Need to Know: Wave Cave & Superstition Wilderness
The Wave Cave Trail is located in the Superstition Wilderness within Tonto National Forest. It’s a relatively short hike, but don’t let the distance fool you—it climbs quickly over loose rock and scree, making it a steep and challenging ascent. The trail is fully exposed with little to no shade until you reach the cave, so sun protection and proper hydration are essential.
This part of Arizona lies within the Sonoran Desert, home to sharp cacti, venomous reptiles and spiders, and wildlife like coyotes, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. Always stay alert and hike with snake awareness in mind. The Superstition Mountains are made up of sharp, jagged volcanic rock, so sturdy footwear with good grip and toe protection is highly recommended.
Desert hikes rarely offer reliable water sources. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need—and remember: once you’re halfway through your supply, it’s time to turn back. In warm months, we bring at least 500 mL (16.9 oz) of water per mile, along with electrolytes and snacks to maintain energy. For strenuous hikes like the Wave Cave, we usually carry 2.5 to 3 liters per person. The Arizona heat can be intense, so start early and aim to finish before the hottest part of the day.
Originally published in September 2020, this post has been updated with improved information, photos, and tips. Be sure to explore our website for more Arizona hikes and outdoor adventures!
Leave No Trace Principles
We want to remind you to practice the LEAVE NO TRACE principles while hiking Wave Cave. Please remember to stay on trail, pack out all trash, and explore prepared. Don’t carve into any rocks. It is illegal! Check out our hiking tips here.
Almost all of this hike is in federally designated Wilderness Area, meaning it’s closed to all motorized equipment and bicycles. Very IMPORTANT to know, this area is closed to drones.
Quick Stats: Wave Cave Trail
Length:
3.2 Miles
Route Type:
Out and Back
Elevation Gain:
872 ft
* Permit required for parking at Carney Springs Trailhead and the first section of the trail on State Trust Land
Getting to Wave Cave Trailhead
From the Phoenix Valley, take US-60 East toward Apache Junction and Gold Canyon. Once in Gold Canyon, turn left onto Peralta Road and head north. After a few miles, the pavement ends—continue on the well-graded dirt road for about 6 miles. The small parking lot will be on the west (left) side of the road. The hike starts at the Carney Springs Trailhead.
This trailhead is popular and the lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends, so we recommend arriving early. There’s no overflow or nearby alternate parking. Important: This area is on Arizona State Trust Land, not public land, so a permit is required to park here. You’ll need to purchase an individual recreational permit (not per vehicle) for $15. Permits are available through the Arizona State Land Department.
The Hike to Wave Cave
The hike begins with a steady incline, but things get much steeper as you approach the cave. According to our AllTrails app, we gained 209 feet in elevation during the first mile and 712 feet in the second—so expect most of the effort to come in mile two. There’s no climbing or scrambling involved, but it’s definitely a solid leg workout!
We hiked this trail in September and started at 9:02 a.m., reaching the cave by 9:40 a.m. It was already quite hot, and we’d definitely aim to begin earlier next time. The trail is fairly well marked with arrows. It wasn’t very crowded on the way up, but we passed quite a few groups heading up during our descent.
The desert scenery along the trail is beautiful, and the view from inside the Wave Cave is absolutely worth the effort. If you’re hiking in during warmer months, stay alert for rattlesnakes. We didn’t encounter any, but others on the trail that day did. We highly recommend to start early in the warmer months or wait until it’s cooler out.
Looking for More Hikes?
Best Hikes in Arizona: Top Trails Across the State
Hiking in Arizona Arizona is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S., filled with some of the Southwest’s most iconic natural wonders. Here
5 Best Hikes in the Superstition Mountains
This guide highlights the five best hiking trails in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, showcasing stunning views, diverse terrains, and varying difficulties. It emphasizes outdoor ethics and provides specifics on each trail, including distance, elevation, and amenities. The trails cater to different experience levels, ensuring memorable adventures in the desert landscape.
Hieroglyphic Trail: Superstition Mountains Hike
The Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Wilderness is a cool, easy hike leading to amazing petroglyphs. But with its popularity comes trash and vandalism, so respect the area—no carving or littering! Watch out for rattlesnakes, and wear sturdy shoes since the trail is rocky. Enjoy the views and keep it clean!
