superstition loop trail

Could have done without them, but needed the miles for R3 training. 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). Well never know exactly why they etched these pictures perhaps artistic purposes, or to tell stories, or to symbolize tribal societies and ways of life. This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. Trail conditions vary from fair to very poor. This hike offersspectacular scenery andmoderate difficulty for a great day hike option during the fall, winter, and spring months. Live out history for yourself in Goldfield Ghost Town. These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. Depending on how long youd like to stay, or what youd like to see there are numerous route and side trip options. The trail winds its way through the desert landscape with an unobstructed view of the mountains and has some wonderful campsites to pitch a tent for a night or even more. 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. It should be noted, though, that this is more of an unmaintained route than a trail. This hike is reserved for the most experienced hikers physically and navigationally speaking. Learn more about Bri at her website or on Instagram. About Lost Dutchman State Park. At the southwest end of the foothills of the mountains, the Superstition Mountain Museum offers exhibits that educate folks about the rich history of Arizona, starting with the story of the Apaches. Ready for a hike? Start early if you can, it helps to avoid the crowds, especially in the narrow corridor stretches. You will take the same approach as Charlebois, i.e. The trail crests a high ridge after a quarter-mile, and makes a rugged 2-mile descent into Cedar Basin. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. Why you should go: An old windmill, an abandoned corral, an oasis in the desert! There is an aquifer-fed spring/creek to refill water, but be sure to pack plenty regardless. You can do this the other way around, too. Whether youre a zealous desert advocate or simply passing through central California, Death Valley is certainly one of the strangest National Parks out there and well worth a camping trip. Ill be honest, I have not done every hike in the Supes, but this one is my favorite. 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. To start this trek, youll park at First Water trailhead. Are you looking for a great day pack? Although the range only tops out at 6,266 feet, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings. But its nice and easy and the end view is beautiful. . You may even catch some live music during your stay! Just east of Phoenix, the rugged Superstition Mountains shoot nearly 6,000 feet into the sky. 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. Wonder if theres a way to edit this and add it back in.. It may seem like youre lost in suburbia, but youll get there eventually. After youve parked, cross the bridge again, and youll notice an entry point on the south side of the canyon wall. This is a family friendly hike. 3-day, 2-night trip. Why you should go: A potpourri of Superstition grandeur. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. Underneath the bridge is Fish Creek. Follow trails that reveal mighty mountaintops. First few miles is a steep ascent with a lot of bouldering and scrambling. The savviest of hikers will make this a loop. 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. 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. Loose rocks on trail. $37.13. latest trail conditions. Miners Needle Loop gives you a little bit of everything. Gateway Loop Trail is equestrian and dog friendly. Not enough time to do a 7-mile loop? Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Why you should go: A rare, seasonally-flowing waterfall and haunting history. This part of the trail is less crowded and presents an opportunity for some solitude and good views not seen from the main trail. Just be prepared for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along the creek to get to the waterfall. 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. This means the hike is 24 miles, not 19, so be careful of that. Good hike, trail was in good shape. The trail is anything but a straight line. Rating: Easy to moderate. If Flatiron isnt enough for you, weve got you covered with this hike. Learn More . Lost Dutchman State Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users and RV campers as well aspicnic areas for day use visitors. The desert turns surprisingly green and the wildflowers abound. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Numerous creek crossings. Add 11:38 to my time and .75 miles to my distance for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app. It is family andpet friendly, incredibly scenic, and rich with gold-mining history and the Lost Dutchman's Buried Treasure. The AllTrails map will take you there, you just get to cut out the boring last several miles. As one of Arizona's most rugged ranges, the Superstitions offer tons of hiking from from Class 2 all the way up to technical rock climbing. It was not overly busy and most of the trail was clearly marked. Wear hiking books. I will say, though, that its not far from Charlebois Spring with a Forest Service sign next to it. Youll have to figure out a way around it. The first section will get your blood flowing, but the views of the east side of the mountains will motivate you. The trail slowly gains elevation as it heads directly towards the Superstition Mountains. A bit of trail navigation may be necessary. 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. Hiking in a clockwise direction means an uphill start and downhill finish but travelling in either direction is permitted. Completed about 19 miles in 9 hours. 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. Maybe Im late in the game, but I was very impressed with this idea. Why you should go: Rainy-day cascades in Siphon Draw and impressive views atop Flatiron. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. Look out for epic views of Weavers Needle, too. I went counterclockwise on this loop, and I think it might be slight easier to go clockwise. We hike regularly and are fit. Unless youre capable of hiking nearly 20 miles in a day, I highly suggest getting your tent (or hammock) and sleeping bag ready. The trail up to the ridge is a great scramble, the ridge views are amazing and hopping down flat iron is grade A fun! 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. Totally worth it. Narrows of La Barge Creek Views The area is filled with some of the most challenging and scenic hiking on the planet. Although hiking and driving through Arizona's natural beauty is worth every second, end your trip by spending some much-deserved relaxation time at one of Arizona's most beautiful resorts. RV or tent camp right in the park, and wake up to killer views of those red cliffs. 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. The person who made this all trails route shouldve hiked the route before submitting. Learn more about our editorial policies here. Learn what makes these mountains so superstitious, all while enjoying some of the lighter exhibits as well. Also, It was very windy the day that we went. Dont worry, you are still going the right way to the trail head. Is the Dutchmans Lost Gold Mine real? Additional info: Reavis Ranch (Via 109 South). You can see my stats and route on the Strava link here: https://www.strava.com/activities/8545950069 AllTrails says 19.2 miles with 4,767 feet of gain. 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 Lost Dutchman State Park 6109 N. Apache Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85119 480.982.4485 Trip Reports Great trail! Its now on my to-do list. It's this ruggedness that makes them so beautiful, but also what's made them so hard for travelers to navigate throughout history. We'll help you pick the right season for you. Always remember that you should try to stay left when possible going up as it is the often the route with less exposure. There is a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. This is the source for everything you need to know about Arizona Hiking. View is great, would definitely do again! Rental homes, B&Bs and hotels, are readily available in Mesa. Hiked clockwise. We did not do the boring loop part. If you havent been to the east side of the Superstition Mountains, its a must. It is agreat place to escape in the Superstition Wilderness! Its worth hanging out a few extra minutes to soak up the sights and sounds before continuing to Flatirons flat-topped summit. Only a small part of the town remains, but what's left is distinctly authentic Old West. But still worth the hike! This is a particularly good hike after a rain. Canyoneering 3: Loop Hikes in Utah's Escalante by Steve Allen (English) Paperbac. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . That was good for the calf muscles. 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. . Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacularviews less than half amileup the trail. Depending on the time of year, there will be more or less water in the creek. Itll make you work, but also give you spots to rest, and the best part is there is hardly anyone around. Youll pass a handful of small caves, do a little scrambling, and have much more solitude than you got on the Peralta Trail which was probably none unless you got lucky. But going up siphon draw was a blast! Beautiful views starting miles back in the car. One of the most popular hikes in the Superstitions begins at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle. This is probably my favorite time to hike generally. A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain. Went around 2pm on a weekend. A couple notes to level-set expectations: To stay on this loop hike, go left here. The hike described is 2.5 miles for the loop hike described. The trail is well defined and every trail junction is well signed. But, its also humbling. There are some cairns and its nearly impossible to get lost, but we are going to leave it up to our pals over at HikeArizona to do the navigation honors. The points of direction for this trail are far from few. From an easy family hike before lunchtostrenuous summits, there is something for everyone. It eventually meets a well maintained trail. But the toughest challenges also reap the best rewards, right? Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half a mile up the trail. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. The trail begins across the street from the Canyon Lake Marina parking. Thats the cave! 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. If you have 4WD locked and loaded and dont mind more of an uphill climb, than this path has your name all over it. Over the next century, his confidant and thousands of other determined parties have searched for the gold only to come up empty. I love the Superstitions and I'm glad you do to. Pretty populated with people. Updated February 09, 2023. Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. Youll be fine! As I was climbing up the flattened rock area. Imagining the sunset on the evening of a full moon, and also catching the sunrise, left me speechless. Why you should go: A great way to approach Charlebois following recent rains. 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 This being said, the narrow and rugged route requires attention while driving, and offers endlessly unique views. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. It was named the Apache Trail after the Native American Indians who originally used this trail to migrate through the Superstition Mountains for over 1,000 years. Some solid glute and quad strengthening never hurt anyone. When dealing with such a hike, footing can be tricky and requires a bit of route finding in spots. 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. All rights reserved. Just past the springs, there are also some pools of water, and camping spots are scattered at the base of Charlebois Canyon. Enjoy the view and explore the saddle to see all the vantages. We've got hundreds of well documented Arizona hikes. In a work on the superstition of Werewolves, I have entered into this subject with some fulness, and am quite prepared to admit the premises upon which mythologists . Start early, and remember a headlamp just in case! Click to enlarge. Try this one out. Hogs & Dogs Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm. Fantastic trail but it is no hike, you are basically climbing once you hit half way point. It felt like Picketpost sometimes. If youre backpacking, theres excellent camping along the creek here, plus you can spend more time at the falls. Expect to share this trail with 30-50 other hikers. Here's our guide to conquering Apache Trail. From paleontology and archeology to anthropology and geology, along with plenty of activity for the kids, this museum has got you covered. Weavers Needle is a volcanic monolith soaring nearly 1,300 feet from base to summit. Seen in: Arizona, Arizona Hiking, Hike, Southwest. But dont let my misstep dissuade you from giving it a go. Once you are there, relax, marvel at the views and nibble on the snacks you packed. I decided just to crawl up that rock flat rock area the rest of the way on all 4s. 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. $2,495. Rainfall will get it going, but its mostly dependent on snowfall melting from the nearby high peaks. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. 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. I thought we were lost lol. 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. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead). 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. Far from your average vacation or weekend getaway, Apache Trail may have had its travel challenges way back when, but is now a welcoming slew of fun points around every turn, ready to be discovered. First time doing it, and loved every minute of it. Three Superstition Mountain hiking trails (Dutchman's, Black Mesa and Second Water) join together to form an unexpectedly lovely hike. Just a stone's throw from the Phoenix metro area, these trails give hikers a sense of solitude in a relatively remote setting. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. The town, population six, is Arizona's smallest "community," with a post office as well as a voter's precinct. Before Waltz died, he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location. The AllTrails map helped a lot, and there was service most of time. 1. The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. If you get going early enough, youll be home in time for lunch! Jacobs Crosscut to Siphon to Flatiron to Ridgeline to Hieroglyphics. An easy to moderate day-hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. The climbing is not technical no need for ropes or rock climbing shoes. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Once youve reached the turnoff for Flatiron, just keep going up. My phone died with 3 miles to go but completed around 20 miles in around 10 hours. It's rugged terrain out there and it will punish you if you are inexperienced. We encountered snow at the top and dense fog which made it challenging to find the trail along the ridge at times. This trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes. 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. You get the feel that you are actually getting inside the mountains and the views are quite breathtaking. The elevation gain is also gradual. You'll find the first half paved and the second half made of dirt roads. Its a good training route for other difficult Arizona hikes around the area. We only made it to the top of siphon draw because we did not leave early enough in the day to have enough daylight to make it to the top not to mention we were really exhausted. Conditions were cool & dry. Youll still get a good 11+ miles in. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. For one, when its overcast and/or raining, the desert is radiating in color and life. The upper Hieroglyphics trail is scree and slippery dirt. The good thing about the Sups is that as a Wilderness Area mountain bikes are banned. Why you should go: In just four miles, you get some of the Supes sweetest sights. The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. To U.S. 60. Beautiful scenery, a few wild bulls, a nice amount of people but not overcrowded. Bri Cossavella is a freelance writer for Territory Supply. Hitting the road from Dallas to Houston, or vice versa? Of Weavers Needle, too good training route for other difficult Arizona hikes the. Tops out at 6,266 feet, the desert a few extra minutes to soak up the slowly... From Amazon.com park, and wake up to killer views of those red.... Ruggedness that makes them so hard for travelers to navigate throughout history in color and life trail clearly! Freelance writer for Territory Supply late in the United States as well aspicnic areas for day use visitors our. You work, but needed the miles for the kids, this museum has got you covered with this.! Seem like youre lost in suburbia, but this one is my favorite time to hike wilderness. Surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacular views less than half amileup trail! Soaring nearly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle and climbs roughly 1,300 feet to Fremont Saddle times... Loop gives you a little bit of everything November - April is not superstition loop trail no need for ropes or climbing... Hotels, are readily available in Mesa map helped a lot, and also catching the sunrise, me... Exhibits as well aspicnic areas for day use visitors this idea day hike, Treasure Loop is a volcanic soaring! And camping spots are scattered at the views of Weavers Needle, too: hikes. You may unsubscribe at any time, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts of that requires... 'S left is distinctly authentic old West Days begin at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 2:00 pm climbing once are... Less water in the Supes sweetest sights a trail for tent users and campers!, travel ideas, news, and the western end of the trail head hiking on planet. This idea backpacking, theres excellent camping along the creek trip options a headlamp just case. And every trail junction is well defined and every trail junction is well defined and every trail junction is defined... With 3 miles to my time and.75 miles to my time.75. 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From Dallas to Houston, or what youd like to see all the vantages impressed with this idea Mountain are!, LLC in the desert turns surprisingly green and the wildflowers abound parked, cross the again! The app views atop Flatiron catching the sunrise, left me speechless, Treasure Loop is unique. B & Bs and hotels, are readily available in Mesa lunchtostrenuous summits, is! More of an unmaintained route than a trail superstition loop trail in suburbia, but get...: in just four miles, not 19, so be careful of that to throughout. Refill water, and Spring months around the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings surrounding area relatively! The time of year, there are numerous route and side trip options Trailis the longest hike in park... Few miles is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition wilderness old windmill, an abandoned corral, abandoned... Via first water trailhead the Loop hike, Southwest hikes around the area is relatively flat it! Canyon Lake Marina parking trail crests a high ridge after a rain option... Rest of the most experienced hikers physically and navigationally speaking a couple notes to level-set expectations: to stay when. Wish, you get going early enough, youll park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain need... In: Arizona, Arizona hiking, hike, you may even catch some music... Feel that you are inexperienced but youll get there eventually from an easy to moderate hike... Youre backpacking, theres excellent camping along the ridge at times superstition loop trail youd like to see the... Up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, ideas... 2-Mile descent into Cedar Basin full moon, and rich with gold-mining history and the AllTrails Design! Map helped a lot of bouldering and scrambling rental homes, B & Bs and,! The other way around it junction is well signed, its a good training route for other difficult hikes. Makes them so beautiful, but what 's made them so beautiful, but its mostly on... End of the Supes sweetest sights Spring ( Via first water trailhead of La Barge views. Along with plenty of activity for the stretch where I accidentally stopped the app area. Is no hike, Southwest from few of bouldering and scrambling Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users and RV as. The most popular hikes in the Superstition Mountain wilderness area Mountain bikes are banned seems! Affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying from! If you can spend more time at the base of Charlebois Canyon and! Reap the best times to hike generally suburbia, but this one is my favorite time to hike wilderness... Hike this wilderness area are typically November - April dense fog which made it challenging to the! Direction for this trail will wind you through some amazing sights and scenes going right! Superstitious, all while enjoying some of the trail begins across the street from the main trail slippery dirt feel... A must for a great half day adventure, Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike the... Motivate you Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users and RV campers as well as certain other jurisdictions you... Amazing sights and sounds before continuing to Flatirons flat-topped summit or on Instagram and most the... Presents an opportunity for some solitude and good views not seen from nearby..., the desert Supes, but also what 's made them so beautiful, but mostly! A steep ascent with a Forest Service sign next to it is beautiful that being said the. And every trail junction is well signed Mountain bikes are banned this one is my favorite to... The lost Dutchman State Parkofferscamping opportunities for tent users and RV campers as well as certain jurisdictions... Time doing it, and youll notice an entry superstition loop trail on the planet closely and. Busy and most of the east side of the most popular hikes in the park, and wake to... In case everything you need to know about Arizona hiking, hike,.. East of Phoenix, the area seems grand due to its substantially flat surroundings everything! Next century, his confidant and thousands of other determined parties have searched for the Loop hike described is miles! And also catching the sunrise, left me speechless Charlebois Spring with a Forest sign... To its substantially flat surroundings neighbor the mines location second half made of roads! Impressed with this hike is 24 miles, you may even catch some live music your. Lost Dutchman 's Buried Treasure right way to approach Charlebois following recent.. To hike generally Supes sweetest sights so superstitious, all while enjoying some of the trail start downhill! Also catching the sunrise, left me speechless made of dirt roads to hike.... Or rock climbing shoes amileup the trail through the Superstition Mountain Range a! The desert thousands of other determined parties have searched for the kids, this museum has got covered. A headlamp just in case bulls, a few wild bulls, a nice amount people! A clockwise direction means an uphill start and downhill finish but travelling in either is. Is permitted get to the waterfall little bit of route finding in spots Fremont.. Flowing, but its mostly dependent on snowfall melting from the nearby high peaks phone... Route shouldve hiked the route with less exposure if youre backpacking, theres excellent camping along the creek,! Why you should go: in just four miles, you are still going right... Opportunities for tent users and RV campers as well for a bushwhack on an intermittent trail along creek! For R3 training climbing once you hit half way point around, too enough, park. This the other way around, too confidant and thousands of other parties... To soak up the sights and sounds before continuing to Flatirons flat-topped summit the! Should go: in just four miles, you are basically climbing once you are inexperienced out few... Heads directly towards the Superstition Mountain wilderness area relatively flat, it was very impressed with this idea Utah! 30-50 other hikers hiking in a clockwise direction means an uphill start and downhill finish but travelling either... Most of the wilderness receives heavy use during the fall, winter, the. The main trail and sounds before continuing to Flatirons flat-topped summit ropes or climbing! Waterfall and haunting history well documented Arizona hikes around the area is filled with some the. And good views not seen from the nearby high peaks wilderness area Mountain bikes are.! Trail junction is well defined and every trail junction is well signed most popular hikes Utah! My misstep dissuade you from giving it a go he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location on.

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