Are you ready for an adventure? Superstition Mountain, located in Arizona, has some of the coolest hiking trails with amazing views, fun rocks to climb, and even hidden stories of treasure!
Let’s explore the 7 best hikes in Superstition Mountains you can try. Remember, always bring lots of water, wear good shoes, and never go alone—safety first!
1. Hieroglyphic Trail
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Elevation change: 650 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Type: One-way
- Dogs allowed: Yes
The Superstition Mountains are east of Phoenix, Arizona. Most hikes here start from the north side and are long with fewer people on the trails.
However, one of the easiest and most popular hikes is the Hieroglyphic Trail, which starts in the south near Gold Canyon along Highway 60.
This trail is 1.5 miles long and climbs gently up a slope filled with cacti. It ends in a rocky canyon where there are pools of water that stay most of the year.
Long ago, the Hohokam Indians lived here, and you can see ancient carvings they made, called petroglyphs, on the cliffs above the pools. From this spot, you can see amazing views of the Gold Canyon area, the Gila River, and the jagged tops of the Superstition Mountains towering over 2,000 feet above you.
2. Treasure Loop Trail
- Distance: 2.34 miles
- Elevation gain: 571 feet
Difficulty: Easy
- Type: One-way
- Dogs allowed: Yes
The Treasure Loop Trail is a fun hike in Lost Dutchman State Park that takes you through the beautiful and best hikes in Superstition Mountains – It’s 2.4 miles long and perfect for a short adventure with great views!
The trail climbs gently, gaining about 500 feet, and you’ll get to see tons of desert plants like saguaro cacti and cool rock formations.
As you hike, you’ll be able to look back and see amazing views of the mountains and the valley below. It’s a moderate hike, so it’s great for beginners who are up for a little challenge.
This hike is best in the cooler seasons like fall, winter, and spring. You can bring your dog along, but don’t forget to bring water for both of you!
3. Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle
- Distance: 4.9 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: About 1,450 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: Out-and-back
- Dogs allowed: Yes
The Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle is a popular and best hikes in Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix. This trail is a bit challenging but totally worth it because of the amazing views! It’s a 4.9-mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of about 1,450 feet, so it’s a good workout.
The trail starts in the desert, and as you climb, you’ll see tall saguaro cacti and beautiful rock formations all around. The big reward comes when you reach Fremont Saddle, where you’ll have a stunning view of Weaver’s Needle, a huge rock formation that looks like a tall spire.
This trail is great in the cooler months like fall, winter, and spring. If you bring your dog, make sure they have plenty of water, as it can get hot out there!
4. Boulder Canyon Trail
- Distance: 8 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: About 1,200 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Type: Out-and-back
- Dogs allowed: Yes
The Boulder Canyon Trail is a challenging but exciting and best hikes in the Superstition Mountains – It’s 8 8-mile round trip, and you’ll climb about 1,200 feet, making it a great adventure if you’re up for a long day on the trail!
The trail starts near Canyon Lake and takes you through rugged desert terrain with lots of big rocks and cacti. Along the way, you’ll see amazing views of the mountains, and if you keep an eye out, you might even spot Weaver’s Needle, a tall rock spire in the distance.
This trail can be tough in some spots, but the views and the peaceful desert surroundings make it worth the effort. It’s best to hike in the cooler seasons like fall, winter, or spring. Make sure to bring plenty of water, and if you’re hiking with a dog, they’ll need lots of water too!
5. Siphon Draw Trail
- Distance: 4 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: About 1,000 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Type: Out-and-back
- Dogs allowed: Yes, but not recommended for all dogs due to steep sections
The Siphon Draw Trail is an exciting and tough best hikes in Superstition Mountains – It’s a 4-mile round-trip trail with about 1,000 feet of climbing, so it’s great for hikers who like a challenge!
The trail starts off easy as you walk through the desert, but it gets harder as you climb up into a canyon filled with big rocks.
The last part of the trail is very steep and leads you to a flat, rocky area called The Basin, where water flows down during rainy times. The views along the way are awesome, and at the top, you can see across the desert.
Since it’s a difficult hike, make sure you’re prepared with good shoes and lots of water, especially if you’re hiking in the warmer months.
The trail is best in the cooler seasons like fall, winter, and spring. While dogs are allowed, it’s a tough hike for them, so be sure they’re ready for steep climbs!
6. Lost Dutchman State Park Discovery Trail
- Distance: 0.5 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: Very little
- Difficulty: Easy
- Type: Loop
- Dogs allowed: Yes
The Discovery Trail in Lost Dutchman State Park is a short and best hikes in Superstition Mountains perfect for learning about the desert! It’s only half a mile long, making it great for beginners or for those who want to explore without hiking for too long.
The trail loops through the park, and along the way, you’ll find signs that teach you about the plants, animals, and history of the area.
It’s a fun way to learn while enjoying the beautiful desert scenery. You’ll see cool plants like saguaro cacti, and you might even spot some wildlife like birds and lizards!
This is a great trail for families and is best enjoyed in the cooler seasons like fall, winter, and spring. Dogs are allowed, so you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure!
7. Massacre Grounds Trail
- Distance: 5.5 miles (round trip)
- Elevation gain: About 1,200 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Type: Out-and-back
- Dogs allowed: Yes
The Massacre Grounds Trail is a cool and best hikes in the Superstition Mountains that’s full of history and beautiful views. It’s 5.5 miles round trip, so it’s a good hike if you’re ready for an adventure!
The trail starts in the desert and climbs up into the mountains, giving you amazing views of the valley below. There’s a spot at the end of the trail with rocks and cliffs where it’s said a big battle took place a long time ago, giving the trail its name. Sometimes after rain, there’s even a little waterfall near the end!
This trail is great in the cooler months like fall, winter, and spring. Make sure to bring plenty of water, and if you bring your dog, they’ll need water too!
