Boulder Canyon Loop

Trailhead

This is a fantastic hike!!!  It has plenty of expansive views, tall canyon walls, pools of water and includes a small section of bushwhacking and boulder navigation to make it a little more fun and exciting.  The trail starts at the Canyon Lake trail head in the Superstition Mountains and is located directly across the street from the parking lot of the Canyon Lake Marina.  Park in the parking area of Canyon Lake Marina closest to the road on the south end of the lot.  It is signed for trail head parking only.  Walk across the road and start hiking up Trail #103, Boulder Canyon Trail. 

The trail starts out on a steady climb for the first mile, once you top out on the ridge make sure you take a look behind you at Canyon Lake below.  You get an amazing view of the beautiful desert lake.  Continue on the trail and you will soon come to an expansive view into the Superstition Wilderness and of Weavers Needle and Battleship Mountain in the distance.  The trail winds its away along the ridge and then along the hill side.  Around mile 2 you will begin a steady descent into LaBarge Canyon which you can see below on your right. At about mile 3 you will reach LaBarge Creek.  The main trail continues across the creek, but to complete this described hike you will leave the main trail and turn right (Northwest) and follow the creek bed as it winds back towards Canyon Lake.  You will stay in the creek bed for the next 1.5 miles or thereabouts. Warning, this section of the hike may be impassible after heavy rains.

This section of the hike is where it gets fun.  The canyon walls begin to get higher and the canyon begins to narrow as you make your way down the creek bed.  At about mile 3.5 (sorry I don't have exact location) you will come to a section where the canyon floor is overgrown in brush. You will need to just bush whack your way through this, there is no wrong way to go, just keep heading down the creek bed.  At this spot we started noticing small pools of water as well.  After you break through the tangeled mess you will come to a bend in the canyon and also a fork.  Boulder Canyon is the canyon you will see coming in off of your left.

The canyon walls here are quite impressive.  Keep your eyes out for big horn sheep while in this canyon as well.  Soon after Boulder Canyon comes in you will come to a section with a few large boulders and a large pool of water.  To pass this spot keep to the right side of the canyon.  There are a few options on that side to get around the pool of water.

Exit Location

Continue down the canyon and it will open wide again, with several pools along the way.  You will come to one other nice sections where the canyon narrows for about 100 yards and the floor is littered with colorful rocks.  After you pass this spot the canyon will again open wide.  Continue down.  At about mile 5.0 you will come to left bend in the canyon and a large pool of water at the end.  This is actually the inlet of Canyon Lake.  Directly in front of you as the canyon bends to your left is a slopping rock hill.  This is your exit point.  You will also see a few cairns dotting their way up the side of the hill.  Once on top, you will see the inlet of Canyon Lake below.  Follow the trail as it continues up the hill.  There are quite a few trails that meander through here, but just keep left turns and you will link back into the main trail that you came in on.

Follow this link for the mapped route of the trail. 

In all this trail is about 5.5 miles, depending on the route you take through the canyon floor.  I would rate this moderate.  It is a fun trail that gives you a taste of everything in a short 5 miles. 

Length: 5.5 miles
Overall Elevation Accumulation: 2, 103 feet
Difficulty:  Moderate
Traffic:  Moderate on Trail #103, Light in the canyon
Fee:  No fee!
Waters and Restrooms at Canyon Lake Marina

Kid Friendly
Hike Time:  3 hours
Directions From Phoenix:  East on US 60; exit north on Idaho Road; turn right on Hwy 88 (The Apache Trail) Drive 15 miles to the Canyon Lake Marina.  The Marina is right after the second bridge crossing.  Turn left into the marina and park on south side of lot closest to the highway. 

View back up the canyon from the exit point

Garden Valley Loop/Hackberry Springs

This is a great moderate loop hike along the northern side of the Superstition Mountains.  There are a few hills on this hike, but if you follow the route in the direction described, you will travel down the larger hills, rather than up. The trail is located off of First Water Road, which is a dirt road just past the entrance into Lost Dutchman State Park.  Detailed directions to the trailhead are posted at the end.  On Forest Road 78 turn right and travel approximately two miles until you see a large parking area with a restroom on your left.  Park at this spot.  There is no fee required.  Walk up the dirt road, heading east about 1/4 of a mile.  You will soon see a rough road heading off to your left and a gate.  This is the start of the trail.  Follow the road up the ridge and soon you will descend down a rocky hill.  Below you can see an old ranch, with a few buildings remaining and an old windmill.  When you reach this follow the path past the windmill towards the large rock outcropping straight ahead and to the left of you.  The trail will descend down into the creek bed.  You will shortly come across Hackberry Springs.  I hiked this in October and there was water trickling up out of the spring.  The trail soon enters a narrow canyon section.  This spot is a fun little spot.  Continue to follow the canyon down.  We saw a lot of small toads in the area and also a large tarantuala.

The trail will soon come out of the narrow section and turn to your right.  Continue to follow as the trail skirts along the creek bed.  At about mile 2 the trail will turn to your right and head up the hill. 

You will gradually climb up until you are on top of Hackberry Mesa.  Once on top continue to the follow the trail as it turns south.  You will soon come to a large open area known as Garden Valley.  Follow across the valley to a signed junction with the Black Mesa Trail #241.  Turn right at the junction and head west.  You will drop off another hill down into a ravine, with another short climb to follow.  You are about 1.5 miles from your car at this point.  Continue as you cross over another stream bed.  You will see a small trail head off to your right this will take you back to the old ranch area.  Keep on the main trail heading west and you will climb up another short hill.  At the top of the hill is the parking area for the Second Water Trail Head.  Follow the road about 1/2 mile to where you parked your car.  The loop described is 5.3 miles.  This is a great moderate hike.  It has a few hills but nothing strenuous.  The best part of the hike is short canyon section at the beginning.




Click below  for a map of the described route:

Garden Valley Loop/Hackberry Spring

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near Mesa, Arizona

Length: 5.3 miles
Elevation Gain:  unknown, small hills
Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate
Season:  Fall through Spring
Time:  2 hours
Fee:  No fee
Kids: Kid friendly
Directions: From Apache Junction trail NorthEast on SR88 (The Apache Trail) for 5.3 miles.  Just past Lost Dutchmen State Park you will turn right on FR78 (dirt road and passenger vehicle friendly). Travel 2 miles to the large parking area on your left.  If you travel past this you will soon come to a dead end and the Second Water Parking Area.  (This is the spot where you will come up out of your hike). 

Fish Creek - Superstition Mountain



View from parking spot to bridge.

 This is a great canyon to take the day and explore.   Upper Fish Creek is located in the Superstition Mountains and is easily accesible from the Apache Trail (SR 88).  There is not an official trail through this canyon, it is more boulder hopping, bushwhacking and finding the easiest route as you go, type of trail.  This is a beautiful location, full of cottonwood and sycamore trees.  The canyon is also full of large boulders that you must navigate over, around and sometimes squeeze between as you head upstream.  Depending on the time of year you hike, there may be nice amount of  water in the creek.  Just a warning, this canyon is prone to flash floods, so it is not wise to enter during rainy weather.  I explored this in February and there was quite a bit of water flowing through the creek, it was a nice sight to see in the desert. 

 




Fish Creek



Directions to this canyon are at the end of this post, but to enter the canyon the easiest way: After driving down the windy road which hugs the thousand foot cliff you will drive over a bridge, which crosses Fish Creek.  Find a spot to park, which may be difficult as there really is only room for maybe 4 vehicles at the most.  Once you have parked, walk back across the bridge and you will see a large alcove on the south wall of the canyon.  A trail begins just after the bridge and heads up to the alcove.  Follow this path, once you get to the alcove the trail descends easily into the canyon below.  From this point head to your right into the canyon and begin exploring. 

The canyon winds its way up 10 miles, but this is a very slow going canyon to navigate with all the obstacles.  I ended up just heading into the canyon for about 2 hours and then turned back around.  It is a lot faster heading out as you are familiar with the terrain and the easier routes. 

This is just a great place to take the day to explore.  Amazing towering cliffs on each side, beautiful vegetation and nice running creek, especially if you time it right with the seasons. 
I've posted a video at the end showing some of the fun of Fish Creek!


Lots of boulders to naviagte



Length: Varies, turn around when you feel the need

Elevation Gain: 250 feet

Difficulty:  Moderate- lots of boulder hopping, scrambling and route finding skills

Kids: Kid friendly, but for little ones you will have to take it slow and maybe not travel to far in.
Traffic:  Light- I saw 5 other people in the canyon the entire time.

Comments:  Good footwear is a must.

Directions:  From Phoenix.  Drive East on US60 to Idaho Rd in Apache Junction.  Exit and drive North about 3 miles to SR88.  Turn right and follow SR88 (Apache Trail) for 25 miles to the bridge that spans Fish Creek.  The road is a dirt road the last few miles to the bridge.  Also, you will drop down the side of a sheer cliff as you take this fun drive to Fish Creek Canyon.  Once you descend the road from the high cliff above you will cross the bridge.  Find a spot to park and head back across the bridge to a trail heading toward the alcove on the south side of the canyon.

Rogers Canyon Trail - Superstition Wilderness

I did this hike in March, probably the best time of year to hike here in the desert.  Lots of green and nice temperatures.  This was a great hike.  One of the best I have done yet in the Superstition Mountains.  The best part of this hike is the well preserved Salado Indian Ruin set back in a cave at mile 4.  That, and the surprisingly large amount of trees makes for a perfect hike.  It almost takes as long to drive to the trailhead from Hwy 60 as it does to hike to the ruins.  However, the drive to the trailhead is scenic as well, with a lot of saguaros and great views as you climb up the mountain side.  As long as the road is in good shape, ie: no recent rains, then a passenger car should be able to make it, although a higher clearance vehicle is recommended.  There is one large hill at the end that you may need to walk up instead of attempting to drive if you are in a passenger vehicle. Directions to the trailhead are at the end of this post.

The trailhead is at 4,800 feet in a small basin full of juniper trees, oak and manzanita, which is a refreshing change from the low desert scenery on the road below.  Rogers Canyon Trail starts at Rogers Trough Trailhead and heads initially out on the Reavis Ranch Trail.  Follow the sign past the main trailhead sign in the direction of the Reavis Ranch Trail to your left. You will hike this for 1.7 miles until you come to the Rogers Canyon junction.  The beginning of the Reavis Ranch Trail gives you a great view into Rogers Canyon that you will be hiking into.  The hike starts flat and soon begins to drop off into several ravines towards the creek below.  Once you reach the Rogers Canyon Trail junction the hike is mainly a gradual decent from then on to the Indian Ruins.  At the junction of Rogers Canyon Trail go to the left.

At this point the trail begins to wind closer to the creek bed.  It was mainly dry while we were there, but small areas of spring water were running at times.  The trail crosses the creek bed several times as you wind down the canyon.  This area is beautiful, covered in large Arizona Sycamore trees.  We passed several groups who had backpacked in and were camping under these fantastic trees.  This is definitely something I will have to go back to do.  A few sections of the trail are a bit hard to follow.  Several spur trails lead off, but they seem to eventually wind themselves back the the main trail.  If you have to start doing a bit too much bushwacking then you've gotten off the main trail.

The canyon becomes deeper and hoodoo formations begin to appear along the upper sides of the canyon. Continue to follow the trail until you come to an area where the canyon narrows and next to a large boulder a cairn marks the side trail to the Indian Ruins.  You will see two large caves in the side of the canyon to your right.  This is at mile 4.1.  Head up to the the ruins and take the time to explore the area.  Please do not walk on the Indian Ruin.  There are three ruins.  Two lower ones and one above the lowest ruin.  To access the upper ruin you will need to scramble up the cliff left of the lower cave.  It is worth going up to look at.  This ruin is set far back in the cave and still has the roof intact.  You can also see the fingerprints left by as the mud was spread on the walls when it was built over 700 years ago by the Salado Indians.  Remember, do not damage or graffiti the ruins.

We ate our lunch in the shade of the cave next the ruins and enjoyed an amazing view out into the green canyon.  We then headed back the way we come and out to the trailhead.  The hike took us 6 hours.  But we were taking our time to enjoy this amazing area. 

Make sure you have plenty of water for this hike.  There are springs in the area, but were not providing much water. In all this was just under a 9 mile out and back hike.

Length: 9 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: -1,1333 (which means you gain it on your hike out- most of it is at the end of the trail towards the Rogers Trough Trailhead)
Difficulty:  Moderate- Easy to hike, but keep in mind it is 9 miles.
Season:  Fall, Winter, Spring
Kids:  Recommended 12+.  The length is the issue with kids
Fee: None
Hiking Time:  5 hours minimum hike time and 1 hour drive time from hwy 60 


Directions from Mesa:  Drive east on the US 60 towards Superior.  Once you pass the Florence Junction watch for a turn on your left marked Queen Valley.  Take Queen Valley Road and follow for 1.5 miles to Hewitt Station Road.  Turn right onto the dirt road.  Follow for approximately 5 miles to FR 172.  Turn left and cross Queen Creek.  This may be running with water at certain times of the year.  Follow the road for 14 miles until FR172A.  (Just before FR172A is the large hill that a passenger vehicle may not be able to drive up) at the top of the hill the road T's.  Take the road to your left and follow for another .4 miles to the trailhead.  


Do not attempt in a passenger vehicle if the road is wet or too rutted out.  4-wheel drive will be needed. 

Click for a Topographic Map of Area

Hieroglyphic Trail- Superstition Mountains

If you have family coming into town to visit or want to take a beginner on a hike than this is the hike for you. The trail head is located in Gold Canyon, Arizona at the base of the southern flank of the Superstitions. The trail heads up a gradual slope into a canyon leading to a great collection of Hohokam petroglyphs. The ancient writing is found in a rocky area of granite that has been made smooth from water flow. During certain times of the year, you can find enough water in the pools to play in. It's like a very small version of Slide Rock near Sedona. This is a fun trail to take kids on as the trail is a gradual 1.5 mile hike to the water. The trail head is host to two trails, upon beginning you will hike up a hill covered in cactus and come to a fork. Take the trail to your left. The trail is well marked and signed. Near 1.2 miles you enter an area with larger boulders and mesquite and ironwood trees. This is a pretty little green spot in the otherwise brown desert. Near the top of your hike, you will will come to a large rock outcropping, this is your destination. Take time to explore the petroglyphs and cool down in the small pools. When not crowded with people, it is a perfect spot to stay and play for a few hours. The return trip is wonderful, because of my favorite thing, all down hill to your air conditioned car. I have done this hike several times with my kids and we never grow tired of it. Convienent, fun, and fast (can be done in under 2 hours)
Length: 3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 570 ft
Difficulty: easy
Kids: Highly recommended for any age
Hiking Time: 1.5-2 hours, but plan on staying at the petroglyphs for a while
Fees: Free
Guides: 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Phoenix
Directions: East on US60 to Gold Canyon. Northeast on Kings Ranch Rd and follow signs to trail head.

Flat Iron- Superstition Mountains



the Siphon



Now this is a hike!!!! Just a bit of advice, I would only recommend this to people who really enjoy hiking, especially scrambling over rocks. This is not a laid back easy trail. It will make your legs and lungs burn. However, the struggle to get to the top is worth it when you take in the amazing view of the Phoenix Valley. The trail starts at Lost Dutchmen State Park near Apache Junction. This trail is 6 miles out and back and takes a gradual incline the first 1 mile. The trail then turns sharply up a draw and begins to become steeper and more rocky. At around 2 miles you come to a smooth rock area with tall walls on each side. This area is known as Siphon Draw.  Water may be running through this basin- a small amount though.  If you are not the adventurous type then this is the point you need to turn around and return. However, if you continue you will climb up the rock face marked by blue dots. Keep your eye out for the dots, they can be easily missed. Once on top of the smooth rock face turn left along the top and watch for another blue mark turning to your right and then head straight up the mountain. When I say straight up, I mean literally straight up with absolutely no reprieve for the next 1 mile. You will now gain 1,500 feet in this 1 mile. The trail requires you to climb over large boulders, many times using your hands to pull you up the larger rocks. My advice is to take it slow and rest frequently. Your legs will appreciate it. Toward the top of the trail you will come to a rock wall of about 12 feet. You can climb up this by use of the tree to the left or wedge yourself in the crack to the right. Once you get up this last obstacle you've made it. You will arrive to the top and to your right is Flat Iron. Walk out to the edge of the cliff and you'll enjoy an amazing view of the valley below. The day we hiked Flat Iron was incredibly clear. We could see White Tank Mountains, Camelback Mountain, Four Peaks, and clear south to Mount Lemon near Tucson. If you still have the energy you can follow the trail to the very top of the Superstitions. This spur trail adds 1 mile to the round trip.

To access this head back to where you came out on top.  There is a trail that heads toward the hoodoos to the Northeast.  This trail will take you to the top.  Keep your eye out for carins marking the trail route.  There is a large carin at the top and a makeshift flag someone has set up.  This area is also fun to explore as there are many boulders to climb around on. 

The return trip is rough as well. Climbing down is not as hard on your lungs, but very hard on your knees. Take it easy as you legs will be burned out from the hike up and you many not have much stability. Be careful to not loosen large rocks on hikers below. I was concerned about this as I descended.

A few recommendations I would make are:

1) Good hiking shoes are a must with traction

2) Gloves- latex coated gloves would be helpful. Your hands get roughed up by the rocks and also the latex will help provide traction while you climb up or down the trail.

3) Plenty of water

4) Begin the hike in the early morning and not in the heat of the day

 

Length: 6 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,625 ft.

Difficulty: Very Difficult

Kids: I would not recommend any kids under 12, unless they really like to hike and are good at scrambling over rocks. Add a few hours to hiking time if you plan on bringing your kids.

Hiking time: 5 hours. I would recommend not be on time constraints while doing this hike.

Fees: $5.00 at Lost Dutchmen State Park

Guides: 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Phoenix by Charles Liu

You can see the trail far below

Peralta Trail to Freemont Saddle- Superstition Mountains

UPDATED 08/2012

The Peralta Trail to Freemont Saddle has been one of my favorite hikes near Phoenix. The trail is located near Gold Canyon, Arizona on the south side of the Superstition Mountains. The trail is easily reached via the US60 thru Gold Canyon and turning North on Peralta Drive. The trailhead is about 7 miles from the hwy and is clearly signed.  The hike is out and back, 2.3 miles in one direction, but has several other options, including an 11 mile loop.  This description describes the 2.3 miles to the "saddle". The best part of this hike is the amazing, up close view of Weavers Needle, which is a 1,000 ft high spire rising from the desert floor. This trail is moderate and if you are out of shape will get your heart pumping and legs burning. An elevation gain of 1,360 feet is made in the 2.3 miles.

I hiked this trail several times and never grow tired of it.  Plan on about four hours to do the hike comfortably with time to enjoy the view at the top. This trail affords great views all the way along. Unique rock formations created from Volcanic activity line the canyon. Also, the lower part of the trail is well vegetated and each time I have hiked, May, December and August there has been a little water running at one point in the trail. Near the top of the trail if you keep your eyes out you will see a small arch with a saguaro cactus growing right next to it. This trail is one of the more popular trails in the Superstition Wilderness and you will find out why when you get to the saddle for the incredible view. 

The trail is easy to follow until you reach about 1.7 miles.  Just after climbing up the long hill you will come to a section with smooth rock which leads to the base of a small cliff.  There is a small cave to your right.  The trail goes to the left of the cave.  This is easily missed.  Follow the cliff around to your left and head up towards the small chute.  You will then begin to see cairns again.  The trail, switchbacks up this rock section once you are up above the cave, just keep your eye out for cairns and remember your goal is the saddle to your left. 

Another option and one I would highly recommend:  After you reach the saddle and have the view of Weavers Needle you will see a lone pine out on the neck leading towards Weavers Needle.  A trail leads to this pine tree that gives an incredible view of the needle and the valley below.  The trail if you are facing the needle will be to your right, just before the large rock outcropping.  However, if you can't find the trail just head in the direction of the lone tree.  It would be difficult to miss.

Length: 4.6 Miles

Elevation Gain: 1,360 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Kids: I would recommend if they are hiking then be least 7 years old. Otherwise you might hear some complaining as the trail gets steeper about 1.5 miles in.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Fee: None :)

Guides: 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Phoenix

Massacre Grounds Trail- Superstition Mountains, Arizona

A great little hike that leads you easily into the Superstition Wilderness of Arizona. This trail is found on the northern side of the Superstition Mountains just past Lost Dutchmen State Park near Apache Junction, Arizona. The trail is out and back and has a gradual incline up 1.7 miles to the top of the trail. Coming back is the best because of course it is all down hill. You gain 925 feet in elevation. I hiked the trail in exactly 2 hours including a break of about 15 minutes at the top of the trail to enjoy the view into the Superstition Wilderness and the large drop off on the rim of the drainage.
I hiked the trail at the end of March during the height of the wildflower season. The yellow flowers of the Brittlebrush dotted the hillsides making this a beautiful trail. Many cactus were in bloom as well adding to the beauty.

Length: 3.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 925 Feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Kids: Yes- under 5 would be a bit of a slow go, but manageable
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Fees: None :)
Guides and Maps: 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Phoenix: Charles Liu