Getting to Fish Creek is pretty easy, too. Grab some skilled hiking buddies, at least a gallon of water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail. The first section will get your blood flowing, but the views of the east side of the mountains will motivate you. Learn more about Bri at her website or on Instagram. Lemmon and more. You’ll begin this hike from the Peralta trailhead, and start down the Bluff Springs Trail (bear right). That’s the cave! Situated 50 miles east of the Phoenix, AZ metropolitan area is one of the best hiking areas within about an hours drive of a major city. Why you should go: In just four miles, you get some of the Supes’ sweetest sights. So, when we know water is squared away, we have to take advantage of it. Plan to start in Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. This trail, in particular, keeps me humbled and healed. This is possibly the most popular hike in the Superstitions, and for good reason. It can be as straightforward or as sporadic as you want. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. See more ideas about superstition mountains, superstition, arizona. I don’t blame them. If you ever have company from out-of-state, this hike will give them the perfect dose of the desert. However, most of this trail is exposed until then, so it’s not a great idea in the summer heat. Washington’s reputation for primo hiking trails is often associated with the Pacific Northwest's mighty Cascade mountains and verdant coastline, but Spokane has a number of the best trails in the state. Why you should go: Sip fresh spring water and enjoy some petroglyphs. 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. Sign up for our free email to join thousands of readers getting epic travel, hiking, camping and gear ideas every week. Semi-Custom Apache Trail Day Trip Including Dolly Steamboat and Superstition Mountain. Make the right turn, plan it after a recent rain, and you’ll experience some of the finest pools and pour-offs in the Supes. Why you should go: Fresh apple picking and a refreshing pine forest. Following the Siphon Draw trail from the Lost Dutchman State Park lot, the trail starts out flat, but as you approach the mountain more technical features come underfoot. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead). It’s seasonal, though, so that’s why it’s best to go after some rain or snowmelt. The towering crags of the Superstition Mountain glow brilliantly opposite the setting sun. But you’ll need to manage a handful of moves on your way up. Another way to Reavis Ranch, just starting from the south instead of the north. Although there are several stories about the origin of the mine nobody has been able to confirm for certain which is true. An anecdote about Fish Creek is that it is a source of native fish — the Apache Trout. Here we have many options from a leisurely stroll to a challenging climb. If Flatiron isn’t enough for you, we’ve got you covered with this hike. In case you want to crank up the heat while you’re out there, there are several trails that shoot off from the loop trail and up toward the base of the mountains. The last of the Mexicans to die were killed in the area marked on maps as the Massacre Grounds. Photo by John Vitz. The Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. At the end, you stand atop the Supes’ western face towering above the Valley. 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 wilderness encompasses over 159,000 acres of land in the Tonto National Forest and is rich in Indian American history, Mexican gold miners and … Why you should go: Get a dose of “cave” therapy. Quite a big difference if you ask me, so don’t make the same mistake I did. So, you’ve just reached Fremont Saddle. Amazing hiking!!! The Superstition Mountains are covered with rocky outcrops and saguaro cacti. You swap out a sea of cactus for high desert grading into lush forest. Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. The most straightforward way is to take Dutchman’s Trail (#104), but you can also get there via the Second Water Trail, which is a wonderland of waterfalls after recent rains. Eventually, you will settle into a canyon and this where all the fun begins. She enjoys all things outdoors, resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human rights. Others have noted that as you continue on the north side of First Water Creek, a tunnel that leads to an old mine operation. Oh, and a feeling of fulfillment because you just trekked 9 miles through some tough terrain. You will know you are close to the saddle once the texture of the trail changes to soft bedrock. Unless you want to go for the long haul, I talk about that hike next! The Siphon Draw trail gains 2,500 feet over 3 miles before it reaches the top of Flat Iron (gulp). It’s all about boulder hopping, scrambling and scouting the best way to keep moving forward. However, the Apache people also inhabited the area and the Peraltas’ mining activity did not go unnoticed. While solitude isn’t always in the cards on the Peralta Trail, it does offer a journey through a mystical canyon and a desert wonderland — even the drive to the trailhead feels like a gift. Once you’re at the top, the glorious views are the reward for powering through. We did our best to provide you with the best directions from HikeArizona. The mountain, located near Apache Junction and Gold Canyon, Arizona, is easily accessible from U.S. Route 60 and State Route 88. Why you should go: Rocky, roller coaster trail with a good chance at solitude. There is a handful of parking spots on the other side of the bridge, but on a busy weekend, parking may be more difficult to come by. In the beginning, the towering western face of the Supes stares back at you. It’s not scorching and the apples are in season. You’re almost there, and the views are unparalleled. 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. Anyone who has hiked in the Supes knows that the terrain is unique — in a harsh way. Use this list of the best hiking trails in the Superstition Mountains to plan your next journey to what locals call the “Supes.”. However, it’s also steeper. This 2.4 mile round-trip trail features an elevation change of 450 feet and offers some surprising views without the work to ascend the mountainside. One of the hardest treks in the Supes, the Ridgeline isn’t for the meek or uninitiated. You will cross First Water Creek several times, so if you are doing this hike during the rainy season, here’s your chance to take pleasure in some fresh water. Ironview Peak No Name Peak (2015-02-13). Gorgeous rock formations . Look for a ridgetop slanting downward from left to right — at its base and off to the right you’ll see a small horizontal opening. 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. The mountain range is in the federally designated Superstition Wilderness Area, and includes a variety of natural features in addition to its namesake mountain. $195.00 per adult. 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. You can simply go back the way you came, or you can tackle the Cave Trail. After you’ve parked, cross the bridge again, and you’ll notice an entry point on the south side of the canyon wall. Beginning at an elevation of 2,420', we climb past the towering Miner’s Needle, an imposing spire of weathered lava. Just bear in mind the waterfall is seasonal. There are three springs on this trail, two of which will require a little bit of navigation but will be necessary if you decide to turn this into an overnight trip. Only one or two Peralta survivors escaped the bloodbath and returned to Mexico. Click here for larger-size photo. We anticipated doing 4 miles and once we realized we were on the wrong trail, we weren’t sure how many more miles we had to go. Or, you can park at the Crosscut Trailhead for free, but you’ll add 2.6 additional miles roundtrip. Or, you can start with the Boulder Canyon Trail, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking area. Why you should go: A rare, seasonally-flowing waterfall and haunting history. Before too long, you’ll be using your hands and feet to hoist yourself up, but the views don’t fall short at any point during this hike. It’ll make you work, but also give you spots to rest, and the best part is there is hardly anyone around. It’s also situated in the perfect area to add a few more miles with various trails beginning near the Lost Dutchman State Park lot. This creek is prone to flash flooding, so do not enter if it’s raining, or if there is a chance of rain. Hopefully, it’s enough to cool you off a bit. Even if you just get to the Basin it is so amazing. For travel in the Superstition Wilderness, we recommend the Superstition Wilderness, Arizona map published by Beartooth Maps of Montana.The map … Reward yourself afterward. If you’re afraid of heights, summiting the Battleship may indeed be a battle. Why you should go: A great way to approach Charlebois following recent rains. But after a few miles of uphill hiking, you’ll find yourself walking amongst the trees. There are many tales of this supposed hidden gold mine in the Superstition Mountains that have captivated people for hundreds of years. 11 Best Places to Go Camping Near Water in Arizona, The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Phoenix, Arizona. Looking for a fairly gentle hike just a bit of umph? Fall is usually the best time. Take note that you will weave through a neighborhood to get to the trailhead — down South Kings Ranch Road off US 60 East. I will say, though, that it’s not far from Charlebois Spring with a Forest Service sign next to it. 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