Can you Hike to the Top of Superstition Mountain?
Yes, you can hike to the top of Superstition Mountain. But, will it be easy? No.
The hikes are difficult and the trails aren't always easy to follow. However, the experience is worth it. Here's how to find your way and trek to the top safely.
Ways to Hike to the Top of Superstition Mountain
First, Which Peak?
There's a little confusion about which peak counts as the top of Superstition Mountain.
Years back, I personally asked a Lost Dutchman State Park ranger for the actual name of the mountain that looms over the park. He confirmed that it was, in fact, Superstition Mountain - and that it kicked off the Superstition Mountain(s).
That means peak 5024 is the top of Superstition Mountain. However, 5057 is the highest peak in the Superstition Mountains - and it's often called the top of Superstition Mountain or Superstition Peak.
So, 5057 is the highest peak in the entire mountain range. 5024 is the peak of the mountain that begins at Lost Dutchman State Park.
Reaching Peak 5024
The main hike to reach the top of Superstition Mountain (peak 5024) is the Siphon Draw trail. It begins in Lost Dutchman State Park and is largely the same path you'd take to the Flat Iron. The only difference is to head left at the top after climbing up that infamous rock wall that everyone but me seems to hate.
You can reach the trailhead by driving all the way to the last parking lot in Lost Dutchman State Park. The road will end at the right trailhead if you drive towards the day use areas (not the camping lots). Then, just follow the signs for the Siphon Draw Trail.
Unfortunately, the path at the top leading to the peak isn't marked very well. In fact, there are long segments where it doesn't even look like a trail. Your best bet is to follow the AllTrails map to reach it successfully.
Reaching Peak 5057
There are a number of ways to reach to Peak 5057. However, the Hieroglyphic and Superstition Ridgeline Trails are the most popular routes.
The off-trail leading to 5057 is essentially at the halfway point of the Superstition Ridgeline. If your goal is just to reach the peak rather than hike the entire trail, you're probably better off starting at the Carney Springs Trailhead. Otherwise, you'll have to hike up Siphon Draw to the Flat Iron first. That makes the overall hike much harder.
The Carney Springs Trailhead also offers free parking. The price to enter Lost Dutchman State Park (and every other Arizona state park) doubled earlier this year. It might be worth a little farther to save that $10-$20.
Expert Guidance to Either Peak
Eroded trails, poor cell reception, and a lack of trail blazes make navigating to these Superstition Mountain peaks difficult. Let us guide you along safely and so you can enjoy the best of either trail stress-free.
We offer expert guided trail tours throughout the Superstition Mountains. Book your adventure today!