Annual Hackberry Springs

Weather:  68°, sunny

About this Hike:  Hackberry Springs is an annual Christmastime tradition. It's an easily accessible hike in the Western Superstitions. Hackberry Trail allows you to feel disconnected from the hustle and bustle of the East Valley, all while taking in the dramatic volcanic rock formations, creekbeds, and riparian areas that the Superstitions are famous for. 

In a good year what makes this a festive hike is the red berries on the hackberry bushes.  I've seen a few berries this year (including one full bush along Boulder Canyon last weekend), but nothing too dramatic.  Maybe I'm too early.  In past years I've done this hike in December.  

Regardless, the best part of one particular hackberry bush was not the lack of red berries, but rather the flock of queen butterflies (related to monarch) all over the bush.  Upon closer inspection, I noticed pale, tiny flowers on the hackberry bush.  The butterflies were busy pollinating.  

The spring was dry, although there was water around the springhead.  I saw some minnows in the pool, but nothing like the bright, iridescent topminnows of last year. 

We ended up going toward Second Water Trail and followed it south for a while.  We crossed First Water Creek several times.  Much of this area burned a couple years ago.  Aside from scorched saguaros, you'd hardly know it.  The buffalo grass is so thick again, just waiting to spontaneously combust. 

On the All Trails map I noted a path that would take us north back toward Hackberry Trail.  We also intended to visit the old First Water Ranch.  We had a difficult time finding the northbound side trail, but once discovered, it was well-worn with footprints and some equestrian evidence.  I'm not sure how it all came together, but this side trail dropped us right at First Water Ranch.

We took a nice break at the ranch.  Last year when we discovered this site for the first time, it was twilight and we were in a hurry to conclude our hike. I enjoyed studying the old artifacts including a water cistern that will never hold water again due to being used for target practice, and an old well.  I wonder when First Water Ranch was built and how long it was used for.  Rust hasn't set in to a lot of the metal, and the artifacts don't seem that old.  Since these trails get heavy equestrian use, I'm guessing it's still used to rest horses under the shaded pavilion.  

From the ranch we hiked up the old road and then we were back at Hackberry Trailhead.  

Haunted Canyon 2022

Weather:  71°, sunny

About this Hike: Haunted Canyon has become an October tradition now since I first explored the lower trailhead in 2020.  Last year, I explored the upper trailhead.  This is actually one trail, but the convergence point is at a meadow that leads to the abandoned cabin at Tony Ranch.   

Shortly after starting, this hike climbs a ridge above Haunted Canyon. Despite being in high-desert grassland with some juniper/cypress forest, there are some healthy saguaros up on the ridge. It's so cool to see these majestic cacti co-existing in an ecosystem typically outside their range. 

Past what I like to call Saguaro Ridge, the trail dips down into Pinto Creek, which forms Haunted Canyon.  My recollection of the lower trailhead from two years ago is that it was easy to follow and well blazed.  This year was a little different.  Sections of the trail are getting crowded with live oak and catclaw.  Two years ago 2020 had been an exceptionally dry year.  Pinto Creek was dry that year.  This year parts of it were flowing strong, while other parts were dry.  The damp creek beds were full of leafs-of-three, most of which were turning brilliant fall colors.  I definitely brushed my hiking pants against some of these, despite my best efforts to sidestep.  So far no rash and itching...  

At times the trail became difficult to follow and I found myself off trail and getting increasingly aggravated.  I met a large group of back packers, and they were helpful to follow.  

For all the difficulty getting to the junction with the side trail to Tony Ranch, the actual hike into the ranch wasn't too bad.  In past years I've found this side trail very difficult to follow.  I think it's probably getting more action, and therefore becoming well-worn, as more people learn about this historic site and come out to explore it. 

I was so annoyed by the hike in that I considered continuing up Trail 203 to the upper trailhead and then returning to the lower trailhead via FR-287A to form a 13.5 mile loop.  However, the overgrowth is likely bad on the upper parts of 203 as well (it was bad in parts last year).  I opted to just return the way I came, which was a good choice.  The hike back to the trailhead parking ended up being more enjoyable.  I think it was because I was more mentally prepared for the annoying overgrowth.  Despite the flowing creek, I saw next to no wildlife, although there was plenty of bear evidence.  

I'm glad to keep this Halloweekend tradition going for another year.  

Roger's Canyon Cliff Dwellings

Weather:  72°, clouds & sun

About this Hike:  I said I never wanted to attempt the notorious FR172 to Roger's Trough Trailhead in the Eastern Superstitions. Back in April of 2021 I even used Campaign Creek as a means of accessing Reavis Ranch so as to avoid the drive up to Roger's Trough.

Then I began reading about maintenance done on FR172 early in 2022.  And I had read about the Roger's Canyon Cliff Dwellings that are also accessible from Roger's Trough Trailhead. 

I decided to give FR172 a try.  Despite being re-graded earlier this year, the road is in rough shape.  The last four miles where it splits into FR172A and 172B are exceptionally bad. I have a mostly stock TRD Off-Road Tacoma. The truck performed excellent and never so much as slipped a tire. That said, I did slightly bottom out once on a rut. If you choose to do this road, it's a beautiful desert drive, but the road is scary in spots. 

Once parked at Roger's Trough Trailhead, we started off toward Roger's Canyon.  The first mile and a half of the hike follows the Reavis Ranch Trail. Roger's Canyon eventually forks off at a signed junction.

Roger's Canyon Trail 110 exists only in the memories of some, the maps of All Trails, and Tonto Forest's website. The actual trail is overgrown with catclaw and other nasties. However, since this trail parallels Roger's Creek, you simply walk in the dry creek bed. For this reason, I'd only recommend this hike when there hasn't been any recent precip, nor is any in the forecast.

The creekbed is mostly packed sand. However, it does get more challenging with steep drop offs that I'm certain are magnificent waterfalls when the creek is flowing.  Despite some scrambling, there always is a path down; you just have to hunt for it in some places.  Keep in mind your limits when it comes to rock scrambles--you need to come back up whatever you go down. 

The reward at the end of this hike was the Roger's Canyon Cliff Dwellings.  Constructed by the Salado Indians approximately 600 years ago, it's amazing these ruins are still so in tact.  A path leaves the creek bed and leads up to the first couple of ruins.  I even found some old pottery shards.  

From the creek bed an upper cave with more ruins is clearly visible. From photos I've studied, this upper cave has a fully intact pueblo in it. Unfortunately, it requires a scramble on the cliff face up a rock mezzanine.  My fear of heights wasn't having it. 

My hope was to continue down Roger's Creek and to Angel Basin. However, the creek bed was getting more narrow and technical in nature all the time.  Daylight was of the essence, as I wanted to be off the worst of FR172 before dark.  I opted to return the way I came. 

Despite being an out-and-back, there was plenty of scenery to be enjoyed that I had overlooked on the hike in.  The rough, jagged volcanic rocks that make up the Superstitions have many beautiful formations including needles, spires, and rock arches.  And despite 2019's Woodbury Fire in this area, it never got into Roger's Canyon.  There's still plenty of healthy trees and foliage to enjoy in the lush canyon. 

I don't know that I'll ever brave FR172 again.  I have fear of heights and the rutted shelf portions of this road had me puckering the entire drive.  But regardless, I'm glad to check this cool hike and piece of AZ history off my bucket list.

Tortilla Trail FR-213 to Tortilla Ranch

Weather:  65°, partly cloudy, breezy

About this Hike:  Many reviews of this hike describe it as being a boring walk through the desert.  Today we were looking for a Superstitions hike that wasn't overly strenuous, nor had too much elevation gain.

The Tortilla Trail was a perfect option.  The trailhead is about a mile from where the pavement ends on AZ-88, Apache Trail.  The hiking path follows FR-213.  The rocky ledges at the start of this road require some serious high clearance and other off-road accessories in order to climb over.  I wouldn't even think of taking my Tacoma over it.  However, through the course of this hike we did encounter a Chevy truck that was surprisingly unmodified and a heavily modified Subaru Forester.  While infrequent during our visit, vehicle traffic is something to keep in mind if you opt to hike on this route. 

The views of the Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks were breathtaking, as were the views down into Tortilla Canyon.  Tortilla Creek was flowing steadily.

Upon reaching the old Tortilla Ranch, we marveled at the good condition of the infrastructure and historic artifacts.  I am hoping to research the history of this place some more.    

We continued past the ranch a ways and explored the beginnings of JF Trail and Peter's Trail.  There are some interesting artifacts right after you junction with Peter's Trail.  These include an old cistern, and a windmill that has fallen over.  Sadly, many of these artifacts are riddled with bullet holes.  

Past the cistern the trail descends into the creek, and the views of the Tortilla Canyon walls are spectacular.  Sycamore trees line the creekbed.  With the creek flowing, and muddy evidence of a recent flash flood in the area, we weren't able to go far.  This became our turnaround point. 

Upon arrival back at the Tortilla Trailhead parking area, we opted to drive one more mile up the Apache Trail to watch sunset at the Fish Creek Overlook.  This is as far as you can go on Apache Trail, and a large gate bars vehicles from going beyond the overlook site.  Apache Trail was damaged severely in a post-fire mud slide a few years ago and has yet to reopen.  

Haunted Canyon for Halloween Weekend

Weather:  75°, sunny

About this Hike:  Last year I first explored Haunted Canyon Trail #203, although I don't believe I ever blogged about it on here.  One of the highlights of Trail 203 is the historic site Tony's Ranch, found along a tricky side trail from the main path.  

Last year I took the 'easy' trailhead just past Pinto Valley Mine along FR 287.  The easier 'east end' has less elevation gain, but is also is about 5.5 miles to the ranch for an 11-mile out-and-back hike.  

This year I decided to brave the shorter, steeper, more challenging side.  We'll call this the 'west end' of Trail 203.  Not only is the trail more challenging, the road to get there is rough as well.  

Pass the parking area for the east trailhead and cross a one-lane iron bridge.  The bridge has signage warning of a 17-ton maximum weight limit.  One has to ask, how on earth would a vehicle weighing this much (i.e. a semi truck) ever get out there in the first place?  FR-287 starts off as graded, wide dirt in the Pinto Valley Mine, but quickly narrows and becomes rockier.  

I braved the bridge.  At just over 2-tons, my Tacoma was well within the bridge's weight limit.  There is no deck on the bridge, but rather two 'tire tracks' laid across the iron trusses.  The bridge clattered and banged as I drove across it.  I'd love to know the story of this bridge—when was it built?  By whom?  And for what purpose?  Who maintains it? 

One sharp left past the bridge, and I was now on FR 287A.  I reset my odometer, having measured about 4.2 miles to the trailhead.  My odometer read 3.8 miles when I finally reached the trailhead, so either my truck or Google Maps is need of calibration.  The trailhead parking is well-signed and has parking for maybe three vehicles, depending on size and how people park.  I should caution that FR 287A is rough in places.  It's also a narrow one-lane shelf road in spots.  Plan accordingly based on your vehicle type and comfort level.  

The west hike on Haunted Canyon 203 begins in beautiful forest.  Arizona cypress, juniper, and pinon pine mix with a lush variety of scrub.  The shaded forest gives way to a climb up a ridge.  Near the top, turn around.  You'll see the mountains directly north of Roosevelt Lake.  Depending on lake level, I'm wondering if the lake itself becomes visible. It's currently sitting below 70% full, and with the haze that was in the air, I'm not certain if I could see the water.  

After the initial ascent, this hikes begins a descent.  There's a cow tank, and beyond that the trail is overgrown and bush-whacky for a section.  From there, you drop into Haunted Canyon and the hike becomes really beautiful.  The forest quickly thickens again. 

Not too far into this section is the side trail to Tony Ranch.  The main 203 trails continues on, eventually ending at the easier, first trailhead.  It was at this point I opted to turn around, having covered just short of four miles.  The hike back up and out felt easier than going in, and I finished in considerably less time.  I wanted to be off the shelf road portion of 287A before dark, a goal I hit easily.

I can now say I've hiked the entire length of Haunted Canyon, and I couldn't think of a more appropriate weekend to have done so. 

Reavis Ranch via Gap Loop

Weather:  87º, sunny

Time:  11 hours

About this Hike:  I can finally say I've checked Reavis Ranch off my bucket list.  Go back two years ago when Woodbury Fire was raging, and I never thought I was going to have the chance to experience this place.  Gratefully our wildland firefighters were able to save the ranch site.  

Getting to Reavis Ranch is said not to be a day trip.  The same is said about Grand Canyon Bright Angel rim-to-river and back.  I did that in about eight hours.  One also must weigh which trailhead they want to start at for Reavis Ranch.  Each has pros and cons.  

I opted for the Campaign Creek Trailhead.  Near Roosevelt Lake, it's back about seven miles along a dirt road just off AZ-188.  In terms of the drive, it sounded like it would be much easier than the 18 miles of rough mountain road to Roger's Trough.  The drive was in fact not too difficult.  The road has to get at least some degree of maintenance, as the Reevis Mountain School uses it.  Still, there are creek crossings and sandy spots.  Going in a drier season helped to ensure those obstacles were not an issue.  

Once parked at Campaign Trailhead, I started out on Reavis Gap Trail.  The distance to Reavis Ranch along Gap trail is about the same as Roger's Trough.  However, the elevation gain is much more severe.  While portions are burned, there are still wide areas of healthy juniper, pinon, and even ponderosa pine forest.   After about 4 hours of grueling hike, I reached the ranch.

It was a surreal experience to finally see this place in person.  Once there, you can see just how close the fire came.  It was on the ranch's doorstep.  

My gut told me to treat this as an out-and-back and return via Reavis Gap.  However, the elevation descent looked like it may be more gradual along the Fire Line and then Campaign Creek Trails (I was wrong on that).  Combining these with Reavis Gap forms a 16.2 mile loop.  I disobeyed my gut.  

Fire Line was rocky, scorched, and hard to follow in spots.  Eventually, Fire Line traversed a section of thick ponderosa forest that served as a consolation prize.  Part of the descent on Fire Line was so steep I had to go down on all fours.  

Nightfall came about 7pm.  While I was prepared with plenty of water, headlamp, and spotlight, it was still scary.  Campaign Creek trail is very hard to follow in spots.  Without GPS I wouldn't have made it.  After sunset, it took an additional 3 hours to reach the trailhead.  When I was nearing the end, I ended up off trail several times.  At one point I opened a cattle gate and was in front of a dark cabin.  A dim sodium lamp shined on a building in the distance.  I had trespassed onto Reevis Mountain School and thought seriously about cutting thru as I knew it would take me to the trailhead.  I opted not to, and spent considerable time bushwhacking till I found the correct trail again. 

The Superstitions are beautiful at night.  Desert primerose began opening their showy white petals.  Frogs were peeping in the creek.  The stars overhead were magnificent, even if the light pollution of Phoenix was visible on the horizon.  As I saw multiple cars still parked at the trailhead, I became slightly envious of the backpackers camping out there.  However, night is also when the hunters (mountain lions, bears) are most active.  The Superstitions are mystical, beautiful, and demanding of utter respect.  It is most unforgiving country.  

Thankfully I was prepared.  Had I started this hike a few hours earlier (I started at 11am), it likely wouldn't have ended after dark.  It's an experience I'm grateful to have had, and yet I wish not to have again.  

Picketpost Mountain Loop

Weather:  61º, sunny

About this Hike:  I've heard much about hiking to the Picketpost Mountain summit.  It's a lot like Superstition Flatiron, albeit tougher in places.  There's a mailbox on top.  

I had no idea there's a loop trail that goes around the base of Picketpost.  That is, until News Years when someone suggested the loop trail and that we ought to check it out on Friday, being as it was a holiday off from work.

The loop trail is actually comprised of several trails, including Legends of Superior Trail or LOST, among others. Junctions are well-signed, but using the mapped route on AllTrails app was a good fail-safe.  

This trail goes through a lot of riparian canyons.  Tall cottonwoods and even a few wild palms meet saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert.  Some oleander saplings were being treated with an herbicide; likely seedlings from nearly Boyce Thompson Arboretum.   An added bonus this year is that (very late) fall color seemed to be nearly at peak among the cottonwoods.  A few creeks had a trickle of water in them.  

I was surprised at how forested this hike was in parts.  Eventually forests gave way to more typical Sonoran Desert landscape.  Regardless, seeing healthy, large saguaros was a nice contrast from my Superstitions hike last month thru this summer's burn scars.

All told, the loop trail is nearly nine easy miles.  There's only a little elevation change.  It was a great way to begin the 2021 hiking season.

Hackberry Springs & Western Superstitions 2020 Annual Hike

Weather:  65º, sunny

About this Hike:  Visiting Hackberry Springs has become a December tradition. Typically the hackberry bushes are in full bloom and the red berries are very festive. Last year we had significant rainfall through October and November leading to beautiful flowing creeks and lush foliage. 

This year Hackberry Springs looks like what you'd expect from 2020.  Dry.  Desolate.  Tinder-box ready.  Not a hackberry blossom in sight.  The creek is dry as a bone with only a small drip at the Hackberry springhead. 

Continuing on from Hackberry, we ascended Black Mesa and then linked up to Dutchman to come back to the Second Water parking area. 

Starting at Black Mesa is where things go from bad to 2020-bad.  Most of this area is completely toasted in lieu of Sawtooth and Superstition Fires.  You read the Forest Service fire reports and you hope it won't be that bad.  You hope it was low intensity and the mighty, water-filled saguaros survived even if the grasses and chaparral brush burned. 

Unfortunately this fragile Sonoran ecosystem is likely forever altered.  Black craters mark where trees and desert brush burned so hot the root balls exploded.  Mighty grandfather saguaros stand blown to pieces, scorched arms all around the burned-out skeletons.  Likely their insides boiled in the fire.  

One small valley remains in tact as you descend Black Mesa Trail and approach Dutchman Trail.  This valley is surprisingly lush and green despite the dry year.  It is an oasis in what is otherwise moonscape.

However, once back on Dutchman, the burn scar becomes evident again.  And it follows you all the way back to the parking lot, and all along First Water Road.

Honestly, I'm surprised the Tonto Forest Service has reopened this area so quickly. Other burn casualties of this summer (i.e. Four Peaks) remain closed to date.  This is precious Sonoran hiking grounds that are forever ruined.  Safe to say 2020 is the year I've fallen out of love with Arizona. 

Dutchman, Boulder, Second Water Loop

Weather:  65º, sun & clouds

About this Hike:  We intended to do this as an out-and-back starting on Dutchman Trail and working our way up Boulder Canyon Trail to Needle Canyon. 

All of the creeks were flowing strong.  This hike was definitely an exercise in reading topography both on a map and as it compared to the surrounding landmarks.  When we determined based on topography that we had found Needle Canyon, we weren't able to go up the canyon at all due to strong flow from the creek, which was draining into larger Boulder Creek. 

We opted to complete this hike as a loop instead of an out-and-back by continuing up Boulder Canyon and joining Second Water Canyon Trail, which would return us to the First Water parking lot. 

There were A LOT of crossings over Boulder Creek and some were tricky.  I don't know how we ever did hikes like this in the past without hiking poles—their help was indispensable.

About halfway up Boulder Canyon the trail became hard to follow.  We found a cairin marking a steep scramble up a scree chute.  I hoped that it wasn't the trail.  After some exploring, we found the correct Boulder Canyon trail, but learned a valuable lesson—the steep trail we discovered is actually the start of the trek up to the summit of Battleship Mountain.  We were informed this by a friendly group of hikers that was in the area.  As sumitting the Battleship has grown popular in recent years, I've wondered about how people find this unofficial summit trail.  Now I have an idea.

Second Water came into view, and while the creek was mostly dry, some fall foliage still hung on the trees in the creekbed. 

We returned to the parking area just in time for a magnificent sunset.  It's unfortunate so much of the Superstitions was lost this past June.  Now that I have the Tacoma I'm just getting started exploring this beautiful area of Arizona.

Hackberry Spring, Black Mesa, Lost Dutchman - Western Superstitions Loop

Weather:  65º, sunny, light clouds

About this Hike:  We were treated to three days of significant rain this past week.  By Friday things had cleared up, and by Saturday it seemed perfect for a hike in the Superstitions. 

First Water Trailhead was the goal, with trails accessible from Canyon Lake as a backup should the washes on First Water Rd. be raging.  In fact the washes were dry, if not a bit muddy.  First Water was eroded, but passable in the Tacoma.  Heck, I saw plenty of sedans back there too. 

While the washes along First Water Rd. had dried up, the creeks were flowing strong in the canyons.  Not so strong that crossing the creeks was treacherous, but just enough so as to provide the rare and beautiful juxtaposition of water in the desert. 

We parked at the equestrian staging lot and picked up Hackberry Trail from there.  Down in the canyon the creek was flowing with cold, clear water.  An upper pool flanked by boulders gave way to a small flume down each side.  It was magnificent to see this normally dry arroyo flowing.  I was equally glad to see the water was clear and not black with Woodbury ash.

We hiked out of Hackberry and back up to First Water Trail. There is a grassy, flat meadow with a teddy bear cholla forest.  On past hikes I've commented that between the grass and sun-baked clay, it looks like a flood plain.  My theory was correct.  It was a muddy mess.  It took several detours to get thru the heaviest muddy parts.  I found some deep horse tracks and followed those—the equestrian riders had indeed found the least bad path thru the mud.

From there we continued up Black Mesa and then down into Boulder Canyon.  Boulder Creek was flowing strong and several crossings were tricky but not hard.  In the canyon we heard a sound that was something between a blustering horse and a growl.  First on the right, then on the left, then behind.  Each time this seemingly angry animal would scare a flock of little black birds.  I was locked and loaded, finger on the trigger—of my bear spray.  Then it stopped.

A couple miles further, and now heading back toward the trailhead on Dutchman 104, the sound happened again.  First on the right, then on the left.  This is when we realized there was no animal spooking the birds. Rather, it was the collective wing beats of these little black birds rapidly scattering that caused the spooky noise.  I kept my bear spray close in my pocket anyway.

The hike back along 104 paralleled First Water Creek.  The sound of the running creek was delightfully serene.  There were multiple points where the trail crossed the creekbed. 

We underestimated how long this hike was going to take.  Thankfully I had a jacket and we both had headlamps.  We were treated to a beautiful sunset, stellar dark-sky views, and a hooting owl. 

Upon return to the truck, I was surprised at how many cars were still in the parking lots.  Campers, likely.

And what do I always say when I hike?  It just leads me to discover more trails and places I want to explore.  I'm curious to see as more videos and pictures come out of the Eastern Superstitions how much is left intact post-Woodbury fire and if some of those more rugged, remote hikes may be in my future...

Second Water, Boulder Canyon, Dutchman Loop—Superstitions First Water Trailhead

Weather:  70º, sunny, breezy

About this Hike:  My hike a few weeks ago on Boulder Canyon #103 via Canyon Lake Trailhead gave me a newfound appreciation for the Superstitions.  Flatiron via Lost Dutchman State Park has given me an eerie, uncomfortable feeling in the past.  I still wonder if it has anything to do with the Nov. 2011 plane crash—not to mention all the folklore surrounding Superstition Mountains...

However, I feel quite the opposite as I've been discovering the canyons and other-worldly rock formations that make up the rest of the Superstition Wilderness.  It's like a cross between The Valley's low desert climate and the rocks of Sedona. 

This 10+ mile loop took me through Garden Valley which would be a-bloom with Mexican poppies and other desert wildflowers in a normal year.  In this dry year I just noted a lot of saguaros.  And black rocks...piles upon piles of black rocks.  At the end of Garden Valley as descent into Boulder Canyon begins, the trail parallels a black creek bed.  The rocks look like fresh lava flows from Hawaii.  Near the canyon floor there was some standing water in a semi-riparian area. The water was stagnant, but that didn't stop some frogs from jumping in as I approached.

I got to experience another end of Boulder Canyon than what I did a few weeks ago.  Battleship Mountain was directly in front and I met a few hikers coming back / heading up the trail.  Battleship Summit is said to be a primitive, largely unblazed trail.  The reviews I have read make me nervous, but someday in the near future I expect I'll be trying this one out—after it gets a little more wear and tear. 

While cairns are a debatable point among hikers, I was grateful for many well-placed rock stacks along Boulder Canyon Trail.   The trail crosses the creek bed many times, and finding it on the other side is not always easy. 

Nearing the end of Boulder Canyon brought spectacular views of Weaver's Needle from multiple angles and Palomino Mountain.  From the well-signed junction I opted to take Dutchman Trail back to the First Water parking area.  Black Mesa Trail was another option and one I may want to experience in the near future.

All these hikes have left me 'hangry' for more.  But I'm quickly exhausting the limits of what I can do with my little Mazda in terms of trailhead access.  I'm seriously considering a second 'beater' SUV that can do some off-roading.  Think, Nissan Xterra.  There's still so much of Arizona to explore.

Not your typical angle for Weaver's Needle pix

Like Hawaii lava flows...

Super-Blooms and Superstitious Hike

Weather:  85°, overcast

Time:  1 hour 18 minutes

About this hike:  I have always wondered how long it would take me to reach the top of Superstition Mountain via the Siphon Draw trail while hiking solo.  Every other time I've hiked this trail it's been with company.  Not that company's a bad thing...afterall, it's a 35 mile drive, $7 entry fee, and minimum 4-6 hour commitment to do this hike.

I made this big commitment on a whim this morning; it just seemed like the perfect day for it.  Plus the desert wildflowers are in full bloom right now.

So 1 hour and 18 minutes is what it takes me solo to reach the part of the trail where you then go right to the Flatiron Rim.  The final obstacle on this trail is a vertical rock wall that has been known to freak me out in the past.  The tried-and-true palo verde tree that everyone uses as a handhold is still hanging in there after all these years, although today as I was going up a helpful blue climbing rope was tied around it.  Weird thing is that by the time I began my descent the rope had vanished...

Instead of heading to the Flatiron I decided to try to make my way to what's considered the true summit of Superstition Mountain.  A true summit is hard to define because Superstition is more like a small range of hoodoos.  Regardless, me and a hiking buddy reached the summit several years ago, so I knew it was there.

The summit is not a fun nor easy hike.  More than a few times I asked myself why I was doing this.  It involves bushwhacking, carefully sidestepping aloe veras and cacti, and climbing thru tight rock crevices.  Only making it a bit easier was a group of middle-aged men whose leader knew the trail well.  I opted to follow them.

All this summit hassle was so I could sign the nylon flag that I saw perched up there last time.  Brave hikers were known to autograph it, but last time I had no writing instrument.  Today I had a Sharpie, but there was no longer a flag.  Signing a dead aloe vera stalk crossed my mind, but that may be considered defacing State/National Forest land.  I'm not that type of person...

A lunch break was originally scheduled for the summit, but a strange uneasiness came over me.  Maybe it's the sheer remoteness of this mountain and a feeling of dread if anything should happen... Regardless, I've had this come over me before hiking at Superstition.  It's an urgent feeling to get off the mountain.  I opted to get off the summit and eat lunch on the Flatiron.  The wind was bad on the rim and it made for an unpleasant lunch.

With that, I began my descent.  Once thru Siphon Draw the fields of colorful wildflowers were dazzling.  All this was set against a perfectly lit backdrop of the Goldfield Mountains and Four Peaks.  The Downtown Phoenix skyline loomed painfully small in the hazy distance.

So I'll be honest...I had a lot of time to reflect.  It's been a year since I last did this hike, and I could easily go another year before doing it again.  Superstition Mountain is so beautiful in the spring, but this hike will kick your you-know-what.  It's treacherous and grueling, and as I get older I'm wondering if such risk is necessary.  I have so many other hikes in our beautiful State of Arizona on my bucket list that maybe it's high time I start checking some of these off.  Regardless, I'm sure I'll be back at Superstition before too long.

Desert super-blooms as Four Peaks looms in the distance

Superstition Flat Iron

Weather:  82°, sunny

About this hike:   Been over a year since I've come out to this beautiful place. Parking was the most crowded I've ever seen and a park ranger advised I'd have to park in overflow. However, once I got thru the labyrinth that is Lost Dutchman State Park I was able to score a good spot.

The waterfall was flowing at a trickle in Siphon Draw...very pretty without making a dangerous situation.

I think I've conquered my fear at the end of the trail where you have to pull yourself up a ~7-8 foot ledge using either tricky hand holds in the rock or an exposed tree limb.  I used to freak out here every time, but I think I've mastered the art of grabbing the tree limb and finagling my way up.  Wonder what we'll do when the tree limb eventually snaps off?

Some interesting things from today:

• Met a group that was going to camp on the Flat Iron. They were hauling up huge backpacks of camping gear
• Saw Mt. Lemmon down near Tucson
• May have seen Picacho Peak, but it was hard to determine for certain
• Enjoyed all the spring poppies and wildflowers

I don't know why I don't visit this beautiful place more often.  We're so fortunate to have this only 40 miles from Phoenix.

Superstition Flatiron

Weather:  67°, overcast, wind, rain threatening

About this hike:  First time in over a year at Superstition.  Dark clouds covered the mountain as we drove east along 202.  Driving thru Mesa, a few rain drops began hitting the windshield.  Brought back chilling memories to the first time I ever attempted (unsuccessfully) to climb Superstition.  Rain changing to graupel/snow ended that hike early.

Yesterday turned out being a little better weather-wise.  The clouds eventually gave way to some sunshine.  I don't think the temperature ever made it over 70 degrees, which is fine for a very vertical hike.  The wind, on the other hand, could've been a little less.

I didn't take the time, but we made the Flatiron rim in less than two hours.  Every time I visit Superstition Mountain I'm reminded what an otherworldly, truly beautiful place this is, only a 40 mile drive from Phoenix.  I really need to visit more than once a year...

Super Summit - Superstition Mtn.

Hike Time:  2+ hours to the summit

Weather:  ~80°, sunshine; cooler at the summit

About this Hike:  Began at Lost Dutchman State Park and worked our way up to the Flatiron Rim.  I never cease to be amazed by the geology of Superstition Mountain:  The hoodoos and canyons.  The veiny lava flows.  The red and white rocks, with the yellow Goldfield Mountains as a backdrop.

I've done Flatiron Rim a couple of times, but my hiking buddy, sensing there was more to be had, insisted we get to what appeared to be another summit, this with a flag on top.  We had scoured the Web previously to get more info on this climb to the top, but to no avail.  So I'll share my version of directions here and tag this post up good in the hope that it helps some other hikers someday...

Reaching Superstition Summit:  Take the trail from Lost Dutchman (begins as Siphon Draw Trail) to the Flatiron Rim. After ascending a nearly 10 foot, scary rock wall, you're basically at the top.  Follow the trail right for the Flatiron Rim.  However, if you work your way straight up, you will find the summit trail.  There are magnificent red hoodoos all around, and the trail is not the easiest to find.  Look up and see if you can spot a flag atop the piles of hoodoos.  In times past I've seen an American flag flying up there.  The best advice is to basically keep to your right...the trail, while identifiable, is not always very obvious.  There are places where you have to cautiously bushwack and carefully sidestep some nasty desert plants.  The trail itself does have white dots painted in places to mark it, but it's still pretty rugged.  You'll know you're going the right way if you hike through some little rock tunnels, caves, and other challenges.  It's only about 1/3 mile to the summit, and the views are incredible.

Super Summit!

Above the Flatiron Rim

Views to the east

Camelback is a baby mountain from Superstition