Superstition Wilderness Backpacking Trip: The Superstition Mountains

The Superstition Mountains are some of Phoenix’s most wild mountains and are a real paradise for adventurers, treasure seekers, or just your average joe looking to go on a nice hike. These rugged peaks feature trails of all skill levels, and allow for backpacking of all types, whether it be on a hot day in the summer or a frigid day in the winter months.

The mystery of the Superstition Mountains: Lost Dutchman’s gold mine

The story of the Lost Dutchman is an interesting one. Jacob Waltz, an immigrant from Germany, is said to have found a gold mine, and on his deathbed, confessed it and drew a rudimentary map. However, hundreds of attempts over the years, to find this lost gold mine, or “lost Dutchman’s gold mine” as some call it, have turned up unsuccessful.

The Lost Dutchman is the namesake of the state park on the western edge of the mountains that many hikes might be started from.

Preparing for a Trip in the Superstition Mountains: Location

The first job of anyone wanting to go on a hike or camping trip is to determine the location you will be navigating around. The superstitions mountains are 160,200 acres or 250 Square Miles! This huge expanse of wilderness nestled close to phoenix features diverse locations to adventure, but some are harder than others.

Flatiron Via Dutchman trail

One of the most famous and popular hikes in the superstition wilderness is the Flatiron. Nestled on the vary edge of the Superstition Mountains and Wilderness area, it is a relatively short, but very intense hike, with thousands of feet of elevation gain up a water trail.

This trail is an out and back trail (meaning you go to a point, and follow the same route back), and is approximately 5 miles long both ways, with an astounding ~2500 feet of elevation gain and loss.

I would rate this trail at an 8.5/10 for Phoenix hikes. It is a grueling climb to the top and only recommended for experienced hikers. However, at the top of the hike, you get an astounding view of the Sonoran desert landscape behind you, along with the Tonto national forest, and a view of the entire Phoenix Metro Area.

Packing for Flatiron

Packing for a trip to flatiron is relatively easy. Backpacking and hiking in the superstition mountains is never easy without proper planning, as water sources are hard to come by.

Essentials for any trip:

• Knife of some sort
• Bandana or assorted cloth
• Flashlight or headlamp
• First aid kit (tourniquet and splint!)
• Water (Bring more than you think you would need)
• Snacks (High in carbs, sodium, and other nutrients)
• Some form of navigation (compass, map, GPS, etc.)
• Sun proof clothing or spray
• Warm Clothing (Layer up!)

Flatiron packing list:

• Daypack (something lighter that can still carry all you need)
• Hiking shoes or boots, with gripping capabilities.
• Water! (Camelback, water bottle!)
• Gloves (Would recommend if you plan on hiking in the early morning, during winter months. It can get chilly!)
• Hiking clothing (check out our other article on what to wear for all situations of hiking, here!)

Navigating to flatiron

Now that you’ve got your pack set up, how do you get there?

Simply, all you need to do is navigate to the Siphon Draw trailhead in the Lost Dutchman state park, and from there, follow the trail up to the top, and enjoy the stunning views and mountain slopes of the superstition wilderness.

The trail is unmarked at some places, and typically follows the draw up to the very top, so I would recommend getting a map, or navigating using a hiking app on your phone, such as All-Trails.

Weaver’s Needle

Weaver’s Needle is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the superstition mountain region. Standing tall above the Arizona desert, this 1,000-foot tall spire stands above the rock formations of the superstition wilderness and tonto national forest.

This hike is a longer hike, with a loop around the needle (you cannot climb it unless equipped with rock climbing gear), taking around 13 miles to complete. Since you are in a national forest, you can camp anywhere, and if you want to do it as a 2 day 1-night trip, you are free to do so!

One thing to be extra careful about on this trail is the ability to get lost. With wildfires frequenting the area, along with washouts occurring during rainstorms, sometimes the trails can be hard to find and can lead to a lot of backtracking.

However, due to the views that come from this hike, I give it a hardy 8/10.

Packing for Weaver’s Needle Loop Trail.

Weaver’s needle loop trail is an excellent place to get started in the art of desert hiking and desert backpacking. It offers absolutely beautiful views of the Sonoran desert landscape and the superstition mountains. But what should you pack?

Essentials for any trip:

• Knife of some sort
• Bandana or assorted cloth
• Flashlight or headlamp
• First aid kit (tourniquet and splint!)
• Water (Bring more than you think you would need)
• Snacks (High in carbs, sodium, and other nutrients)
• Some form of navigation (compass, map, GPS, etc.)
• Sun proof clothing or spray
• Warm Clothing (Layer up!)

What to pack for an overnight / weekend trip?

• At least 3 pairs of shirts, and 1-2 pairs of lightweight long sleeve shirts.
• 4 Pairs of underwear
• 6 pairs of socks for daytime use, and 2 for sleeping
• Sandals
• Rain Jacket
• 2 pairs of pants
• 2 pairs of shorts
• Sunglasses

Weavers needle trail is known for having amazing views of desert landscapes, however cat claws (a type of vine) on the trail can easily leave your legs scarred, that’s why it’s recommended to bring longer and more durable pants.

Navigating Weavers Needle

Getting to the site is fairly easy. From Phoenix, take US-60 East to E Peralta road, which you then follow for about 7.5 miles, until you reach the Peralta trailhead. From there, using a navigation map or app, you will follow the Peralta canyon trail (or, alternatively, you can take the bluff springs trail, and head counterclockwise around the loop).

Keep your eyes open on this trip, you might be able to locate the lost Dutchman gold mine! In addition, eventually, you will link onto the Dutchman trail 104, another reminder of the treasures that could remain in the Superstition mountains.