I almost fear giving out this great hike, but the views are spectacular and the end of the trail holds a great reward. Roger's Canyon Trail will lead you to a pristine cliff dwelling at the end of a 4-mile hike down the canyon trail. Part of the allure and enjoyment of this trail is just getting to the trailhead (you'll start your hike from Rogers Trough trailhead). Your drive in will be packed with great views of the Superstitions, the valley (well at least the east valley), some great rock formations and desert flora. If you're looking for a great Sunday drive to show those visitors from back east the beauty of the desert, this is a great drive in its self. But the hike (over 8 miles round trip) is worth every step.

I cannot stress enough to BRING WATER!!! The trail descends down the canyon to the cliff dwells for 4.1 enjoyable miles. But, remember that what goes down must come up (or something like that). And the hike out is all up hill, and you'll need your water, even if you're a seasoned hiker. On a recent trip one person in our party became partially dehydrated. Lucky for us we had all packed in plenty of water (more than one bottle per person) approximately two large canteens each. The trail leaves the trailhead and travels about 1.6 miles to the junction with Reeves Ranch trailhead. The trails and junction are well marked. The trail drops into Rogers Creek and follows the creek for most of the way to the cliff dwellings. There is an abundance of juniper and manzanita trees along this part of the trail. This means that the trail is shaded for parts of the hike, depending on the time of day.

After leaving the junction it is approximately 2.5 miles to the cliff dwellings (a total of 4.1 miles from the trailhead, so be prepared for the up hill trip back). The dwellings are visible from the trail and there are several there to view. Remember that the Antiquities Act protects these dwellings so treat them with the respect they deserve! They have been there for over 700 years, and we don't want some 20th century moron to destroy them for future generations. So, please explore them, enjoy them, take pictures, imagine what it was like for the people that once lived there, but don't dig around them, and don't climb on the walls or roofs.

Leave only footprints, and only bring back memories of a great hike.