Best Hikes in the Superstition Mountains

Shrouded in mystery, lore, and hidden outdoor gems, the Superstition Mountains are among the most iconic sierras in the American Southwest. 

Many have come seeking the Lost Dutchman's gold. However, those of us who regularly explore the Supes have found the mountains themselves to be the real treasure.

You really do have to see and experience it for yourself to find out why. So, here's a list of the best hikes in the Superstition Mountains to get started. 

The Superstition Ridgeline Trail 

• Length: 11 miles end-to-end 
• Cumulative elevation gain: 4265 ft. 
• Difficulty: Extreme
• Type: Trailhead to trailhead 
• Family-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: No
• Fee/Permit: Yes, at one of two trailheads
• Restrooms: Yes, on the Lost Dutchman side
• Paved parking: At one of two trailheads

The Superstition Ridgeline Trail is often regarded as the Phoenix area's most iconic and epic day hike. It traverses 12 miles of the mountain range's highest elevations, going up and down several peaks along the way. You'll enjoy vast views of rugged desert terrain, the city of Apache Junction, and (on a clear day), the Phoenix skyline. 

The trail is remote enough to offer an abundance of wildlife. It's a popular destination for bird watching. We've also seen mountain sheep and deer along the way. 

The Ridgeline is relentless in terms of both views and 

It ends with the Flat Iron hike, which itself is regarded as one of the Valley's hardest trails. 

Peralta Trail to the Lone Pine Tree

• Length: 5.5 miles roundtrip 
• Cumulative elevation gain: 4265 ft. 
• Type: Trailhead to trailhead 
• Family-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: No
• Fee/Permit: Yes, at one of two trailheads
• Restrooms: Yes, on the Lost Dutchman side
• Paved parking: No

Want to see one of the mysteries of the Superstition Mountains up close? Hike the Peralta Trail to visit the Lone Pine.

True to its name, the Lone Pine is a tree growing all on its own in contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. Experts remain perplexed by how this tree, estimated to be over 100 years old, managed to grow and thrive in the middle of a desert environment. Yet, there it stands all on its own. 

Along the way, you'll get to visit a cave, see breathtaking views of the Superstition Mountains, and enjoy a close look at Weavers Needled, a unique 1000 foot rock formation.

We've even encountered a few mountain sheep along the way. 

We recommend going between the months of October and April to avoid dangerous heat. 

Siphon Draw Trail to the Flat Iron

• Length: 5.5 miles roundtrip 
• Cumulative elevation gain: 2800 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Type: Out and back
• Family-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: No
• Fee/Permit: Yes
• Restrooms: Yes
• Paved parking: Yes

If you're looking for a challenge with lots of elevation gain, consider hiking to the Flat Iron from the Siphon Draw Trail.

This hike actually marks the end of the Superstition Ridgeline. However, it's offers enough of a challenge to serve as its own day hike. 

The trailhead begins in Lost Dutchman State Park. It kicks off just like any other for the first 3/4 of a mile or so. From there, it begins a steep ascent. You'll be hiking over smooth rock formations and rough boulders along the way. The views and challenge seem to increase in unison. Finally, you'll reach a 15 rock wall that offers an easy scramble to the top. From there, it's an easy hike to the Flat Iron. 

While there, keep an eye out for Flat Iron Jim. He became a local celebrity for hiking the trail on a nearly daily basis at the age of 93. 

We recommend high-cut or mid-cut boots with strong support for this trail. The rugged terrain makes rolling your ankle a breeze. 

The Hieroglyphics Trail

• Length: 2.9 miles roundtrip 
• Difficulty: Intermediate 
• Cumulative elevation gain: 565 ft. 
• Type: Out and back
• Family-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Fee/Permit: No
• Restrooms: Primitive 
• Paved parking: Yes

Discover the remnants of a lost ancient civilization along the Hieroglyphics Trail. 

The hike begins in the Sonoran Desert far from civilization. It eventually enters a canyon that once provided shelter and water for tribes thousands of years ago. Their petroglyphs were left behind on nearby rocks. They include several pictures of wildlife that can still be found throughout the area.

You'll also find water sources most of the year, although it's unsafe to drink without using a powerful filter.

The Wave Cave Trail

• Length: 3 miles roundtrip 
• Cumulative elevation gain: 870 ft. 
• Difficulty: Intermediate 
• Type: Out and back
• Family-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: No
• Fee/Permit: Yes, at one of two trailheads
• Restrooms: Yes, on the Lost Dutchman side
• Paved parking: No

Sometimes, you just need a moderately challenging hike with great views that doesn't take all day. The Wave Cave is perfect for that! 

The trail kicks off at the base of the Superstition Mountains. It winds through the Sonoran Desert a bit before heading uphill. You'll find great views, large Saguaro cactuses, and some cool rock formations along the way.

However, none of those formations quite match the one found in your destination. True to its name, the cave features a unique wave-like rock formation just inside. The cave itself is also pretty spacious and serve as a great place to enjoy lunch. 

Broadway Cave Trail

• Length: 3 miles roundtrip 
• Cumulative elevation gain: 870 ft. 
• Difficulty: Intermediate 
• Type: Out and back
• Family-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Fee/Permit: No
• Restrooms: No
• Paved parking: Yes

Most hikers agree that the Broadway Cave Trail is similar in scope to the Wave Cave Trail. Both are close the same length, offer the same elevation gain, begin fairly easy, then rise more dramatically to a cave. However, the Broadway Cave trailhead is much easier to access, although parking is very limited.

This trail also winds through the desert before ascending the mountainside. Some light scrambling is needed to get over a few large boulders, but nothing too crazy. 

The cave is pretty open and is typically much cooler than the trail. It's a great place to watch the sun set. You may also hear the chirps of bats from the cracks above. 

Learn more from our own hike of the Broadway Cave Trail. 

The Treasure Loop

• Length: 2.4 miles
• Cumulative elevation gain: 531 
• Type: Loop
• Family-friendly: Yes
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Fee/Permit: Yes
• Restrooms: Yes
• Paved parking: Yes

We think it's worth mentioning at a family-friendly (and dog-friendly) trail. The treasure look is just over 2 miles in Lost Dutchman State Park. It still has some halfway decent elevation gain, but there are plenty of resting spots along the way. 

It'll bring you right up to the base of Green Boulder (a naturally shaded resting area) and offers great views of both Superstition Mountain and the Goldfield Mountains. 

There's also a restroom and water spigot right at the trailhead. It begins and ends at the Cholla Day Use area. We recommend finishing the hike just as the sun is setting over the Goldfield Mountains. 

Weavers Needle Loop Trail

• Length: 12.5 miles
• Cumulative elevation gain: 2800 feet 
• Difficulty: Hard
• Type: Loop
• Family-friendly: No
• Dog-friendly: No
• Fee/Permit: No
• Restrooms: No
• Paved parking: No

Weavers Needle is probably the most distinct rock formation in the Superstition Mountains. The Weavers Needle loop trail uses it as a focal point but has so much more to offer. 

As with most desert hikes, the trail offers little shade - with one exception. There is a small oasis at one of the low points featuring several streams. It's a great place to refill water containers if you brought a filter. 

You can even climb to the summit of Weavers Needle if you bring the right gear. We only recommend experienced rock climbers attempt to reach the summit. Rescues are difficult and expensive in the area.