Arizona Trail Passage 19: Superstition Wilderness

AZT Passage 19: Superstition Wilderness is a 29.5-mile point-to-point section of the roughly 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail. This section runs from Rogers Trough Trailhead to Vineyard Trailhead and is located south of Roosevelt Lake Marina. This passage is accessible for hikers, trail runners, long-distance backpackers, and equestrians (mountain bikes are not permitted in the Superstition Wilderness).

Passage 19 travels across the east side of the Superstition Wilderness, an area defined by a stark beauty with rugged volcanic peaks, rocky canyons, and a rich history filled with mysterious legends and lore that attract tourists to this day. Although the Superstition Wilderness is a popular place to visit, this particular section is not easily accessible and therefore more remote. 

The remote nature of this section is likely what attracted Elisha Reavis back in 1874. Reavis was a homesteader who settled in the area and built a ranch along a nearby creek. The trail passes by the site of the ranch which still has flowing water and a few apple trees remaining from an old orchard that he planted.

This section features desert grassland, chaparral brush, and piñon-juniper woodland along with lush canyons, cottonwood and sycamore trees. The trail makes steep ascents up rocky and rugged terrain and crosses several canyons where it may be difficult to find the trail, and cairns are used to mark the way. 

After several challenging miles the trail climbs out of Cottonwood Canyon and you are rewarded by reaching a high point with expansive views overlooking Roosevelt Lake followed by a long, scenic descent to get there. 

In the final miles, you'll find little to no shade and rising temperatures. Luckily, Roosevelt Lake is a welcomed rest stop with a general store, cafe, and plenty of sandy beaches to sit and soak your tired feet!

DIRECTIONS
Follow Arizona National Scenic Trail Signs/Trail Markers

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION INFORMATION

• Arizona National Scenic Trail Association: www.aztrail.org

• Tonto National Forest: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/, Mesa Ranger District, 1-(480) 610-3341.

• Tonto National Forest: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/, Tonto Ranger District, 1-(602) 225 5395.

• BLM Information Center, 1-(602) 417-9300.