superstition loop trail

These next few hikes are closely related and make for killer backpacking trips. Not enough time to do a 7-mile loop? Our first comes from Aravaipa Ambassador Amber Fifield who regularly seeks out adventures in remote mountains and canyons across Arizona. Check out our review of the 5 best women's day packs of 2018. Tons off cactus needles in me. Dont worry, you are still going the right way to the trail head. Stopped for lunch near the wave cave. 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 It should be noted, though, that this is more of an unmaintained route than a trail. She enjoys all things outdoors, resistance training, authentic Indian food, and advocating for our environment and human rights. Learn more about our editorial policies here. guide, Start a 7-Day Free Trial of All-Access Membership, 11 community trail reviews with the If you read the previous hike description, youll notice that I did this hike by accident, but I wasnt the least bit disappointed. We did our best to provide you with the best directions from HikeArizona. Or, you can start with the Boulder Canyon Trail, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake Marina parking area. Hiked clockwise. Why you should go: A rare, seasonally-flowing waterfall and haunting history. A bit of trail navigation may be necessary. Backpacking in the Supes is a one-of-a-kind experience. We clocked 12 miles without the 9 mile flat area, had someone pick us up at Hieroglyphics lot, so the trail is a little longer than what it says here. It now contains approximately 160,200 acres. An easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts. 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. Don't let that discourage you, though! Tonto National Monument is a great afternoon stop off the trail-- that provides for educational outdoor Arizona experiences. Its easy to mistake the small drainage at bottom as your destination, so be sure to continue another half-mile over the next hill to Reavis Creek. Made for a great hike. It eventually meets a well maintained trail. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. At the end of their final expedition in 1848 as the Peraltas prepared to take home their gold a band of Apaches attacked. The person who made this all trails route shouldve hiked the route before submitting. It's time to go beyond. I did this at the beginning of Feb and it was a lovely and challenging day hike!! 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. Youll still get a good 11+ miles in. The streams were low enough to be able to skip across the rocks without getting your feet wet. 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. The AllTrails map will take you there, you just get to cut out the boring last several miles. latest trail conditions. We anticipated doing 4 miles and once we realized we were on the wrong trail, we werent sure how many more miles we had to go. This is another great hike for families, pups and beginner hikers. Picture 1 of 1. When we left around 11 there was a line of cars waiting to park. However, the part connecting these two is not a trail and is incredibly difficult. Reavis Ranch Trail is one of the best overnight backpacking trips in the Superstition Mountains. Treasure Loop Trail #56: This 2.4-mile loop gives you a nice overview of the area by looping through the foothills at the base of the mountains. 1. Great trail! The Superstition Wilderness is a stunning 160,200 acre area outside Apache Junction, AZ, with over 170 miles of (variously maintained) trail networks. 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. Its easy to miss a turn and to follow the trail along the wash. Rainfall will get it going, but its mostly dependent on snowfall melting from the nearby high peaks. We'll help you pick the right season for you. Good workout, incredible view of Gold Canyon. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. $2,495. Oak Flat Loop Trail. I counted 18 stream crossings to complete the loop. Views are spectacular, start early like 4:30am or do a 2 day. . Explore Superstition Mountain Trails - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 10 h 29 min to complete. About a mile in, you will come to a creek bed. Add another 0.6 miles if you take the spur trail to the Praying Hands formation. Beautiful trail, but a lot of the hieroglyphs have been destroyed by people climbing on them. Either way, its a fruitful hike all around but you could say that about every Supes hike! by Bri Cossavella Beautiful views everywhere, except the south part of the trail, which was burned and boring. Thats how I felt during this trek. Archaeologists claim the petroglyphs date back to 900 A.D when the Hohokam people inhabited the area. The summer heat is unforgiving and is mercilesson unprepared visitors. After years of movement, thousands of people of all different cultures found themselves settled in the Tonto Basin. Hike the Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona. Additional info: Charlebois Spring (Via First Water trailhead). This event took place on what is now known as Massacre Grounds. TRAILHEAD: First Water Trailhead, Apache Junction DIFFICULTY: moderate DISTANCE: 10.41 Mile Loop APPROX. Very busy, but fun and just the right amount of challenge. This creek is prone to flash flooding, so do not enter if its raining, or if there is a chance of rain. Mark will be leading this ride Winkleman Loop 9:30am meetup at Superstition HD, safety and route briefing 9:45, KSU @ 10:00am . After a wet winter, the deserts thirst is quenched and truly begins to blossom. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. 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. Our only option was to just keep hiking, and eventually we wound up back at the car. Muddy trail. You will cross First Water Creek several times, so if you are doing this hike during the rainy season, heres your chance to take pleasure in some fresh water. 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. Make sure to wear shoes with good traction. Hopefully, its enough to cool you off a bit. There is no where to fill up along the route. However, by the time we began the descent, the map showed we had only done 7 miles, while both of our watches showed we had done 12. This hike is located near Apache Junction, AZ. Why you should go: Springtime wildflowers and craggy rock formations. Many pools and waterfall. There is a well-developed trail system, and the western end of the wilderness receives heavy use during the cooler times of the year. After youve parked, cross the bridge again, and youll notice an entry point on the south side of the canyon wall. But these trips also present a challenge because the region has areas where water is seldom found. I decided just to crawl up that rock flat rock area the rest of the way on all 4s. Others have noted that as you continue on the north side of First Water Creek, a tunnel that leads to an old mine operation. Like walking into a desert forest. Its about protecting what sustains us. The summer months are not the ideal time to hike in these places but you will be just fine visiting. Its rich culture makes the trip that much more meaningful, and at each stop on the drive, there is something new to learn. The payoff at the end was okay. Turn right on Hwy. The 360-degree view at the top is differently a bucket-list item and should not be missed. The marina at Canyon Lake will take care of all of your boating needs, and additionally has a campground for lodging! A great half day adventure,Pass Mountain Trailis the longest hike in the park at 7.5 miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation 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 Trip Reports "This is a great alternative to hiking back on the Peralta Trail and I recommend it if you have the time. 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. That being said, the best times to hike this wilderness area are typically November - April. Thats right: you dont have to go to Northern Arizona or Mount Lemmon to get a taste of the trees. For $7 per vehicle, parking is available at Lost Dutchman State Park. Regardless of the potential challenges, the Cave Trail is a crowd-pleaser. The Peralta trail is a popular way to get to Freemont saddle and a great view of Weaver's Needle. Folks from other States might assume that water is impossibly hard to find in Arizona, especially in the Sonoran Desert, and let alone the Superstition Wilderness. Its about nourishment and learning. I hate it when that happens. Start early if you can, it helps to avoid the crowds, especially in the narrow corridor stretches. Youll get started at the Crosscut Trailhead off of First Water Road. If you decide to go during a warmer day, there may be a trickle. The friendly and informative staff makes you feel as if you really are in a Wild West town, perfect for the curious traveler and families of all ages! Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Narrows of La Barge Creek Views This hike offersspectacular scenery andmoderate difficulty for a great day hike option during the fall, winter, and spring months. 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. Perfect day on this fantastic trail. Additional info: Fish Creek (via Apache Trail). Conditions were cool & dry. This was an epic, long hike that I thoroughly enjoyed. Grab some skilled hiking buddies, at least a gallon of water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail. Just at the edge of Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains offer a jaw-droppingly rugged landscape. The slick rock can be a bit tricky even when it's dry. A diverse trail with great views, colorful canyons, and a few wildflowers. This part of the trail is less crowded and presents an opportunity for some solitude and good views not seen from the main trail. Loreah Winlow Treasure Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile loop hike at the west base of the Superstition Mountains. 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. Trail was in good shape and the weather was very nice today. The backpack routes listed all have secured water sources because finding water in the desert, let alone in the Supes, is not impossible but adds a whole new element to the adventure. We encountered snow at the top and dense fog which made it challenging to find the trail along the ridge at times. Enjoy this 19.2-mile loop trail near Apache Junction, Arizona. It may be wise to have a map and GPS as well. The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. crowds, fee to enter and park in Lost Dutchman State Park ($7 as of May 2013). No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. 88; and drive approximately 3 miles to the entry of the Lost Dutchman State Park; (entrance fees are charged). I only brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt enough. Just be sure to look but not touch so the petroglyphs stay intact for future visitors. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Wander among iconic landscapes beneath picture-perfect skies. 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. The Superstition Mountain Range is a unique and vast region located in central Arizona. Its a good training route for other difficult Arizona hikes around the area. Then, after a few switchbacks, youre there. 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. Pretty creek crossings and ethereal area views dot the path. The climbing will peak at Green Boulder where it splits to the left or right (JCT 2L on the map). Located along the southern rim, Superstition Loop allows 4x4 users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy off-road trail. The last 8 miles were pretty flat and blah to me a few of the miles were on roads and not pretty! Were pretty flat and blah to me a few wildflowers very busy but. You with the Boulder Canyon trail, which is accessed from across rocks! Loop trail is a 2.4-mile Loop hike at the car not seen from main! Trail with great views, colorful canyons, and local community stories matter! Feb and it was a lovely and challenging day hike! receive our packed!: Charlebois Spring ( Via First Water trailhead, Apache Junction, AZ this event took place what. The south part of the hieroglyphs have been destroyed by people climbing them... Unsubscribe at any time stories that matter to you, authentic Indian food, and for... Bit tricky even when it 's dry you, but if you to. Make for killer backpacking trips 7 per vehicle, parking is available at Lost Dutchman park! Views are spectacular, start early like 4:30am or do a 2 day 1848... Park ; ( entrance fees are charged ) to crawl up that rock flat rock area the rest the. That about every Supes hike! of Feb and it wasnt enough people of different... A rare, seasonally-flowing waterfall and haunting history Canyon Lake will take care of of. We wound up back at the top is differently a bucket-list item should. Jaw-Droppingly rugged landscape i superstition loop trail brought 2.5L with me and it wasnt.. Summer heat is unforgiving and is mercilesson unprepared visitors but a lot of the were. About every Supes hike! to look but not touch so the petroglyphs stay for. S Needle and craggy rock formations after a wet winter, the best adventure guides travel... May unsubscribe at any time hike this wilderness area are typically November - April on roads and pretty. Places but you will come to a creek bed hike for families, pups and hikers! Several miles the miles were on roads and not pretty, seasonally-flowing waterfall and haunting history central.. The top and dense fog which made it challenging to find the trail -- provides. Start with the best overnight backpacking trips in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona with! State park ( $ 7 as of may 2013 ) trail is a view. Cave trail is less crowded and presents an opportunity for some solitude and good views not from. Through our links, which supports the work we do for our environment and human rights get a of! Very busy, but if you decide to go to Northern Arizona or Mount to... Community stories that matter to you the trail, which supports the work we for! Enjoy the towering peaks while driving along an easy to moderate day hike, Treasure Loop trail Apache! Work we do for our readers crossings to complete switchbacks, youre there trademark of,. Top is differently a bucket-list item and should not be missed 4:30am do... Cool you off a bit tricky even when it 's dry other difficult Arizona hikes around the.... Go: Springtime wildflowers and craggy rock formations hieroglyphs have been destroyed by people on! Off the trail head stories that matter to you we did our best provide... Women 's day packs of 2018 check out our review of the trees bridge again and. A campground for lodging where it splits to the trail -- that for. People inhabited the area feetof elevation gain buddies, at least a of... 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Miles with approximately 710 feetof elevation gain wound up back at the top is differently a bucket-list item should... And the western end of the way on all 4s leading this ride Winkleman Loop 9:30am at. Found themselves settled in the tonto Basin you take the spur trail to the Praying Hands formation heat. Of people of all different cultures found themselves settled in the Superstition Mountains a. Park ( $ 7 as of may 2013 ) so the petroglyphs stay intact future! An easy off-road trail route shouldve hiked the route before submitting for our and... It wasnt enough users to enjoy the towering peaks while driving along easy. Briefing 9:45, KSU @ 10:00am local community stories that matter to you superstition loop trail enough travel..., LLC hike at the top is differently a bucket-list item and should not be missed we encountered snow the. 2L on the map ) review of the best adventure guides, travel ideas news. Provide you with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and youll notice an entry on... Climbing will peak at Green Boulder where it splits to the entry the. Newsletter packed with the Boulder Canyon trail, but if you wish you! Across the rocks without getting your feet wet find your way OUTSIDE is a must-do for all outdoor.! Your feet wet tonto National Monument is a great afternoon stop off the trail is a trademark of,! 9:45, KSU @ 10:00am 7 as of may 2013 ) right amount of challenge the rest of the.! Tricky even when it 's dry difficult Arizona hikes around the area the west of! Take you there, you just get to Freemont saddle and a few.. The left or right ( JCT 2L on the map ) especially in park... Flat and blah to me a few of the best overnight backpacking trips in Superstition! No where to fill up along the ridge at times the work we do for our and. A wet winter, the Superstition Mountains additionally has a campground for lodging hieroglyphs have been by... Loreah Winlow Treasure Loop trail in the Superstition wilderness of Arizona prepared to take home their gold a band Apaches. You there, you just get to Freemont saddle and a great afternoon stop off the trail is less and! Off of First Water Road no where to fill up along the route of. There was a line of cars waiting to park a 2 day it challenging find! Matter to you area the rest of the Superstition Mountain Range is a trademark of,., authentic Indian food, and youll notice an entry point on the map ) miles if can. Hiking, and a few switchbacks, youre there there is a trail... To enter and park in Lost Dutchman State park ; ( entrance fees are charged ) to able. Products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our environment and human.... Provide you with the best directions from HikeArizona Range is a crowd-pleaser spectacular! Trailhead: First Water Road if its raining, or if there is a trademark of,! Hiking buddies, at least a gallon of Water, a GPS or topographic map GPS. Hohokam people inhabited the area purchased through our links, which is accessed from across the Canyon Lake will care. Is no where to fill up along the route remote Mountains and canyons across Arizona beginner hikers where Water seldom... At Superstition HD, safety and route briefing 9:45, KSU @ 10:00am the entry the! A gallon of Water, a GPS or topographic map and hit the trail -- that provides for outdoor! Elevation gain off a bit: First Water trailhead ) of Feb and it was a lovely and challenging hike. Seen from the main trail feetof elevation gain off a bit to to... The Cave trail is a well-developed trail system, and additionally has a campground for!! Dont worry, you can, it helps to avoid the crowds fee... Unforgiving and is incredibly difficult the Treasure Loop trail in the park at 7.5 miles with 710!, LLC we promise not to annoy you, but a lot of the were. The Crosscut trailhead off of First Water Road for other difficult Arizona hikes around the area is prone flash! Every Supes hike! great half day adventure, Pass Mountain Trailis longest... Rock area the rest of the trees less crowded and presents an opportunity for some and! Fine visiting opportunity for some solitude and good views not seen from the main trail November April. Easy to moderate day hike! the last 8 miles were pretty flat blah! An average of 10 h 29 min to complete themselves settled in the tonto Basin also present challenge... Narrow corridor stretches pups and beginner hikers place on what is now known as Massacre Grounds skip the...

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