HikeArizona.COM

Looking for difficulty 3 or harder ratings in the Superstitions for day
hikes.

Any favorites to be shared?? This page is extremely informative, but I'm
privy to personal experiences.

Thanks much

Hi & Welcome to HAZ!
One my favorite Superstition hikes is the Black Mesa Loop out of First Water Trailhead. Check it out here. You could also do this as an out and back to Garden Valley, or in the opposite direction, to Parker Pass. You might want to grab yourself a copy of "The Hikers Guide to the Superstition Wilderness Area", if you don't have it already. It has extensive coverage of the hikes in the area, as well a lot of interesting historical information. You can get it at any local bookstore, or in the books section here.

Have fun, be safe!

Yeah, The Black Mesa Loop Is Great Fun!

Appreciate the heads-up. I've heard that trail mentioned before.

Think we will try it out this weekend.

Just got back from doing the Black Mesa loop this morning. All I can say
is wow. Absolutely beautiful for such a close jaunt. Got a number of great
pics along the way.

That last stretch down the Lost Dutchman had me a little baffled though. It
sure seemed longer than 4.5 miles. Better go get me a pedometer.

Got pretty low on water by the end of that one. Just want to say thanks
again for the suggestions. Wouldn't have wanted to miss that one!! I do
think the book suggestion will have to be put into effect for sure if we plan
on venturing out in the 'stitions again.

All I can say is "Wow AridTom" for doing that in the summer. I could have used more water when I did the Black Mesa in November and the Dutchman Trail threw me for a minute too.

Be sure to summarize your experience on the triplog noting what time you started and which trail you started from on the loop, how the desert looked, see any wildlife, water situation, etc.? I don't think there are any notes on a summertime hike on Black Mesa yet.

Continued fun to you in the Supes, they're a blast aren't they?

I've done that loop in both directions, and the duchman's trail has always seemed longer when I've returned than it does when I start out that way.

I just found this site, and I'm looking forward to checking out some of these hikes.

Welcome! it's good to have you with us.

Glad to hear you enjoyed the loop AridTom!! I've lost count of the number of times I've done it, or pieces of it. It never bores! When you're ready for more adventure, try staying on the Second Water Trail instead of turning right at the Black Mesa. That'll take you down to Boulder Canyon. Turn right there and follow the Boulder Canyon Trail over to Boulder Basin, the area where you were about midway during your hike today. Then come back out the Dutchman's Trail like you did today. That adds several more miles to the trip, but it's well worth it!! Wait for cooler weather though!!

Welcome to HAZ, fcegel!!

Yes, loved the trail. What a diverse trek. I was wondering where that Second Water turnoff was heading. Didn't have a great map with us. I have ordered 4 new Arizona hiking books since my last post. That should fit the bill for next time.

To be honest though...the heat didn't really bother us. Running low on H2O
did. Especially with only 5 mins left on Dutchman and still feeling like we
were out in the desolate wilderness. What a fake-out...

Welcome to HAZ fcegel. Great bunch of people here.

Man that's how I felt! Faked out! Me and a buddy went into the superstitions back packing along the 104 and took a long a bogus map and it turned out to be a lot longer than we had thought. We thought we were doing about 12 miles and ended up doing like 18+ not counting all the side trips we took. We ran out of water and thought man we should be out of here by now! When you climb a ridgeline and see 2 or 3 to go your like uh oh! 8O It was a great trip though and we look forward to doing it again real soon.

I believe I have a zillion maps & books of the Superstitions. As most will agree, Beartooth is the map that gets used.

it's ten bucks at REI

small price to pay for the best map of the most unique place on earth

Thanks teva. That's what I was looking for. Awesome.

See? I knew you were worth more than making me feel like snail on the trails.