Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
4,249.00 ft (1,295.10 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
18.00 mi (28.97 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

AZT Passage 18: Reavis Canyon is an 18-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This moderately rated section runs from Picketpost Trailhead to Rogers Trough Trailhead and is located southwest of Phoenix.It is accessible for hikers, trail runners, long-distance backpackers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. 

Passage 18 continues north through Tonto National Forest and enters the Superstition Wilderness. This section starts at Picketpost Trailhead and ascends from the desert canyons up to the higher elevations on the east side of the Superstition Wilderness. This section is mostly singletrack trail, with occasional dirt roads, and features beautiful Sonoran Desert landscapes with a variety of cacti and colorful springtime wildflowers. This area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, javelinas, quail, rattlesnakes, and the elusive Gila monster. 

Throughout this passage the trail rises and falls across ridgelines and through picturesque canyons with colorful geology with panoramic views of the Superstition Mountains to the northwest, Picketpost Mountain to the south, and the Apache Leap Formation to the east. 

DIRECTIONS
Follow Arizona National Scenic Trail Signs/Trail Markers.

  • Picketpost Trailhead to Highway 60, trail passes under the highway.

  • Continue to Queen Creek and cross the creek.

  • Forest Road 357 to Whitford Canyon.

  • Whitford Canyon to Reavis Canyon Trailhead.

  • Follow Trail #509 towards Montana Mountain. 

  • Continue west on Forest Road 650 for 1.5 miles.

  • Leave the road and continue to Rogers Trough Trailhead.

WATER
Check the Arizona Trail Water Report for current information at: https://aztrail.org/explore/water-sources/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATION

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Winter
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Sonoran Desert landscapes. Variety of cacti. Wildflowers. Superstition Mountains. Variety of wildlife.

Cons

Prone to flooding during rainy season.

Trailhead Elevation

2,396.00 ft (730.30 m)

Highest point

5,466.00 ft (1,666.04 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona
Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona

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