Superstition Mountains

Superstition Mountain was once inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Akimel O’odham and the White Mountain Apache. Geologists say the Superstitions were formed by intensive volcanic activity that took place in Arizona millions of years ago. To this day, people claim they sometimes hear rumblings coming from the Superstitions that sound like rolling thunder. Geologists believe the sound comes from seismic activity resonated by the canyon walls. The White Mountain Apache believed the Superstitions thundered because the mountains are the home of the thunder gods. 

Landmarks and popular trails such as Weaver's Needle, Flatiron, and the Superstition Ridgeline are all found in the Superstition Mountains. Check out some of them below.

Trails

Hieroglyphic Trailhead  - Hieroglyphic Trail, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

Fremont Saddle via Peralta Canyon Trail - Peralta Rd, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail - 6109 Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119

The 320-acre park gets its name from the famous Old West tale of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine, where rumor has it that there's "gold in them thar hills!" The park's Superstition Mountains are one of the most popular spots for photos in Greater Phoenix as well as a great place for hikes. 

Trails from Lost Dutchman State Park take hikers into the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and nearby Tonto National Forest. The State Park features hiking trails, picnic facilities, campsites, and group use areas. 

Trails

Treasure Loop Trail - Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Jacob's Crosscut Trail - Srv Rd 78, Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Siphon Draw Trail - 6109 Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Wildflower Super Bloom

The Superstition Mountains are already a sight to behold, so blooming wildflowers only make the scenery even more gorgeous. After a rainy season, you'll see plenty of brittlebush and poppies, as well as jojoba, Mormon tea and more. To learn more about where you can find wildflowers in bloom the Greater Phoenix area, check out our Wildflower post.

The Superstition Wilderness extends across 160,200 acres of beautiful country within Tonto National Forest. Tonto National Forest is recognized not only for its native flora and fauna, but also for the unique recreational opportunities it offers year-round. The peaks in the Superstition Wilderness area range in elevation from around 2,000 ft to a high of 6,253 feet at Mound Mountaion. Weaver's Needle, a popular rock formation in the Superstitions that is viewable from many miles away, rises to a spire of 4,555 ft. Tonto National Park has an impressive 180 miles of trails, for amateurs and experienced hikers alike. 

Trails

Butcher Jones Trail - Arizona 85264

Massacre Grounds Trail - First Water Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Broadway Trailhead - 825 S Broadway Ln, Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Apache Trail - A Historic and Scenic Drive 

The Apache Trail is legendary because it was once considered the most treacherous stretch of highway in the country. Today, the well-traveled road still requires some adept driving—the speed limit is 15 mph—but the narrow and tight turns deliver jaw-dropping portals to canyons, cliff dwellings, jutting rock formations, sparking blue lakes and dense desert flora. Learn more about the 40-mile trail, which links Apache Junction to Globe and circles the Tonto National Forest, on our Scenic Drives list.

Saddle up and experience the towering mountains, picturesque views, and the iconic history of the Old West on horseback through the Superstition Mountains. O.K. Corral offers guided trail rides, wilderness rides, and back country rides through the interior of one of Arizona's most beautiful and extraordinary mountain ranges. 

Located in the scenic Tonto National Forest are Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and Saguaro Lake. Learn more about the lakes and the recreational opportunities each lake offers, such as watersports, boat rentals and day-use campgrounds.

Goldfield Ghost Town - Apache Junction, AZ

A 115-year-old town still stands on the historic Apache Trail in Apache Junction. Explore what was once Goldfield, a bustling mining town of the late 1800s and early 1900s, and take a mine tour, slither through the Superstition Reptile Exhibit or watch an Old Western gun fight. 

Superstition Mountain Lost Dutchman Museum - Apache Junction, AZ 

The Superstition Mountain Museum collects, preserves and displays the artifacts, history and folklore of the Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction and surrounding region. Visitors will not want to miss out on the Elvis Presley chapel!

Tortilla Flat - Tortilla Flat, AZ

A former stagecoach stop that is now an incorporated town (population 6) with an Old West-themed restaurant and bar, a tiny post office, and a gift shop with quirky Arizona souvenirs and mining relics.

Dolly Steamboat - Tortilla Flat, AZ

View beautiful Canyon Lake views on the Dolly Steamboat. The Dolly offers a scenic nature cruise, twilight dinner cruise, astronomy dinner cruise, and a game and fish bighorn sheep cruise. Learn all about Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat, and the surrounding area aboard the Dolly.

Tonto National Monument - Roosevelt, AZ

At Tonto National Monument you will find two Salado-style cliff dwellings and discover the different ways ancient peoples used the resources of the land to create colorful pottery, cotton cloth, and other artifacts.

Renaissance Festival

Don't miss raucous revelry at the annual Arizona Renaissance Festival; the festival takes place every year from February to March. The Arizona Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 16-stage theater, a 50-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast — all rolled into one non-stop, day-long family adventure.