michelle in the wild

The Superstion mountains are riddled with legends of lost gold mines and treasure. Although there is no guarantee that you’ll find buried treasure, you are sure to discover miles and miles of hiking trails through the 160 acres of wilderness. Here are some great places and trails to start your Superstition adventure.

Lost Dutchman State Park

The park is named after prospector Jacob Waltz, the man who started all this excitement over the lost gold mine, and as his name refers, he is German, not Dutch.

The park’s trails are well-groomed, well-signed and reasonably easy to follow. Keep an eye out for wildlife if you hike in the morning or late in the afternoon. Be aware that the trails connect to longer trails, such as Jacobs Crosscut and Siphon Draw, that can lead you out of the park and into the wilderness. The park is a great starting point for easier hikes if your new to desert hiking.

Facilities include a visitor center and gift shop, picnic ramadas with grills, 134 campsites for tents and RVs, restrooms and showers.

The park hosts many activities in fall, winter and spring. Among the popular offerings are guided hikes and stargazing events.

Peralta Trail

One of the most popular trails in the Superstitions is Peralta. The 5 mile should take you 3 -4 hours with an elevation gain of 1345ft.

The worst part of the trail is getting there. The 6 miles of dirt road is slow going, but do-able in a regular vehicle. No high clearance needed.

This is definitely a rocky trek. So even though all you’re going to want to do the entire hike is look at the incredible scenery surrounding you, please watch your step! Once you’re about 1 mile in you will start to feel the incline and the switch backs will start your climb to the top. Once you get to the top the views are unreal.

Straight ahead of you is Weaver’s Needle, and oh my is it beautiful! The top of peralta is the perfect spot for a lunch break, with endless canyon views.

The Wave Cave

The Wave Cave is a must-do for any trail lover. This may be the most iconic photo of the Superstitions, that you will take.

The Wave is located close to Peralta, down the same dirt road. The parking lot is small, the trail is not well maintained and there is no official signage for it. But that photo of you on the wave 💯!

Depending on your skill level, this trail can be rated differently. I would generally describe it this way: first 1/3 of the trail is flat and easy, next 1/3 is moderate as you begin to climb and the trail is narrow with loose gravel and rocks in spots, the last 1/3 becomes challenging and might be too much for occasional hikers since you have to scramble through a rock garden and right before the cave there is a very steep climb. Take your time and you’ll be able to make it to the top, since the destination is definitely worth it!

Massacre Grounds Trail

This trail is where the legend of gold mining began and still today entices treasure hunters from all around to explore the Superstition Mountains for this lost gold.

Despite the name, the hike to Massacre Falls is actually quite pleasant. Massacre Grounds Trail is a moderate 5.5-mile out-and-back trail in the Superstition Mountains that leads to a waterfall. Yes there are waterfalls in the desert.

The best time to do this hike is after a rain storm or during the snow melt. Yes the trail may be muddy, but the falls at the end of the trail will be flowing.

The trail passes by cactus filled desert, lush grasses with small streams and the occasional old mine shaft. The ascent is rocky and trekking poles are a must, until you reach the smooth top of the mountain, where you can hear the waterfall in the distance.

The trail continues down to the falls, but stop and have a seat at the rocks that face the waterfall and ridge line. Surrounded by mountains with a waterfall view is the perfect ending to this trail.

Tips for hiking in the desert.

1. Bring more water than you expect. Dehydration will come up quickly in the dry climate.

2. Wear layers. Once the sun goes down the temperature will drop.

3. Bring hiking poles. The desert is filled with loose rocky trails.

4. Always bring snacks or lunch.

5. Never hike in extreme heat- heat exhaustion is not something you ever want to experience.

6. Pack it in pack it out. Leave the trail as you found it.