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. Perfect for the kids, perfect for the doggos, and perfect for the first-time or beginner hiker. Challenge yourself if youre up to it. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Want to report conditions for this trail? The savviest of hikers will make this a loop. It intersects many trails along the way and is generally a north/south trail. Related Read:12 Best Hikes in Arizona, From Desert to Tundra. Here are sixof our favorite hikes! If you're quiet, you may be able to see big horned rams/sheep that are pretty cool. Recommend that you download the map. Whiskey Spring Trail 238. There were also parts where loose rock / scree made sliding / falling possible. Live out history for yourself in Goldfield Ghost Town. I strongly recommend doing it as a point-to-point where you start at Flat Iron and end at the Hieroglyphics trailhead. Most of this trail is relatively flat and easy. We will do this trail again and give ourselves enough time to get to the top! An anecdote about Fish Creek is that it is a source of native fish the Apache Trout. But going up siphon draw was a blast! The Treasure Loop Trail #56 starts from the Saguaro day use area. The trail starts off with an easy approach towards the vertical cliffs of the Superstition Mountains. Good grip important! Youll begin this hike from the Peralta trailhead, and start down the Bluff Springs Trail (bear right). I tracked my hike on Garmin, not AllTrails, so my map and stats dont show on here. Only saw about 5 people total along the ridge. 755 S Colonial St, Gilbert, AZ 85296. Enjoy this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. Since the surrounding area is relatively flat, it offers spectacularviews less than half amileup the trail. This might deem a good turn around point for some, or you can keep on trekking. Why you should go: Arguably the best view of Weavers Needle. Trail well marked, although helps to have the AllTrails app in case you get off track, which sometimes happens. A diverse trail with great views, colorful canyons, and a few wildflowers. Not to mention the opportunity for off-trail exploration, too be sure to pick up a Superstition Wilderness trails map to help you navigate. Views are spectacular, start early like 4:30am or do a 2 day. The Treasure Loop Hiking Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Lost Dutchman State Park. 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. The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. 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 Then, after a few switchbacks, youre there. The lower dwelling is open to the public, half a mile up a steep path, while the upper cliff can be accessed via guided tour only. You can spend day two exploring some one-off trails and enjoying the creek. 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. Horses on the side of the road, good parking, very rocky trail, moments of shade. But its nice and easy and the end view is beautiful. I love the Superstitions and I'm glad you do to. Superstition Trail Rides 4.5 5 Horseback Riding Tours This location was reported permanently closed Visit website Call Email Write a review About Whoa partner! It eventually meets a well maintained trail. Definitely factor that in when considering this hike. If you are going with someone and have two cars, I would park one in the lot at hieroglyphics trailhead. In 1905, the trail was officially designated as an aid for the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam, with Apache Junction at one end, and Theodore Roosevelt Lake at the other. The summer months are not the ideal time to hike in these places but you will be just fine visiting. To start this trek, youll park at First Water trailhead. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. Uphill to cave . Once we found it, there were several spray-painted white arrows on rocks to show the way. If it's a little to hot for an open air hike, meander intoSiphon Draw Trail! Give yourself plenty of time, have fun, and stay safe. We fell a few times even going slow due to darkness. I didnt like all the small/medium rock on that portion of the loop because it made it impossible to jog it. The trail slowly gains elevation as it heads directly towards the Superstition Mountains. You will take the same approach as Charlebois, i.e. Worth a trip! Depending on the time of year, there will be more or less water in the creek. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. This was longer then 5.5 miles. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via Peralta trailhead). Good trails, some slippery parts, loose rocks, decent hike overall, beautiful scenery. Turn right on Hwy. Don't let that discourage you, though! The views at the top are monumental! I did this at the beginning of Feb and it was a lovely and challenging day hike!! Very busy trail! Parents should be aware that the trail is narrow in places and traverses some steep slopes. For Rent. Many pools and waterfall. The mileage on AllTrails is completely incorrect though the route was around 15.7 miles for me. Take the time to "slow down and smell the sagebrush" as you and your horse mosey along the trail. It also means that you will rarely have access to water sources or shade. It may even inspire you to take in as much history as possible and find some answers during your trip along the trail. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. The area is filled with some of the most challenging and scenic hiking on the planet. Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. Really fun route. Distance: 12.5 miles Type: Loop Elevation Gain: 2,561 feet Difficulty: Moderate Location: Superstition Mountains Trailhead: Peralta Trailhead Dogs Allowed: Yes Local Tip: If you aren't up for a 12.5 mile hike but still want to check out the famous Weavers Needle, you can hike part of the trail up to Fremont Saddle and then back for a much shorter, yet still scenic . The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. Completed about 19 miles in 9 hours. In the beginning, the towering western face of the Supes stares back at you. 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. This melting pot eventually grew into what archeologists now call the Salado culture. Just east of Mesa, Arizona,lie the Superstition Mountains, commonly known as "The Superstitions." Ill be honest, I have not done every hike in the Supes, but this one is my favorite. 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. I hiked clockwise from First Water Road up Flatiron, connected to the ridgeline, and followed the loop down hieroglyphic trail to Jacobs Crosscut back to First Water. Two Bar Ridge Trail 119. Youll still get a good 11+ miles in. Amazing view at the top, truly unforgettable. Just past the springs, there are also some pools of water, and camping spots are scattered at the base of Charlebois Canyon. There is a GPS - gpx track at the bottom of the page. This trek starts at First Water trailhead, where youll catch the Second Water trail, and then into Boulder Canyon. The hieroglyphic descent is lots of scree and it can be easy to lose your way. Why you should go: Sip fresh spring water and enjoy some petroglyphs. However, in the beginning, my friends and I had no idea what we were in for. The spa offers everything from luxurious detox pedicures to deep tissue massages. Why you should go: To appreciate the sound of running water. I only brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt enough. Trail Descriptions 19th Ave. Trailhead 10500 S. 19th Ave. Crosscut Trail Access: Start at the 19th Ave. Trailhead to connect to Ma a Tauk Trail. The upper Hieroglyphics trail is scree and slippery dirt. Once you reach the last quarter, get ready to scramble and bushwack a bit I promise its worth it, though. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. This 20 mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 2,749 feet takes you to a unique destination: An apple orchid in an old Ranch site. Gypsum mine The Apache Trail is a 40-mile circular route right through the Superstition Mountains. After some fun on the water, take a break at Lakeside Restaurant & Cantina at the marina for casual food with great scenery. This is possibly the most popular hike in the Superstitions, and for good reason. Just pace yourself and watch your step and youll do well. The Arizona Museum of Natural History is the only natural history museum you'll find in the Phoenix area, which is why it is home to some amazing artifacts! The term comes from the Spanish name Rio Salado, or the Salt River. Before you know it, youll be surrounded by the canyon walls in all their glory. After years of movement, thousands of people of all different cultures found themselves settled in the Tonto Basin. This creek bed turns into the trail going south. Covering Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley . 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. You will know you are close to the saddle once the texture of the trail changes to soft bedrock. Parker Pass is a great option. One of the most popular hikes in the area, for good reason, is thePeralta Canyon Trail. Additional info: Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle. 4 bd 3 ba 1.9k sqft. It felt like Picketpost sometimes. 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. Top was windy and beautiful. Once youre at the top, the glorious views are the reward for powering through. 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! In case you want to crank up the heat while youre out there, there are several trails that shoot off from the loop trail and up toward the base of the mountains. This was my second time on this hike. To U.S. 60. Regardless, theyre gorgeous and well worth the effort. Why you should go: Short climb to a seasonal pool and Hohokam petroglyphs. The trail begins across the street from the Canyon Lake Marina parking. However, most of this trail is exposed until then, so its not a great idea in the summer heat. Woodbury Trail 114. You quickly come up on the First Water trailhead and there will likely be a lot of people from here to the parking lot. Youre scrambling over boulders and fighting through cat claw. Start early, and remember a headlamp just in case! We kind of made right a bit to early and ended up on this trail. by Bri Cossavella If youre afraid of heights, summiting the Battleship may indeed be a battle. Its rocky, sharp and unforgiving. It's time to go beyond. Before Waltz died, he allegedly told his neighbor the mines location. TheFlatiron Trailis not for the faint of heart. Do recommend. Walking along the ridge from flatiron to start of superstition is stunning and unique among the hikes Ive done around Phoenix. If youre backpacking, theres excellent camping along the creek here, plus you can spend more time at the falls. This choice turned a 4-mile hike into a 9-mile one. Tons off cactus needles in me. Would recommend bringing climbing gloves if you dont want to rough up your hands. Amazing amazing amazing though scary at some points but worth it. This trail lifts you high above the rugged mountains of the Supes. Climbing along the ridge was awesome, though everything was pretty overgrown so we did lose the trail a few times. Why you should go: Rainy-day cascades in Siphon Draw and impressive views atop Flatiron. Stay hydrated, and camp during the fall, spring, or winter. 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. Eventually, you will reach a saddle, but this isnt Parker Pass. Watch the sunset during dinner at Kokopellis Restaurant, or put your feet up at The Ledge at Dinosaur Mountain's outdoor bar and fire pits. This hike is shorter than the north side, too, by 3 miles. The map showed at the descent that we had 12 miles left to go until we connected back to the parking lot. 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Base of Charlebois Canyon hikers will make this a loop soft bedrock i promise its it... Around 15.7 miles for me the fall, spring, or the Salt.. Might deem a good turn around point for some, or you can spend time! Parker Pass glad you do to worth the effort: Sip fresh spring water and some! Likely be a battle an anecdote about Fish creek is that it is a must-do for all enthusiasts! Only brought 2.5L with me and it can be easy to moderate day hike, intoSiphon! Reward for powering through were several spray-painted white arrows on rocks to the! Moderate day hike, meander intoSiphon Draw trail views are spectacular, start,. Movement, thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas, news, and start down the Bluff Springs trail bear... Someone and have two cars, i would park one in the creek here, you. Where loose rock / scree made sliding / falling possible are pretty cool few times but will. And watch your step and youll do well it as a point-to-point where start. 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