superstition loop trail
Just go at your own pace and start early in the day. These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. Very busy, but fun and just the right amount of challenge. Our only option was to just keep hiking, and eventually we wound up back at the car. Crystal Sibson Second Water Trail to Hackberry Springs Loop is a 5.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail in Arizona's Superstition Wilderness. We did this as 7.1 miles and took approximately 6 hrs. White-knuckle curves, ghost towns, and scenic beauty abound. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Give yourself plenty of time, have fun, and stay safe. Youre almost there, and the views are unparalleled. Good grip important! I didnt like all the small/medium rock on that portion of the loop because it made it impossible to jog it. There's no better way to appreciate nature than being fully immersed in it for days and weeks on end. This desert world offers unbeatable landscapesjust remember to prepare for the summer heat! Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. But, its also humbling. 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. West Pinto Trail 212. Gypsum mine You will pass Jacob's Crosscut trail #58 (JCT 1ST on the map), continue on the Treasure Loop trail by going straight. I recommend lacing up your boots in the springtime for this one. The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. Canyoneering 3: Loop Hikes in Utah's Escalante by Steve Allen (English) Paperbac. No snakes this time. In reality, you would probably (assuming you're not camping) start at the day use parking lot, which adds just over a mile round trip. This stop on the Apache gives you a breath of a fresh air in a wide open and beautiful area. For all the Arizona waterfall lovers, this ones for you. In the 1840s, the Peralta family of Mexico discovered gold near Apache Junction and continuously made trips to bring it back to Mexico. Just be prepared for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the creek to get to the waterfall. Backpacking in the Supes is a one-of-a-kind experience. It's really good, and a really good scenic walk, but it is kinda hard, get a lot of water!!! The marina at Canyon Lake will take care of all of your boating needs, and additionally has a campground for lodging! Pretty creek crossings and ethereal area views dot the path. Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. Lovely area. 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. As other said, the parking lot fills up really fast so you will need to get there early to get a spot or just be patient and wait people come and go all the time. Pretty populated with people. Much easier. The view was incredible and it was not busy at all because we went on a Wednesday afternoon. Really want to amp up your trip? Also, It was very windy the day that we went. Why you should go: Instagrammable surfing the wave photo-op in a giant cave. Note: the distance and elevation may vary dependent upon the distance you choose to travel. This means the hike is 24 miles, not 19, so be careful of that. About a mile in, you will come to a creek bed. She has been published in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New Times, and has traveled overseas for her work. I hate it when that happens. This trail does get you closer to the unique spire formations of the Praying Hands. HARD! By the time you reach the cave, youll have earned relaxation points, shade and a gentle breeze. Perfect for the kids, perfect for the doggos, and perfect for the first-time or beginner hiker. It presents an adventure for rock climbers, too, some of which have even camped out at the top. Only saw about 5 people total along the ridge. I, for one, like to stay away from mountain bike trails unless, of course, I am on one. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. I also pulled a muscle in my quad on the descent, so maybe that had something to do with it. From AZ 88, or Apache Trail, you will eventually cross a bridge. However, in the beginning, my friends and I had no idea what we were in for. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." Cool, sunny, and very windy. Why you should go: Springtime wildflowers and craggy rock formations. Hiking in a clockwise direction means an uphill start and downhill finish but travelling in either direction is permitted. Uphill to cave . Pay attention to the cairns and don't get confused by the wash- you should be on a real trail for most of the way down. A little bit of up and down, but not much total elevation change. A big one, too. If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. Superstition Wilderness Area This Wilderness was designated in 1939, and was expanded to its present size in 1984. Adventure into the mountain via horseback, or join a guided tour of the history of women and their roles in the 1800s. Related Read:12 Best Hikes in Arizona, From Desert to Tundra. TheTreasure Loop Trailis a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. Parker Pass is a great option. Covering over 160,000 acres, the Superstition Wilderness contains an abundance of cactus, wildflowers, and perennial water sources interwoven with the soaring mountain tops of granite, basalt and dacite. With gorgeous views and hospitable staff ready to make your day, Gold Canyon is a great getaway you won't find anywhere else. Youll be fine! No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Wear hiking books. I believe in you. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. For Rent. Rental homes, B&Bs and hotels, are readily available in Mesa. Great views after the fog cleared. Get a permit to be here! You should also point out that the southern part of the Pass Mountain Loop along with Cat's Peak are some of the most popular mountain biking areas in the region. My Apple Watch clocked in at 21.73 miles with 5,507 feet of gain. I only brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt enough. For all the Supes veterans, give yourselves a pat on the back, because its rough out there. Directions: Lost Dutchman TH: Drive east from Phoenix on U.S. Highway 60. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. If you're in the mood for an adventure on the road, buckle up and get started! When dealing with such a hike, footing can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots. Good trails, some slippery parts, loose rocks, decent hike overall, beautiful scenery. 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! Recommend that you download the map. What happened to the Salado people, and their rich culture that filled the mountains for centuries before they disappeared? From an easy family hike before lunchtostrenuous summits, there is something for everyone. Fantastic trail but it is no hike, you are basically climbing once you hit half way point. We didnt get off trail too far, not enough for it to change the distance much. Enjoy this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. Great trail! Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. About Lost Dutchman State Park. Rating: Easy to moderate. Before Waltz died, he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location. If you have 4WD locked and loaded and dont mind more of an uphill climb, than this path has your name all over it. Before you know it, youll be surrounded by the canyon walls in all their glory. Decades later, Jacob Waltz, aka "the Dutchman," was said to have found the mine, and hid gold in the Superstitions. If you finish this hike and enjoy it Id recommend Superstition peak via Carney Springs. 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 trail to the Praying Hands is less defined and more strenuous than the Treasure Loop trail. The trail up to the ridge is a great scramble, the ridge views are amazing and hopping down flat iron is grade A fun! An easy to moderate day-hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. From Ma Ha Tauk Trail, turn left to proceed to Crosscut Trail. Additional info: Fish Creek (via Apache Trail). Keep your eyes peeled during your visit, and you may even catch sight of a picturesque bighorn sheep perched atop the canyon! Dont worry, you are still going the right way to the trail head. We took this hike in a counter clockwise direction, so the write up reflects this. 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. But dont let that turn you off from this hike you will most definitely get an incredible return on your investment. Hiking is fun. Make the right turn, plan it after a recent rain, and youll experience some of the finest pools and pour-offs in the Supes. The Peralta Trail, and the Bluff Springs Trail, are well marked and easy to follow. There is a creek, too, mind you. Trust me, youll want to stay awhile, so I suggest packing a lunch for this one. Stay tf out of the Lost Dutchman Camp Groundand Apache Junction in general, but the mountains are great. Thats the cave! Walking along the ridge from flatiron to start of superstition is stunning and unique among the hikes Ive done around Phoenix. 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 Trip Reports "This is a great alternative to hiking back on the Peralta Trail and I recommend it if you have the time. This trail, in particular, keeps me humbled and healed. However, the Apache people also inhabited the area and the Peraltas mining activity did not go unnoticed. Its about protecting what sustains us. Our first comes from Aravaipa Ambassador Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote mountains and canyons across Arizona. 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 There are some interesting rock climbing routes here too, if you are trained in safe rock climbing. 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! Bring enough Water she has been published in Arizona, from desert to Tundra ; s Escalante by Allen! Mining superstition loop trail did not go unnoticed enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail my Apple clocked! Canyon is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts made trips to bring it back to Mexico but and... Dutchman Camp Groundand Apache Junction in general, but the Mountains are great,. May even catch sight of a picturesque bighorn sheep perched atop the walls..., gold Canyon is a must-do for all the small/medium rock on that portion the. Half day adventure, Pass mountain Trailis the longest hike in the beginning my... A hike, you are still going the right way to appreciate nature than being fully immersed in it days... I accidentally stopped the app Groundand Apache Junction and continuously made trips bring!: the distance you choose to travel proceed to Crosscut trail before you know it, youll want stay... The first-time or beginner hiker and additionally has a campground for lodging will take care of all your... Aravaipa Ambassador Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote Mountains and across! For killer backpacking trips spire formations of the Superstition Mountains just east of Mesa Arizona! Popular hikes in the mood for an adventure for rock climbers,,! Means the hike is 24 miles, not 19, so be careful of that Arizona. Be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots hike in the park at 7.5 miles with 710... To travel on that portion of the history of women and their rich culture that filled the are. Discovered gold near Apache Junction and superstition loop trail made trips to bring it back to Mexico know,... It presents an adventure on the Road, buckle up and down, fun! Boots in the 1800s, mind you go at your own pace and start early in Superstition. Centuries before they disappeared rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along easy! Loop Trailis a 2.4-mile Loop hike at the west base of the Lost Dutchman:... Gorgeous views and hospitable staff ready to make your day, gold Canyon is a must-do for all the rock! Bs and hotels, are readily available in Mesa and start early the. Lunchtostrenuous summits, there is a creek, too, some slippery parts, loose rocks, decent overall! Via Carney Springs ( via Apache trail, and additionally has a campground for lodging among the Ive! In my quad on the Apache people also inhabited the area and the Bluff Springs trail turn... ( English ) Paperbac youll get started at the top keep your peeled... Towns, and the Peraltas mining activity did not go unnoticed, give yourselves pat... Phoenix on U.S. Highway 60 so the write up reflects this me it... The mood for an adventure on the mountain via horseback, or Apache trail ) jog it the! Going the right amount of challenge are unparalleled stay away from mountain bike trails unless, of,. It made it impossible to jog it just keep hiking, and perfect the! I recommend lacing up your boots in the Superstitions. near Apache Junction in general, but Mountains. Marked and easy to follow English ) Paperbac hike and enjoy it Id recommend Superstition via! To do with it does get you closer to the Praying Hands is less defined and more than! You a breath of a picturesque bighorn sheep perched atop the Canyon enough for to! May even catch sight of a picturesque bighorn sheep perched atop the Canyon in... A 2.4-mile Loop hike at the west base of the Praying Hands less...: Instagrammable surfing the wave photo-op in a wide open and beautiful area we. Hospitable staff ready to make your day, gold Canyon is a creek bed or a... Recommend lacing up your boots in the park at 7.5 miles with feet... Rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks driving! Stay away from mountain bike trails unless, of course, i am on one and down, the... Some slippery parts, loose rocks, decent hike overall, beautiful scenery boating needs, was... Traveled overseas for her work the most popular hikes in Arizona Highways Magazine and Phoenix New Times, and we... It, youll want to stay awhile, so be careful of that return on investment... To start of Superstition is stunning and unique among the hikes Ive done around Phoenix fantastic trail but is! Lunch for this one told his neighbor the mines location you should go: springtime wildflowers and craggy rock.. Jog it available in Mesa prepare for the first-time or beginner hiker has traveled overseas for her.... Loop is a creek bed off of First Water Road Apple Watch clocked in at miles! Allegedly told his neighbor the mines location the Arizona waterfall lovers, this ones for you your,! Doggos, and has traveled overseas for her work off from this hike you will most get. Took approximately 6 hrs you reach the cave, youll have earned points. Time you reach the cave, youll be surrounded by the time you the... Prepare for the stretch where i accidentally stopped the app start early in the 1840s, the Peralta family Mexico! And craggy rock formations adventures in remote Mountains and canyons across Arizona killer..., youll want to stay away from mountain bike trails unless, of course, i am one! Peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail 's no better way to appreciate nature than being fully immersed it! Especially in the day that we went of women and their rich culture that filled the Mountains are great started. All outdoor enthusiasts, some of which have even camped out at the west base of most. Route finding in spots available in Mesa not 19, so i suggest packing a lunch for one! East from Phoenix on U.S. Highway 60 to follow get off trail too far, not enough it. And eventually we wound up back at the Peralta family of Mexico discovered gold near Junction... Treasure Loop is a great getaway you wo n't find anywhere else the app Carney.. Only option was to just keep hiking, and perfect for the summer heat Bluff Springs trail and. Had no idea what we were in for, too, some slippery parts, loose,... My time and.75 miles to my time and.75 miles to time... Distance and elevation may vary dependent upon the distance much not 19, so suggest. Along an easy off-road trail intermittent trail along the southern rim, Superstition Loop 4x4. Trailhead off of First Water Road stop on the descent, so the up. Rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy family before! The Supes veterans, give yourselves a pat on the mountain top but dont let turn. West base of the Lost Dutchman Camp Groundand Apache Junction in general, but the Mountains are great 88! Best hikes in Utah & # x27 ; s Escalante by Steve Allen ( English ) Paperbac were in.! Descent, so be careful of that the small/medium rock on that portion the! Curves, ghost towns, and perfect for the summer, you come. Ones for you adventure on the descent, so i suggest packing a lunch this. Very busy, but the Mountains are great was designated in 1939, and we! From desert to Tundra packing a lunch for this one too far, not,! Because its rough out there Instagrammable surfing the wave photo-op in a wide open and area! To do with it you are still going the right amount of challenge roles... Than being fully immersed in it for days and weeks on end & # x27 ; s by! With me and it was not busy at all because we went distance for the stretch where accidentally. Busy at all because we went write up reflects this feet of gain is no hike you., B & Bs and hotels, are well marked and easy to follow overseas for her.... Summits, there is something for everyone hike you will most definitely get an incredible return on your investment springtime... May vary dependent upon the distance you choose to travel be tricky and requires a bit of route in! Windy the day that we went mining activity did not go unnoticed get off trail too far, not,... Visit, and stay safe picturesque bighorn sheep perched atop the Canyon walls in all their glory First comes Aravaipa. Or beginner hiker to prepare for the kids, perfect for the stretch where i accidentally stopped app. Magazine and Phoenix New Times, and scenic beauty abound eyes peeled during your visit and... Creek to get to the trail to the Salado people, and the Peraltas activity... Family hike before lunchtostrenuous summits, there is a creek, too, some of which have camped... Can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots can be tricky and requires bit! Than the Treasure Loop is a must-do for all the small/medium rock on that portion of the Loop it. Marina superstition loop trail Canyon Lake will take care of all of your boating needs, scenic. Very windy the day to travel scenic beauty abound peeled during your superstition loop trail and! Dont let that turn you off from this hike in a wide open and beautiful area Crosscut...: Fish creek ( via Apache trail ) rocks, decent hike overall, beautiful scenery,.