There are so many great hikes in the Superstition Mountains – these are a few of our favorites
Before we get into some of our favorite hikes in the Superstitions we want to remind you to practice the LEAVE NO TRACE principles. The Superstitions comprise of rugged terrains birthed out of prehistoric geological activity. The jagged rocks, thorny plants, and desert wildlife can be dangerous. Please remember to stay on trail, pack out all trash, and hike prepared!
1. Boulder Canyon To Viewpoint
If the drive to the trailhead down SR-88, aka The Apache Trail, doesn’t make you say wow, then hopefully the viewpoint of Boulder Canyon will! We love this hike because it’s challenging yet very rewarding. The views are excellent; they include the Superstition Wilderness to the south and Canyon Lake to the north with our beautiful desert vegetation and rugged mountains in between. Hopefully you find much of this trail peaceful as you get away from the lake. Once in the wilderness there are no drones or motorized vehicles allowed! Boulder Canyon Trail is one of our favorites. Boulder Canyon to Viewpoint on AllTrails.
The Quick Stats
Distance: 5 miles out and back
Elevation Change: 1,092 ft
Restrooms at the Trailhead: No
Trash Receptacle at Trailhead: No
Water at the trailhead: No
Dogs allowed: Yes
Parking lot: Yes. Be sure to park in designated spots if you are parking across the street from the trailhead or you can park down the street at the recreation area
Fee: Yes. Either America the Beautiful pass OR you need to purchase a Tonto National Forest Pass
2. Hackberry Springs Loop
Hackberry Springs Trail is a great easy to moderate hike. It’s one of our favorites because it quickly gets you into wilderness area with surrounding cliffs, open canyons, massive saguaros, and away from the noise of the city. If you hike at the right time water should be flowing. Hackberry Springs Loop on AllTrails.
The Quick Stats
Distance: 4 mile loop
Elevation Change: 534 ft
Restrooms at the Trailhead: Yes
Trash Receptacle at Trailhead: No
Water at the trailhead: No
Dogs allowed: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Fee: No
3. Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle (Weavers Needle)
Peralta to the Weavers Needle viewpoint at Fremont Saddle is a popular hike in the Superstition Mountains and easily one of our all time favorites! The hike is strenuous but not terrifying as you hike up Peralta Canyon with towering hoodoos, cliffs, and saguaros on each side. Sometimes you’ll even get water flowing down the spring. Once at the saddle, soak in the views of what volcanic activity and centuries of erosion left behind! For more hike out Lone Tree. Fremont Saddle Via Peralta Canyon Trail on AllTrails.
The Quick Stats
Distance: 5 miles out and back
Elevation Change: 1,341ft
Restrooms at the Trailhead: Yes
Trash Receptacle at Trailhead: No
Water at the trailhead: No
Dogs allowed: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Fee: No
4. Siphon Draw to Flatiron
A signature hike of the Phoenix metro area, this hike will test you! Once you start up the siphon it’s almost a vertical ascent and three points of contact as you step up, over, and grab boulders. The hike is tough on lungs and legs, but fun, and provides a great sense of accomplishment BRING PLENTY of water and snacks. Once on the flatiron take in views of the Phoenix Metro and Tonto National Forest. For more, hike up to Peak 5024! Siphon Draw to Flatiron on AllTrails.
The Quick Stats
Distance: 5.5 miles out and back
Elevation Change: 2,641 ft
Restrooms at the Trailhead: Yes
Trash Receptacle at Trailhead: Yes
Water at the trailhead: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes, but we wouldn’t recommend
Parking lot: Yes
Fee: Yes. The hike starts in Lost Dutchman State Park. so there is a fee to enter; for no fee and much longer start from Massacre Grounds
5. Treasure Loop Via Jacob’s Crosscut
This is a great hike through the desert with the Superstition Mountains absorbing the backdrop the whole time until you turn back to see layers of the desert with mountains, canyons, and the Salt River in the distance. This hike isn’t as challenging as some of the others we listed and has great brittle bush blossoms in the spring. Treasure Loop via Jacob’s Crosscut Trail
The Quick Stats
Distance: 3.7 mile loop
Elevation Change: 567 ft
Restrooms at the Trailhead: No
Trash Receptacle at Trailhead: No
Water at the trailhead: No
Dogs allowed: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Fee: No
To learn more about the gear we bring on our hikes and in some of the photos above, CLICK HERE
FYI, your link to “ Treasure Loop Via Jacob’s Crosscut” actually is linked to a different trail in Sedona. Thank you for the great info!
Hi Lisa! We appreciate you pointing that out! It has been fixed. Thank you, and happy hiking 🙂