Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
4,542.00 ft (1,384.40 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
30.50 mi (49.08 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.

Peralta Trailhead to Roger’s Trough is a 30-mile out-and-back route in the Superstition Mountains / Superstition Wilderness Area located within Tonto National Forest just east of Apache Junction and Phoenix, Arizona. It is a challenging, yet scenic route, with an overall elevation gain of 4542’.

Starting at the Peralta Trailhead, it follows the Dutchman Trail #104 east until it reaches the Coffee Flat Trail #108. The route passes through Randolph Canyon and Fraser Canyon and crosses Muskhog Canyon and Whetrock Canyon before reaching the trailhead at the east end of Coffee Flat Trail. The route continues east on the Woodbury Trail #114, crossing JT Trail #106, and taking Rogers Trough Trail to the Rogers Trough Trailhead. 

Some sections of this route cross rugged terrain with overgrown, unmaintained trails that can be difficult to follow and may require some bushwhacking. The section between Randolph and Fraser Canyon can experience flooding during monsoon season. Make sure to check current conditions before heading out. The route is not recommended in its entirety for little children or inexperienced hikers. 

Fall, winter, or early spring are the best times to enjoy this route which is home to jagged peaks, deep canyons, and classic Sonoran Desert vegetation with a variety of shrubs, cacti, and colorful wildflowers (especially in the springtime). The area is also home to a variety of wildlife including coyotes, jackrabbits, bobcats, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, black bears, red-tailed hawks, and more. 

CONSIDERATIONS

  • The Peralta Trailhead is one of the most heavily used in the area. Arrive early to make sure you can find a parking space. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

USFS - Coffee Flat Trail

USFS - Superstition Wilderness

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Sonoran Desert landscapes. Sections of Solitude. Scenic vistas.

Cons

Some areas may be overgrown and unmaintained.

Trailhead Elevation

2,309.00 ft (703.78 m)

Highest point

5,162.00 ft (1,573.38 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Big vistas
Geologically significant
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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