Superstition Wilderness is a rugged, unforgiving desert landscape that consists of barren mountains, deep canyons, volcanic geology, and prickly and pokey plants. This is a land of extremes, with intense heat, little shade, and little water in the summer, and bitter cold temperatures, freezing rain, and even snowstorms in the winter. Additionally, it is a land of mystery and intrigue, with many legends surrounding gold mines, secret maps, and buried treasures.

VEGETATION

The vegetation in the area is typical of the Sonoran Desert. In this region, you'll find semi-desert grassland and chaparral along with dense brush and a few areas with ponderosa pine.

THINGS TO DO

Popular activities include hiking, trail running, backpacking, rock climbing, and treasure seeking. There are approximately 180 miles of trails in the area, but they are not always well maintained. Trail quality ranges from excellent to overgrown and poor. Aside from the Peralta Trail and First Water Trail, which are the most popular trails in the area (and among the most popular in Arizona), the Wilderness area remains largely untouched.

HIGHLIGHTS

Weaver’s Needle: a 1,00–foot rock column, prominent landmark and distinctive peak.
A portion of the Arizona National Scenic Trail runs through the area.

HISTORY

The Superstition Wilderness' easiest known inhabitants were the Hohokam and Salados peoples who lived there between 800 and 1400 AD. Several villages and cliff dwellings that were established by these groups can still be found in the area today.

ELEVATION RANGE: Approximately 2,000 feet (on the western boundary) to 6,265 feet on top of Mound Mountain.

TRAILS WITHIN THE WILDERNESS