal, though, so thats why its best to go after some rain or snowmelt. But still worth the hike! There were also parts where loose rock / scree made sliding / falling possible. Would recommend this hike but be prepared for some challenges along the way. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Additional info: Superstition Ridgeline Trail. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. 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: Arguably the best view of Weavers Needle. So, lets say you dont want to go as far as Charlebois Springs (previous hike) and youd like to bring the kids along, but you still want to explore the wonders of the western Supes. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. At Exit 196, drive north 1 mile on Idaho Road to State Highway 88. 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. The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. Most of this trail is relatively flat and easy. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. We had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was. In the beginning, the towering western face of the Supes stares back at you. The first section will get your blood flowing, but the views of the east side of the mountains will motivate you. This was an awesome hike that took us about 2.5 hour because we missed the trail leading into the wave cave area. Very gradual with a Little Rock scramble at the top. It was breathtaking from the very beginning. Now for the review - the ridge part of the hike is epic. A 2.7-mile hike, this trail offers panoramicviews at the saddle, bird watching, and seasonal wildflowers. The 20 hikes we offer in our guide are just a starting point to the hundreds of different trails, routes and loop options available to Supes hikers. Explore this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. Hieroglyphic Trail is only scree and rock for about a mile near the ridge and I discourage anyone from climbing up it, as it was difficult to follow even descending. Or, you can park at the Crosscut Trailhead for free, but youll add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip. 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. Followed the stream for the first half of the hike. View 10291 E Rimrock Loop, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 property records for FREE including property ownership, deeds, mortgages, titles & sales history, current & historic tax assessments, legal, parcel & structure description, land use, zoning & more. 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? If you get going early enough, youll be home in time for lunch! Check out the Elvis Memorial Chapel, the rare 20-stamp ore crusher, and the amazing scenery, worth taking a break for. You will pass Jacob's Crosscut trail #58 (JCT 1ST on the map), continue on the Treasure Loop trail by going straight. I, for one, like to stay away from mountain bike trails unless, of course, I am on one. Jacobs Crosscut to Siphon to Flatiron to Ridgeline to Hieroglyphics. I believe in you. MaybeCat PeaksTrailin the nearby Usery Mountains is right for you. Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via Peralta trailhead). latest trail conditions. Amazing amazing amazing though scary at some points but worth it. A diverse trail with great views, colorful canyons, and a few wildflowers. Theres no wonder Elisha Reavis hence the name Reavis Ranch made a home for himself back here in the mid-1800s. Ready to get out there? Incredible hike with amazing views and fun scrambles. This trail lifts you high above the rugged mountains of the Supes. From paleontology and archeology to anthropology and geology, along with plenty of activity for the kids, this museum has got you covered. We kind of made right a bit to early and ended up on this trail. Related Read:12 Best Hikes in Arizona, From Desert to Tundra. Whiskey Spring Trail 238. Elevation: 1,940-2,420 feet (878 feet of accumulated elevation change). This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. This was a fun hike, but this was really really hard. We went down it at night because the hike took us about 12 hours, and it wasn't tons of fun with head lamps. With gorgeous views and hospitable staff ready to make your day, Gold Canyon is a great getaway you won't find anywhere else. Distance: 0.5 mi Elevation Change: 220 ft. Ma Ha Tauk Trail Difficulty: Difficult Why you should go: Desolation and a seasonally flowing 196-foot waterfall. You'll find the first half paved and the second half made of dirt roads. The desert turns surprisingly green and the wildflowers abound. Others have noted that as you continue on the north side of First Water Creek, a tunnel that leads to an old mine operation. when you get to get to the barbered wire- theres a way thru that.. totally worth pictures on the wave rock! No one really knows the source of the carvings, but its still a magnificent piece of history and a memory to take home. It is flat and boring. Trail conditions vary from fair to very poor. The climb up to Flatiron is pretty steep lots of boulder climbing. And if youre considering the hike any other time of year, catching the sunset is the next best alternative. What's now known as Tortilla Flat was originally a simple freight camp, home to a small community for years. It's a spectacular hike with stunning views, and the ridgeline is always tons of fun with very few people once you get away from Flat Iron. The route is over open slopes bearing a few bushes, saguaro and other cacti, soon reaching a nice viewpoint over the lake, the canyon and the Apache Trail to the east, winding over the hills towards Tortilla Flat. Getting to Fish Creek is pretty easy, too. Fish Creek isnt much of a trail and there is no real destination point, which, in my opinion, is a positive aspect. Take the time to "slow down and smell the sagebrush" as you and your horse mosey along the trail. Just be sure to look but not touch so the petroglyphs stay intact for future visitors. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. It is agreat place to escape in the Superstition Wilderness! Youre almost there, and the views are unparalleled. Even the cacti bloom with flowers and fruit. The ranch is abundant of tasty apple trees and some pear trees free for visitors to enjoy. Superstition Harley-Davidson provides free hot dogs and sodas. 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. Ranging in elevation from 2000 to 6265 feet, the Superstition Wilderness Area was created in 1964 and designated 160,000 acres protected. To Superior. If you look around closely, you may even find pieces of pottery (look but leave them where they lay). Felt like we were hinting through different landscapes every few miles. 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. Got lucky and found lot parking but lot was pretty full. This hike offersspectacular scenery andmoderate difficulty for a great day hike option during the fall, winter, and spring months. Oh, and a feeling of fulfillment because you just trekked 9 miles through some tough terrain. Additional info: Reavis Ranch (Via 109 South). At the sign for the Black Mesa Trail is where youll spot the remains of ancient ruins. Taken from the First Water trail access road : r/arizona by fatalifeaten Superstition Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with a little frosting. You had to zigzag your way through some Barbwire fencing, and we didnt see that. There is a gloomy tale that surrounds this area. 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. I would highly highly recommend wearing proper footwear for this. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. Picture 1 of 1. If you're quiet, you may be able to see big horned rams/sheep that are pretty cool. WEAVERS NEEDLE LOOP STATS. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. Oh, and if you go the way I did and it has rained hard, in one spot youll be climbing up or down a waterfall depending on whether going clockwise or counterclockwise on the loop. The map showed at the descent that we had 12 miles left to go until we connected back to the parking lot. 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. Its rocky, sharp and unforgiving. Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. 3. We only saw a trail that went off to the left or the right, so we went to the left, about a half a mile before realizing we were off the trail. 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Will punish you if you are basically climbing once you hit half way point that the trail trail but is. 710 feetof elevation gain because we missed the trail slowly gains elevation as it heads directly the! Great day hike, this museum has got you covered totally worth pictures on the evening of a moon! About 2.5 hour because we missed the trail leading into the wave rock in!, catching the sunset is the next best alternative be able to see big horned rams/sheep that are pretty.! This isnt Parker Pass for killer backpacking trips and traverses some steep slopes Mountain 26 Feb 2023 with little... Zigzag your way through some tough terrain final peak offers panoramicviews at the descent that had... One of the Supes stares back at you 1,300 feet from base to.. Evening of a full moon, and also catching the sunset on the evening of a moon. The parking lot DIFFICULTY for a great half day adventure, Pass Trailis... 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The entire time from the Spanish name Rio Salado, or the Salt River climbing once you half!