Top 4 Hiking Trails in the Superstition Mountains
A wilderness nearly 40 minutes east of Phoenix is home to miles of beautiful trails, unique geological features, and rich human history. Through this “Top 4 Hiking Trails in the Superstition Mountains” you will find some of the best hiking trails and ideas to help to plan your next journey to what locals call the “Supes.”
TOP HIKES IN THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS
Superstition Mountain trails roam through Arizona’s most beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape and the hiking trails at Lost Dutchman State Park are a great place to begin your adventure! The top hikes are:
FREMONT SADDLE VIA PERALTA CANYON TRAIL
1. 4.6 miles out and back
2. 1,341 ft elevation gain
Peralta trailhead is often at the top of the list due to its stunning views and accessibility to all hiking levels. Most of the elevation is towards the end, allowing this to be rated as a “Moderate” hike. I recommend starting your hike early, just a bit after sunrise as the trail gets hot even on a 75 degree day. You’re sure to love the breathtaking views of Weevers Needle in the distance (pictured above)
HIEROGLYPHIC TRAIL
1. 2.8 miles out and back
2. 567 ft elevation gain
3. Park in the parking lot area, as you may get towed if you park along the road.
This is a great trail to do in early February with some wildflower bloom & water in the pools of the smooth rock canyon where the petroglyphs are found. The trail itself if nice and moderate though can get pretty rocky. Take the correct hiking shoes, lots of water and some snacks to enjoy at the end
WAVE CAVE TRAIL
1. 3.0 miles out and back.
2. 869 ft elevation gain.
3. Permit is required
The Wave Cave trailhead and parking are on Arizona State Trust Land and a permit to park at Carney Springs is required. You cannot purchase a permit at the lot. You must purchase it online in advance and print the permit to display in your car. The annual fee is $15 for an individual or $20 for a family (subject to change)If you park in the Lost Goldmine East Trailhead lot, a permit is not required
This trail starts as a peaceful walk which then after 1/2 mile turns into a steep incline. This trail is doable for all able bodied levels if you just take your time. I recommend going at sunrise as you can get some of the best views (and silhouette photo ops) at the summit during this time
FLAT IRON VIA SIPHON DRAW TRAIL
1. 5.5 miles out and back
2. 2,641 ft elevation gain
3. $7 per vehicle Mon-Thurs; $10 per vehicle Fri-Sun
Of all the Superstition Mountains hiking trails, Flat Iron can be the most demanding in the shortest distance, yet also the most rewarding. 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 to play. The Siphon Draw itself is just about a mile in and can be extremely slick, especially during wet conditions. Wear sturdy shoes with grip as much of this trail is scramble/rock climbing. Blue and white markers help with navigating. Bring plenty of water with you as there is none on the trail. The view is worth the climb!
What to Pack for Your Hike
All the active wear. 4+ bottles of water, sweet/salty snacks and maybe a lunch to enjoy at the summit
Hiking Day Pack: Osprey Daylite Travel Daypack, or the Peak Design Everyday Backpack for those wanting a camera bag
Good quality hiking shoes or sneakers: I wore my Saucony’s (click here for my fav pair)
Protect yourself from the sun. Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses. My go-to sunglasses are BluBlocker’s as they help to ease my eyes. CLICK HERE
Sunscreen: Being that you’ll mostly be outdoors, you’ll want to be prepared to protect that skin of yours. Glossier has the best lightweight face SPF (35)
Thank you for reading this “Top 4 Hiking Trails in the Superstition Mountains”. I hope you gained insight into planning your adventure. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more throughout the southwest.
XO – Andrea Blake
