Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
4,266.00 ft (1,300.28 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
33.00 mi (53.11 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.

Reavis Canyon / Happy Camp Loop is a 33-mile route through Tonto National Forest. Located west of Superior, Arizona, it starts at the Picketpost Trailhead and travels north to Reavis Canyon Trail #509. The route follows a combination of singletrack and dirt road trails, traveling through the Superstition Mountains and skirting the southern edge of the Superstition Wilderness. It is a moderately rated route with an overall elevation gain of approximately 4,266 feet and is open to trail runners, hikers, backpackers, equestrians, and mountain bikers.

The route travels through Sonoran Desert grasslands and oak woodlands as it ascends from deep canyons to higher elevations near the Superstition Wilderness. This is a scenic area with rolling hills and a lot of vegetation including colorful spring wildflowers and a variety of cacti. 

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

From the Picketpost Trailhead, follow the Arizona Trail (AZT) north for about 10 miles. After crossing Happy Camp Road #650, the AZT enters Reavis Canyon and joins the Reavis Canyon Trail #650. Continue north until you reach the Superstition Wilderness Boundary and run into Happy Camp #650 again. Turn right on Happy Camp #650, which skirts the border of the Wilderness. Eventually, the road will turn south, leading you back to Picketpost Trailhead.

PICKETPOST TRAILHEAD

The picketpost trailhead features a bathroom, picnic area, and interpretative signs.

WATER

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tonto National Forest Globe Ranger District:1-(928) 402-6200.

Picketpost Trailhead

Tonto NF Passes and Permits

Arizona National Scenic Trail Association

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National Forest Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

2

Pros

Scenic views. Sonoran Desert vegetation. Year-round access.

Cons

Lower elevations can get hot in the summer.

Trailhead Elevation

2,320.00 ft (707.14 m)

Highest point

5,412.00 ft (1,649.58 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Historically significant
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Suitable for

Biking
Horseback

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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