The Superstition Mountains

The Superstition Mountains are relatively close to the Phoenix area with a wide range of trails varying in lengths from backpacking trips to day hikes. The Superstitions are a wonderful place to hike all year round; however, I prefer the Spring and Summer times, due to the wildflowers that abundantly bloom. Arizona’s monsoons provide a perfect environment for wildflowers, filling the land with vibrant fields of yellow and red along the Superstition trails. For those who enjoy photographing nature , the flora allows for postcard-material photographs.

The Peralta trail is, without a doubt, one of the most popular trails, yet also one of my favorites. The path follows a dry creek bed of the Peralta Canyon through the first mile or so of the hike, before turning into switchbacks that take you to the top of the mountain range. At the end, there is a gorgeous view of the valley below with Weaver’s needle reaching out from the heart. Weaver’s needle, a column of rock, extends approximately 1,000 feet above the valley to an elevation of about 4,500 feet.

After rainy weather, the beginning creek fills with water, providing a few luxurious wading areas in rock baths, perfect for cooling off during the summer’s blazing heat.

The total distance of the Peralta trail is about 6 miles. I find it is fairly easy to accomplish this hike in five or six hours, depending on your hiking pace.

The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine is also a major attraction of the Superstitions, as well as the origination of its name. The hidden treasure revolves around a theory of lost gold buried in the Superstitions, supposedly left by a mining prospector in the late 1800s.

Directions to Peralta trailhead: From Phoenix, go east on U.S. route 60 past Apache Junction. Turn left (North) on Peralta Road (FS77) and travel about 8 miles to the parking area.  You will pass a neighborhood on the way in, before the pavement turns into a dirt road leading up to the mountain.

My Experience, South Mountain Hiking

I created this blog to explore and portray new products, trails, campgrounds, tips, food recipes and survival/safety issues incorporated in hiking and camping in the beautiful state of Arizona. I grew up in Tempe, AZ, where I began hiking and camping at a young age. My experience initially began through my membership with the Boy Scouts of America. Throughout the years, I have gained a huge appreciation for the outdoors, especially in Arizona. In my opinion, there are many people who are unaware of the wonderful beauty within the natural landscapes of Arizona. I have a strong desire to portray some of what I feel are the most eloquent expressions of nature that Arizona has to offer.

With this blog, I want to provide a consistent update of the current conditions at different hiking and camping locations. There are a large amount of sites to explore in Arizona – this blog will allow me to keep a personal track of favorite hikes and camping excursions.

While I do not have a large amount of time for hiking and camping in my life, I discovered many locations suitable for nice day trips and hikes.

I want to kick off my first post with one of my favorite hiking location that is very close to the city of Tempe. It allows for an short, easy hike for the morning or evening, as well as longer trails taking you through sand washes and views of the city from the top of the mountain.

I began exploring the trails of South Mountain in high school, and have been regularly hiking there every since. This is a very popular location, but there are many hidden washes and trails that will take you from the city into nature in less than an hour. For a short hike or run, I recommend the trail beginning at Pima Canyon. This area provides a large availability of parking and has easy access to the main trail. The Pima Canyon parking area is located on 48th Street and Guadalupe. There are a few trails to choose from, depending on how long of a hike you wish to pursue. The one that is fairly short is the main trail directly at the end of the parking lot. It is a very popular hike, and many runners use it to train. It serves as a nice hike that won’t take more than an hour or so.

A wash begins directly behind the bench at the end of this trail. It is one of the most beautiful areas if someone wanted to add a little more to their hike at South Mountain. Many outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy bouldering can frequently be seen bringing in crash pads to large rock formations that serve as perfect bouldering areas. White chalk can be seen on some large rocks, mapping out frequently used  routes.