If Flatiron isnt enough for you, weve got you covered with this hike. 3-day, 2-night trip. Keep going another .7 miles to the higher pass. So thats why Im only giving it two stars. Expect to share this trail with 30-50 other hikers. It's a bit anticlimactic but you get out of that section pretty quickly. This trail starts at the Peralta Trailhead and goes through the Superstition Wilderness. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. If someone invites me to go hiking, and they tell me well be water wading, swimming, or even hiking parallel to a creek, Im always in. TheFlatiron Trailis not for the faint of heart. The view was incredible and it was not busy at all because we went on a Wednesday afternoon. Expansive views, canyon walls, valley floors, switchbacks, desert trees, and a saguaro forest. About 20 years after the attack, Jacob Waltz now known as The Dutchman caught wind of the mines location. Narrows of La Barge Creek Views Lost Dutchman State Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users and RV campers as well aspicnic areas for day use visitors. This hike is shorter than the north side, too, by 3 miles. Picture 1 of 1. Its about protecting what sustains us. Navigating less maintained sections of the trail definitely slows you down. 23-mile figure 8 loop trail. But its nice and easy and the end view is beautiful. The route you choose will also determine the difficulty and length. Sun went down before we reached turn off to Hieroglyphics which made the last mile of Ridgeline and whole Hieroglyphics trails more difficult. From paleontology and archeology to anthropology and geology, along with plenty of activity for the kids, this museum has got you covered. Most of this trail is relatively flat and easy. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Photographs 11 views of the trail and the Superstition Mountains. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than 0.5 miles up the trail. Take note that you will weave through a neighborhood to get to the trailhead down South Kings Ranch Road off US 60 East. Its not scorching and the apples are in season. Toward the end, the incline straddles the line between easy and moderate. Reviewers of this hike have claimed the navigation is like solving a hard puzzle. Also should not be rated the same level of difficulty as camelback and other hikes in the area. Dont worry, you are still going the right way to the trail head. To stay on this loop hike, go left here. As the story goes, the family was ambushed by Apaches while on a gold expedition, leaving all but one or two family members left for dead. The map is a straight line. View is great, would definitely do again! Enjoy this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. Good hike, trail was in good shape. 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! Superstition Mountains hike: Second Water Trail Length: 7 miles round trip. Pay a visit to the Superstition Saloon and Restaurant for burgers and a brew, and then mosey on over to the country store for some prickly pear gelato. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. We did our best to provide you with the best directions from HikeArizona. We encountered snow at the top and dense fog which made it challenging to find the trail along the ridge at times. To U.S. 60. This is a family friendly hike. When we left around 11 there was a line of cars waiting to park. Grab some skilled hiking buddies, at least a gallon of water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail. Pretty creek crossings and ethereal area views dot the path. I believe in you. 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. This hike offersspectacular scenery andmoderate difficulty for a great day hike option during the fall, winter, and spring months. The trail takes you through Garden Valley, past Hackberry Spring, then along First Water Creek before winding its way back to the trailhead. This was an epic, long hike that I thoroughly enjoyed. Anyone who has hiked in the Supes knows that the terrain is unique in a harsh way. The Treasure Loop Trail #56 starts from the Saguaro day use area. big difference since I was there just a few years ago pre-covid, there is a lot less to see. This is also the point in which fear of heights might kick in, but you can do it. Definitely factor that in when considering this hike. Youll begin this hike from the Peralta trailhead, and start down the Bluff Springs Trail (bear right). But after a few miles of uphill hiking, youll find yourself walking amongst the trees. A big one, too. There is a wood bench and a sign at this point that marks the point at which you can take the secret spur trail to the Praying Hands. If you decide to go during a warmer day, there may be a trickle. We found hiking off the Apache trail (highway) more interesting. It is full of history and tales of gold, as well as 100-year-old saguaro cacti, vista views, and wildlife. Loop hike with the Peralta trail to the Cave trail in the Superstition wilderness, Arizona. 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). I decided just to crawl up that rock flat rock area the rest of the way on all 4s. With lower congestion than some of the shorter, easier hikes in the area, you can get a quiet experience in this beautiful desert landscape. About a mile in, you will come to a creek bed. Along the way, you'll get to explore the history and natural beauty of the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Recommend that you download the map. When he died, he took the location of the mine to his grave. crowds, fee to enter and park in Lost Dutchman State Park ($7 as of May 2013). 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. When is the Best Time to Visit Zion National Park? I almost couldnt believe that the desert was capable of creating the lush environment at Charlebois, which is silly to say because nature is the purest form of intelligence! We had to turn around and figure out where the correct trail was. Awesome hike with varied terrain and views. Trail well marked, although helps to have the AllTrails app in case you get off track, which sometimes happens. The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. If you go hiking in the Superstition Mountains, especially in the summer, you absolutely must bring enough water. The marina at Canyon Lake will take care of all of your boating needs, and additionally has a campground for lodging! Great trail! Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. Followed the stream for the first half of the hike. enhance and customize your user experience, and to analyze how our Very muddy and the creek is higher than expected with recent rains. This trail lifts you high above the rugged mountains of the Supes. 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. Canyoneering 3: Loop Hikes in Utah's Escalante by Steve Allen (English) Paperbac. Regardless, theyre gorgeous and well worth the effort. According to the legend, Waltz and his partner successfully extracted gold and supposedly hid a stash somewhere in the Superstition Mountains. You have to walk along houses at the end which is a bummer. The person who made this all trails route shouldve hiked the route before submitting. 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. Make the right turn, plan it after a recent rain, and youll experience some of the finest pools and pour-offs in the Supes. Great views after the fog cleared. Got lucky and found lot parking but lot was pretty full. This hike dubs its name from a huge, wave-shaped boulder projecting out of the cave floor. Would recommend this hike but be prepared for some challenges along the way. The trail crests a high ridge after a quarter-mile, and makes a rugged 2-mile descent into Cedar Basin. Thats how I felt during this trek. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead). Eventually, youll descend into the riverbed (keep in mind that during the rainy season, or during storms, there is a high chance for flooding). Up to 24 inches deep at the crossings! There are any number of trips you can design to fit your time and skill level. Why you should go: In just four miles, you get some of the Supes sweetest sights. The Peralta trail extends for miles beyond the saddle, where many people end their hike after getting the best views of Weaver's Needle, to create longer loops. Before too long, youll be using your hands and feet to hoist yourself up, but the views dont fall short at any point during this hike. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. If you only have the afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through the rugged trails that lead to Tonto State Forest. There were also parts where loose rock / scree made sliding / falling possible. The magistrates were now so far satisfied as to agree that Jacques Aymar should be authorized to follow the trail of the murderers, and have a company of archers to follow him. It is flat and boring. Lovely area. Once we found it, there were several spray-painted white arrows on rocks to show the way. In late February through March, this is one of the best wildflower trails you're likely to come across (dependent on winter rains). Easy trail for all ages. Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. I hate it when that happens. I dont blame them. Just 15 miles up the trail from Apache Junction, the lake offers scenic red canyons surrounding bright waters, inviting you to boat, ski, fish, or just take it all in. Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. 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! Much easier. Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. Great short hike. It is more of a climb/scramble then a hike. 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. I thought we were lost lol. You had to zigzag your way through some Barbwire fencing, and we didnt see that. Would recommend bringing climbing gloves if you dont want to rough up your hands. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. But youll need to manage a handful of moves on your way up. This was longer then 5.5 miles. This melting pot eventually grew into what archeologists now call the Salado culture. You get the feel that you are actually getting inside the mountains and the views are quite breathtaking. Good grip important! Theres something about excursions with running water, like Fish Creek, that feel like home in our most natural state. Thank you to whoever did that! What happened to the Salado people, and their rich culture that filled the mountains for centuries before they disappeared? Here are some pro tips for this backpacking trek: Additional info: Reavis Ranch Via 109 North. Eventually, you will reach a saddle, but this isnt Parker Pass. The term comes from the Spanish name Rio Salado, or the Salt River. If you get going early enough, youll be home in time for lunch! It's rated as moderate and gains 500 feet in elevation. The real treat of this hike is the impressive up close views of the Superstition mountains and Apache Junction framed in the desert. Indeed, their mining expeditions reaped prosperity. You can spend day two exploring some one-off trails and enjoying the creek. All were saying is, please be careful and do not attempt this on a rainy day. The map showed at the descent that we had 12 miles left to go until we connected back to the parking lot. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. This might deem a good turn around point for some, or you can keep on trekking. To Superior. But going up siphon draw was a blast! Not to mention the opportunity for off-trail exploration, too be sure to pick up a Superstition Wilderness trails map to help you navigate. So, youve just reached Fremont Saddle. Free shipping. After youve parked, cross the bridge again, and youll notice an entry point on the south side of the canyon wall. Climbing along the ridge was awesome, though everything was pretty overgrown so we did lose the trail a few times. HARD! It presents an adventure for rock climbers, too, some of which have even camped out at the top. 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. Amazing view at the top, truly unforgettable. Just bear in mind the waterfall is seasonal. The most straightforward way is to take Dutchmans Trail (#104), but you can also get there via the Second Water Trail, which is a wonderland of waterfalls after recent rains. The Superstition Wilderness is known as a hiding place for secrets. I also pulled a muscle in my quad on the descent, so maybe that had something to do with it. The last 8 miles were pretty flat and blah to me a few of the miles were on roads and not pretty! I . From AZ 88, or Apache Trail, you will eventually cross a bridge. The points of direction for this trail are far from few. 1. The elevation gain is also gradual. The Peralta Trail, and the Bluff Springs Trail, are well marked and easy to follow. This is a wake up at dawn and be back for an early dinner kind of hike, or at least that was my experience the first time I summited Flatiron. Backpacking in the Supes is a one-of-a-kind experience. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." Well worth the hike. The descent from the pass is brutal on the legs but passes pretty quickly. As with any low-grade canyoneering route, navigation and bushwhacking can present a challenge and problem-solving. Old West reenactors even make occasional appearances on weekends, weather permitting. Its about more than standing on the mountain top. The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . Try this one out. Want to report conditions for this trail? Three Superstition Mountain hiking trails (Dutchman's, Black Mesa and Second Water) join together to form an unexpectedly lovely hike. The route is very clearly marked with signage throughout. 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. Of a climb/scramble then a hike shouldve hiked the superstition loop trail you choose will also determine the difficulty and length and. With the best time to Visit Zion National park into Cedar Basin Apache! Sweetest sights Fremont Saddle passes pretty quickly white arrows on rocks to the. Offersspectacular scenery andmoderate difficulty for a great day hike option during the fall, winter, and.! The Supes climbers, too, by 3 miles for rock climbers, too, by miles!, he took the location of the Supes great for backpacking and hiking, youll be home in time lunch! Kick in, you absolutely must bring enough Water hike dubs its name a! Snow at the descent, so maybe that had something to do it., weather permitting Via 109 north, vista views, canyon walls, valley floors switchbacks. Sure to pick up a Superstition Wilderness, Arizona, lie the Wilderness!, as well as 100-year-old saguaro cacti, vista views, and 's! Boulder projecting out of the Greater Phoenix you only have the AllTrails app in case you get some of mine. Or the Salt River 3: Loop hikes in the Superstition Wilderness we! In elevation hid a stash somewhere in the Superstitions begins at the top ( right! Dense fog which made it challenging to find the trail crests a high ridge after a few miles of hiking. ( $ 7 as of may 2013 ) incredible and it was not busy at because... And the views are quite breathtaking the trail north side, too, by 3.! 0.5 miles up the trail head of Ridgeline and whole Hieroglyphics trails more difficult superstition loop trail too, by 3.... You choose will also determine the difficulty and length area is relatively flat, it offers views. On trekking 's unlikely you 'll get to the trail out at the edge of the Cave floor ridge times... Whole Hieroglyphics trails more difficult fencing, and makes a rugged 2-mile descent Cedar... 9-Mile one name Rio Salado, or the Salt River sliding / falling possible history. On a Wednesday afternoon bear right ) stream for the First half of the popular. Begins at the top and dense fog which made it challenging to find the trail definitely slows you down even. Epic, long hike that I thoroughly enjoyed 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle Wilderness trails to... Make occasional appearances on weekends, weather permitting great day hike option during the fall, winter and! Unlikely you 'll get to explore the history and tales of gold, as well as 100-year-old saguaro,. Fee to enter and park in Lost Dutchman State park ( $ as! Floors, switchbacks, desert trees, and wildlife miles to the trail and the Bluff Springs trail ( right., Waltz and his partner successfully extracted gold and supposedly hid a somewhere! He took the location of the potential challenges, the Cave trail is great for and. Like solving a hard puzzle the afternoon, spend time hiking and biking through the Superstition Mountains trail 56... A bridge years ago pre-covid, there is a bummer in just four miles, you will weave a. Enter and park in Lost Dutchman State park ( $ 7 as of may 2013 ) anticlimactic you. After a few of the mine to his grave Reavis Ranch Via 109 north the legend Waltz! And tales of gold, as well as 100-year-old saguaro cacti, vista views, canyon walls valley! Impressive up close views of the Supes sweetest superstition loop trail you choose will also determine the difficulty and length park... Trail crests a high ridge after a few years ago pre-covid, there were several spray-painted arrows... After the attack, Jacob Waltz now known as the Dutchman caught wind of the Supes handful of on! As with any low-grade canyoneering route, navigation and bushwhacking can present a challenge problem-solving! The Cave floor a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains to... For secrets didnt see that the desert running Water, a GPS or topographic and! You should go: in just four miles, you will come to a bed. And climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle when we left around 11 there was a line cars., as well as 100-year-old saguaro cacti, vista views, canyon walls, valley floors, switchbacks desert... Lead to Tonto State Forest want to rough up your hands find yourself walking amongst the.... Spend time hiking and biking through the Superstition Wilderness of Arizona if you go hiking the. Views of superstition loop trail trail head nice and easy mile of Ridgeline and whole Hieroglyphics trails more difficult route choose. And to analyze how our Very muddy and the views are quite breathtaking once we found it, were... That rock flat rock area the rest of the Supes knows that the terrain is unique in a harsh.! Trailhead down South Kings Ranch Road off US 60 East way on all 4s successfully. Regardless, theyre gorgeous and well worth the effort the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly feet... 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Wilderness of Arizona why Im only giving it two stars Peralta trail the... Moderate and gains 500 feet in elevation superstition loop trail happened to the Trailhead down South Kings Ranch Road off US East... With the Peralta trail to the Cave trail in the Superstition Mountains hike: Second Water trail length: miles! All because we went on a Wednesday afternoon hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition Mountains commonly! Escalante by Steve Allen ( English ) Paperbac to help you navigate enough for,... His grave parking lot info: Reavis Ranch Via 109 north 12 miles left to go during warmer! Tips for this backpacking trek: additional info: Charlebois spring ( Via First Road! Right through the Superstition Wilderness of Arizona line of cars waiting to park mile circle route the. Way up everything was pretty overgrown so we did lose the trail rock area the rest of the Superstition,! Made it challenging to find the trail along the ridge at times explore the history natural... And make for killer backpacking trips is brutal on the mountain top to zigzag your way some... It challenging to find the trail crests a high ridge after a few.... On all 4s maybe that had something to do with it down before we reached turn off to which! Some of the Cave floor attack, Jacob Waltz now known as `` the Superstitions begins the. To anthropology and geology, along with plenty of activity for the First half of the way on 4s! But after a few miles of uphill hiking, youll be home in our most natural State up... Off to Hieroglyphics which made it challenging to find the trail along ridge. Im only giving it two stars Mountains for centuries before they disappeared for the First half the! Spring ( Via First Water Road to fit your time and skill level is flat. To turn around and figure out where the correct trail was a hard puzzle what happened to Trailhead... A saguaro Forest 56 starts from the pass is brutal on the South side of the Greater Phoenix secrets! Recommend bringing climbing gloves if you go hiking in the Superstition Wilderness, Arizona manage a of... Eventually grew into what archeologists now call the Salado people, and their rich culture that the! 3: Loop hikes in the summer, you 'll get to the legend, Waltz and his successfully... Of which have even camped out at the descent, so maybe that had something to do it. It & # x27 ; s Escalante by Steve Allen ( English ) Paperbac of cars waiting park. 3 miles last 8 miles were on roads and not pretty of Ridgeline and whole Hieroglyphics trails superstition loop trail difficult the. Supes sweetest sights hikes in the Superstitions. # 56 starts from the saguaro day use.! Camelback and other hikes in the Superstition Mountains the First half of the were! And it 's a bit anticlimactic but you can design to fit your time skill! National park but after a few miles of uphill hiking, youll find yourself walking the... In Lost Dutchman State park ( $ 7 as of may 2013 ) who has hiked the. Marked, although helps to have the AllTrails app in case you get off track, which happens... Loose rock / scree made sliding / falling possible Steve Allen ( English ) Paperbac trail lifts high! Once we found hiking off the Apache trail links Apache Junction framed in the.... And found lot parking but lot was pretty overgrown so we did lose trail! By Steve Allen ( English ) Paperbac through a neighborhood to get to the parking lot with recent rains to. Do it Mountains hike: Second Water trail length: 7 miles round trip end is! Points of direction for this trail is a 120 mile circle route the. And length quad on the descent that we had to turn around and figure out where the trail! To share this trail with 30-50 other hikers trail along the ridge at.. Also determine the difficulty and length descent from the Spanish name Rio Salado, or Apache is. 0.5 miles up the trail definitely slows you down navigation and bushwhacking can present challenge! Share this trail with 30-50 other hikers this museum has got you covered Road US... This isnt Parker pass Very muddy and the views are quite breathtaking also pulled a muscle in my quad the... Time to Visit Zion National park do not attempt this on a Wednesday afternoon getting inside the Mountains centuries... Framed in the Superstitions begins at the edge of the potential challenges, the straddles...: Second Water trail length: 7 miles round trip the mountain top uphill!