Looking for hikes in the Superstition Mountains? From waterfalls and ancient petroglyphs to challenging treks, this guide covers 9 hikes in the Superstition Mountains for everyone to enjoy!
I was born and raised in Arizona and the Superstition Mountains are some of my favorites to explore in the state! I’ve hiked and camped in the Superstition Mountains dozens of times and love sharing my favorite trails with visitors.
Located east of Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains have over 100 trails for hikers of all levels! And if you’re a pet owner, there are lots of dog-friendly hikes to explore.
This guide covers nine of the best hikes in the Superstition Mountains, including easy hikes, dog-friendly trails, and hikes that lead to a waterfall!
Looking for more Arizona recommendations? Check out these posts:
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The Superstition Mountains have a rich history and were originally inhabited by the Hohokam people. The area has been the site of numerous mining operations over the years, and there is a legend of a secret gold mine.
Today, the Superstition Mountains are part of the Tonto National Forest, and efforts are underway to preserve the area’s natural and cultural resources for future generations to enjoy. The mountains remain an important part of Arizona’s history and hikes in the Superstition Mountains draw visitors from around the world.
When To Hike The Superstition Mountains
As someone who was born and raised in Arizona, I only recommend hiking the Superstition Mountains in the cooler months of the year: November through April. During this time, temperatures are milder and more comfortable, ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (12-24 Celsius), making it easier to stay hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion.
During the summer months from May through October, temperatures in the Superstition Mountains can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), which can make hiking extremely challenging and dangerous, particularly for those who are not acclimated to the heat.
In addition to the high temperatures, the monsoon season can bring heavy rains and flash flooding, which can create dangerous conditions on the trails.
Be sure to check weather conditions before embarking on a hike in the Superstition Mountains and no matter the time of year, hikers should always bring plenty of water and wear sun protection.
Best Hikes in the Superstition Mountains
Superstition Mountain Hieroglyphic Trail
- Trail Length: 2.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 564 ft
- Route Type: Out & back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes
- Parking: There is ample parking at the trailhead.
- Facilities: Restrooms
- Fee/Permit: No
- Hieroglyphic Trail on AllTrails
The Superstition Mountain Hieroglyphic Trail is one of my favorites to hike in the area, especially after a rainstorm! If you time it properly, you can see a flowing river with waterfalls!
The trail is well-marked and gradually ascends through the desert landscape, passing by towering saguaro cacti and ending in Hieroglyphic Canyon, where hikers can see ancient petroglyphs created by the Hohokam people.
The petroglyphs depict various symbols and images, including animals, people, and geometric patterns. While their exact meaning is not fully understood, it is believed that they were created for religious or ceremonial purposes. Please respect the ancient petroglyphs by not touching or defacing the rocks.
Overall, the Superstition Mountain Hieroglyphic Trail is a great choice for hikers of all skill levels who are looking for a beautiful and interesting hike in the Superstition Mountains. The trail is open year-round, although it can be dangerously hot during the summer months, so hikers should plan accordingly and bring plenty of water.
Lost Dutchman Treasure Loop Trail
- Trail Length: 2.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 534 ft
- Route Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
- Parking: There is ample parking at the trailhead.
- Facilities: Restrooms
- Fee/Permit: Entry to the park is $7 per vehicle, $10 on the weekend
- Treasure Loop Trail on AllTrails
The Lost Dutchman Treasure Loop Trail is a popular trail located in Lost Dutchman State Park. This 2.3-mile trail offers panoramic views of the desert, as well as access to several other hiking trails in the area.
One of the highlights of the Lost Dutchman Treasure Loop Trail is the opportunity to see the Siphon Draw, a steep, rocky canyon that is popular with more experienced hikers. While the Siphon Draw is not part of the Treasure Loop Trail, hikers can access it from the trailhead and continue on to explore the canyon if they choose.
If I had to recommend one dog-friendly hike in the Superstition Mountains, I would recommend the Lost Dutchman Treasure Loop! This is one of my favorite hikes in Arizona to recommend because it’s accessible and great for the whole family.
Carney Springs Trail and Lost Goldmine Trail
- Trail Length: 1.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 131 ft
- Route Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
- Parking: There is ample parking at the trailhead.
- Facilities: No
- Fee/Permit: No
- Carney Springs Trail and Lost Goldmine Trail on AllTrails
If you’re looking for an easy hike in the Superstition Mountains, I recommend hiking Carney Springs Trail and Lost Goldmine Trail as a loop!
On this trail, hikers will pass by several interesting geological formations, including towering cliffs, a “saguaro forest”, and unique rock formations. The trail eventually leads to a natural amphitheater, where hikers can enjoy a picnic lunch and stunning views of the surrounding area.
Peralta Canyon to Fremont Saddle Trail
- Trail Length: 4.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,341 ft
- Route Type: Out & back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
- Parking: There is ample parking at the trailhead.
- Facilities: Bathrooms
- Fee/Permit: No
- Peralta Canyon Trail on AllTrails
This Peralta Canyon to Fremont Saddle Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the 160,000-acre Superstition wilderness. Just an hour outside of Phoenix, this trail has amazing scenic value and takes you up to Fremont Saddle, where you are rewarded with a panoramic view of Weaver’s Needle, a distinctive rock formation that is a popular destination for more experienced hikers!
Overall, the Peralta Canyon to Fremont Saddle Trail is a great choice for hikers who are looking for a challenging hike in the Superstition Mountains. The trail is open year-round, although hikers should be aware that the desert landscape can be quite hot during the summer months, and they should bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Hikers should be prepared for some steep and rocky sections of the trail – I recommend bringing trekking poles!
Massacre Falls Trail
- Trail Length: 5.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,092 ft
- Route Type: Out & back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
- Parking: There is a lot of parking at the trailhead.
- Facilities: No
- Fee/Permit: No
- Massacre Falls Trail on AllTrails
If you’re looking for a Superstition Mountain hike with a waterfall, I’d recommend Massacre Falls! The trailhead is located in the First Water Trailhead parking lot and the trail itself is well-marked and easy to follow, making it a great choice for hikers of all skill levels.
It’s important to note that the Massacre Falls waterfall is seasonal – it only flows in the winter months or after a big rain storm. Even if you don’t see a waterfall, this hike is still worth it! This trail is family-friendly and great to bring your dog on!
Broadway Cave
- Trail Length: 3.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 869 ft
- Route Type: Out & back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
- Parking: There is a small parking lot at the trailhead
- Facilities: No
- Fee/Permit: No
- Broadway Cave on AllTrails
The hike to Broadway Cave is a moderately difficult hiking trail located in the Superstition Mountains. The trail is approximately 3 miles round-trip and offers the opportunity to explore a unique and beautiful cave formation in the heart of the desert!
This trail is fairly steep and rocky, and it can be tricky to find the cave, so be sure to keep an eye out for cairns and other markets to guide your way. Once inside the cave, you’ll have an amazing view of the desert and city!
Again, this is a fairly tricky trail so if you are interested in hiking it, check out this impressively-detailed blog by From One Girl To One World.
Wave Cave
- Trail Length: 3.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 869 ft
- Route Type: Out & back
- Difficulty: Hard
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
- Parking: There is a parking lot at the trailhead
- Facilities: No
- Fee/Permit: No
- Wave Cave on AllTrails
The hike to Wave Cave in the Superstition Mountains is a moderately challenging hiking trail that leads to a massive rock formation that looks like a wave! This is a super memorable hike that provides stunning desert views and fantastic photo opportunities.
This is one of the most popular trails in the Superstition Mountains so you will likely share the trail and cave with other hikers. Once you get to the cave, you can enjoy a picnic lunch and climb onto the “wave” for a photo!
Battleship Mountain Trail
- Trail Length: 12.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,909 ft
- Route Type: Out & back
- Difficulty: Hard
- Kid-friendly: No
- Dog-friendly: No
- Parking: There is a parking lot at the trailhead
- Facilities: No
- Fee/Permit: No
- Battleship Mountain on AllTrails
The hike on Battleship Mountain Trail is a great choice for hikers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding hike in the Superstition Mountains.
The trail up to the summit of Battleship Mountain is steep and rocky but offers stunning views of the surrounding desert. Once at the top, hikers can take in the beauty of the Superstition Mountains and the Sonoran Desert, with views that stretch for miles in all directions.
Hikers who choose to continue past the summit of Battleship Mountain can follow the trail down the other side, where they will come across a unique and beautiful rock formation known as the LaBarge Box. The LaBarge Box is a narrow canyon with towering walls that offer a peaceful and serene spot to rest and take in the beauty of the Superstition Mountains.
Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail
- Trail Length: 5.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2.641 ft
- Route Type: Out & back
- Difficulty: Hard
- Kid-friendly: No
- Dog-friendly: No
- Parking: There is a parking lot at the trailhead
- Facilities: Restrooms
- Fee/Permit: Entry to Lost Dutchman State Park is $7 per vehicle, $10 on the weekend
- Flatiron Trail on AllTrails
Located in Lost Dutchman State Park, the hike to Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail is one of the most challenging hikes in the Superstition Mountains. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, although there are some steep and rocky sections that can be more challenging and require some scrambling.
For those who choose to continue on to the top of Flatiron, the climb becomes steeper and more challenging. The trail involves scrambling over rocks and requires some physical strength and agility. However, hikers who make it to the top will be rewarded with stunning views of the Superstition Mountains wilderness and the surrounding desert landscape.
Desert Necessities for Hiking the Superstition Mountains
The time of year will impact exactly what you need to bring for hiking in the Superstition Mountains. If you visit in the winter, you’ll definitely want to bring long layers and warmer gear but if you visit in the summer, you’ll want light sun-blocking layers and plenty of water.
No matter what time of year you visit, there are a couple of necessities I recommend for hiking in the Superstition Mountains:
- Sturdy Hiking Boots
- LOTS of water
- Sun Protection
- Snacks
- Sweat-wicking clothes
- Hiking Backpack
Final Thoughts On Hikes In The Superstition Mountains
In my option, the best hikes in the Superstition Mountains are Hieroglyphic Trail, Lost Dutchman Treasure Loop Trail, Peralta Canyon to Fremont Saddle Trail, Massacre Falls Trail, and Wave Cave Trail.
I’ve had so many great adventures on these beautiful trails and I hope this post inspired you to plan a hike in the Superstition Mountains!
Please remember that hiking in the Superstition Mountains can be challenging, especially during the hotter summer months. Be sure to check weather conditions before embarking on a hike, bring plenty of water, wear appropriate clothing, including sun protection, and be aware of potential flash floods during the monsoon season.
