Lost Goldmine - Shaka Cave • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 09 2025
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 856

Hiking	5.53 Miles	967 AEG

Hiking	5.53 Miles	3 Hrs 7 Mns	1.81 mph
	967 ft AEG	4 Mns Break

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I just discovered this week that there are actual trails up to the Shaka Cave and Carney springs waterfall. The day after hiking 14 miles on the AZT this seemed like a nice shorter hike with some elevation gain to make it a bit of a workout.

After the turnoff to the Wave Cave, I missed the turnoff to Shaka Cave. when I noticed this I kept going because i was on a trail and then I realized I was on the ridgeline trail so I turned around and got on the trail to the Shaka cave.

I checked the Shaka Cave out then made my way up to the falls. it's a really cool area at the bottom, but all the boulders laying there made it pretty obvious that it's a pretty dangerous area to hang around.

Made my way back down and saw a connecting trail over to the Wave Cave Trail and hiked that, then hiked another connector trail from LGM Trail to the Carney Springs road and looped back to the LGM Trail and then back to the car, making for a shorter hike, ever for a lazy Sunday for me.

On the way back, I was asked twice if this was the right trail to the Wave Cave, which obviously is still getting more popular. The last people who asked were a married couple from out of townand were interested in more details because they intended to hike at Carney Springs TH, which by then was full. I was happy to give them as much knowledge as I have and wished them a nice hike.

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Dec 19 2024

DesertNymph

Routes 43
Photos 2,120
Triplogs 81

female

Joined Dec 09 2024

Shaka and Wave Caves, AZ

Hiking		Dec 19 2024
		DesertNymph • Triplogs 81

Hiking	6.96 Miles	1,618 AEG

Hiking	6.96 Miles	5 Hrs 19 Mns	1.62 mph
	1,618 ft AEG	1 Hour 1 Min Break

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Wave Cave

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A leisurely hike to Shaka and Wave Caves via Lost Goldmine Trail.
Opted to do the approach from Lost Goldmine Trail rather than Carney Springs - Carney Springs Trailhead looked to be nearly full as we drove past on our way to the nearly empty (aside from one other vehicle) Lost Goldmine trailhead.

The lost goldmine trail is easy to follow, and is a nice wander through the low desert, though it does see cow and horse traffic (and has associated leavings as a result). The trail crosses the Carney Springs Trail at a post. Turning to follow the Carney Springs Trail, the trail eventually hits a fork marked with a rock and a spray painted arrow pointing left (the direction that would be taken if heading up to Wave Cave). We went right and headed up canyon to have a look at Shaka Cave (which we overshot, but quickly figured out our mistake when turning to look back down canyon). After a brief break in the shade of Shaka, we headed back down, followed what we thought might be a use trail to cross cut between the two forks (it eventually disappeared as it got close to joining the Carney Springs trail) - headed back up canyon towards Wave Cave.

While there was no company on the trail to Shaka Cave, there were a number of other hikers (and a few dogs) on the way up to Wave Cave. The trail is steep and scrambly in sections. There were several folks inside the Wave Cave on arrival, including one individual who disregarded what I assumed is proper etiquette (get your photo of the interesting feature/view and then allow others to do the same). We dawdled in the cave for a longer snack break than anticipated, waiting for our chance to get photos of the unique wave feature.

On our exit, there were still a number of folk headed up to see the cave. Definitely worth a visit to see the unique feature, but not a hike to seek solitude.

_____________________

Happier when hiking....I may not move fast (and I'm often distracted by wildflowers), but I'll get there eventually

Aug 18 2024

Guides 2
Routes 31
Photos 902
Triplogs 50

male

Joined Sep 19 2020
Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Aug 18 2024
		ScottHika • Triplogs 50

Hiking	5.00 Miles	1,000 AEG

Hiking	5.00 Miles
	1,000 ft AEG

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Wave Cave

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2024-08-28 ** UPDATE **

PCSO got back with me and SAR has determined that it was a false alarm and freely abandoned. They could not find evidence of foul play (nor did I see any). Also, there have been no missing persons reports in that area of Pinal. That's actually great news. The FS will be removing the items. I offered to pack everything out as trash, but they want to do it.

This trip was posted in a popular public hiking group last week with a small delay in getting it here. I’m adding it because the documentation could be important. Obviously if any HAZ members have information about this, please contact the authorities. Feel free to skip to paragraph 4 for the main story.

I took a hot weather trip to Carney Springs to look around. Temps were earlier in 80s and later 100s. Slightly cloudy with a promise of rain, but that didn’t happen. I actually probably would have run around like a school kid if it had rained. I love the rain in the open Superstitions. There is normal drying everywhere especially in the surface areas and of course greener in the channels and canyons in the Superstition Mountains. Since I know the area so well, I can document that at least 2 significant Saguaros recently fell.

There was one SUV at Carney Springs lot, and no other cars at the Lost Goldmine East lot where I parked. It is typical this time of year when many choose not to hike locally due to the dangers of heat. I was in no danger and no hurry working my way up to Carney Springs. I took a turn on the Shaka Cave trail and kept an eye out for invasive globe chamomile, Stinknet. I found and bagged a few dry stalks. It has not entirely invaded the upper canyon yet but, sigh, it’s just a matter of time before it takes over.

There was an abandoned tent in the cave. It was very ordinary looking and zipped up like someone had been camping. I peeked through the top and could see a clear layer of dust covering the insides. I committed a cardinal sin and checked AllTrails reviews and discovered that people had seen the tent in the cave over a month earlier, but had done nothing about it. I did look for blood. I did look for bullet casings. I did smell for decomposition. I saw nothing like that. Knowing that people sometimes disappear in the mountains, I decided to look inside. I took extra pics just in case, but there was no sign of foul play. I found various possessions notably a backpack.

Inside the tent was a cold compress and ointment, a nice tent light, tent stakes and cover, but no trash indicating that anyone had been living there more than a night. There was no water and no food, no bottles, or food wrappers. I found no identification or receipts or anything that would give clue to who had left it. My first thought was that someone had just been too lazy or tired to pack it out. I carefully examined the pack and took more photos. Inside the pack were several (looked like brand) new full size spiritual books. One was an “Ethiopian Bible” and the other book as the “Encyclopedia of Last and Rejected Scriptures.” Someone appeared to be on a spiritual journey. There were also charge cables in the side pocket. No name or writing was in either book.

I put everything back and zipped it back up and went up the canyon to see if I found anything else. Don’t judge the GPS speed or anything as I was taking my time slow visual searching. The waterfall was dry as expected without monsoon rain and there were no other sings of people on that upper trail. I took some more photos and passed two sets of people on the way down. Collected a bit more stinknet, which is easy to see dry because of the bright yellow color. I also took the short bypass trail that goes from Camp Carney back connecting over to the Wave Cave trail. There was nothing there either. It was warming up so I headed back to LGME.

Driving home I decided that I should report the tent to LE. Probably just wilderness trash, but just in case. I contacted Mesa Ranger District and Pinal County Sheriffs Office. Then I posted it to a couple hiking groups that I am in. I found out that one person had document the tent being there a full 2 months earlier. Another had reported seeing a sleeping bag about a month ago, but it was no loner there. Wow a lot of people had a lot to say about it. Mostly people were supportive, but some felt like I just rolled up on somebody’s campsite and invaded their privacy by going through their stuff. A few others felt I contaminated a crime scene. (There was no evidence of crime, but OK).

It was just an ordinary tent sealed up in a cave. It was so ordinary in fact, that people had been skipping by it for 2 months without doing anything about it. Who knows how long it would be there, had I not looked? I’m glad that I did. So the authorities have the GPS and information and will do what they need to do. I’ve not been updated by anyone, but hope it was just a person that left their stuff and went back home safe. Trash is easy to deal with, missing persons are not.

6 archives

May 11 2024

ddgrunning

Guides 3
Routes 632
Photos 8,235
Triplogs 604

54 male

Joined Apr 13 2011
Gilbert, AZ

Old Turk's Head - Peak 2777

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 11 2024
		ddgrunning • Triplogs 604

Hiking	15.99 Miles	2,746 AEG

Hiking	15.99 Miles	6 Hrs 24 Mns	2.68 mph
	2,746 ft AEG	26 Mns Break

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Wedding Cake

Turks Head - Peak 2822

Superstition Peak 5057 Loop via Hiero

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Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I’d never done this section of the lost goldmine trail, figuring that it wouldn’t be that interesting. I was pleasantly surprised, particularly after adding on an ascent of both the “Birthday Cake” and Turks Head on the western end, and Shaka Cave and Waterfall on the eastern end.

Not much traffic on the trails. I just missed seeing a gila monster, but saw the photos of it taken by a couple of hikers who were a little ahead of me on the trail.

There are fairly well cairned routes up Bday and Turks, though I didn’t find the latter until bushwhacking halfway up.

Shaka Cave was pretty cool. Looked like a couple of grinding holes at the entrance.

I need to go back to the waterfall when it’s running.

Starting to get warm out there.

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1 archive

Dec 28 2023

John10s

Guides 25
Routes 376
Photos 5,897
Triplogs 346

40 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Hieroglyphic - 5057 - 3 Sisters - Shaka Loop, AZ

Hiking		Dec 28 2023
		John10s • Triplogs 346

Hiking	15.25 Miles	3,889 AEG

Hiking	15.25 Miles	10 Hrs 41 Mns	1.73 mph
	3,889 ft AEG	1 Hour 53 Mns Break

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8 linked trail guides

Superstition Peak 5057 via Hiero

Hieroglyphics Trail #101

Superstition Peak 5057

[ checklist ] Battleship Mountain Boulder Creek Origin - Ridgeline Route Golden Dome- 3185ft Pivot Rock - Hiero Shaka Cave Superstition Mountain 5057 Three Sisters - Superstition Wilderness Tortilla Mountain Turks Head - Superstition Boundary Upper Hieroglyphic Canyon Wave Cave - Superstition Wilderness Weavers Needle West Boulder Saddle - 3683ft

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ishamod

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Schedules finally aligned to get a hike in with ishamod before the end of the year. I usually try to avoid repeats, but I hadn't been to 5057 in almost four years, so when he voted for this one, I was in. We started just before sunrise from Hieroglyphic Trailhead with a few vehicles arriving just as we pulled up. Two hikers were already heading back as we approached the petroglyphs, so we had that area to ourselves, and there were some small pools but no flowing water.

I'd forgotten how well-defined the route is up Hieroglyphic Canyon--there was practically a trail much of the way and a nice path cut through some of the brushier spots. There was a little water in the bottom of the canyon and a few trickles in places, and the spires and scenery were great on the way up. We were finally in sunshine once we got up on the ridgeline and worked our way over to 5057.

The summit register that was there a few years ago is gone, but I did notice one of the reference marks I hadn't spotted last time, kind of oddly placed on top of a rounded boulder. We got there just in time to have the peak to ourselves for a while and eat at the top, then a group of three was heading up from the Balanced Rock route, and another solo hiker beat them to the top as we were about to start down. As we got back on the ridgeline route, we saw another solo hiker heading up toward 5057. [ youtube video ]

We detoured over to Three Sisters on the way down and enjoyed the views. There must've been 20+ vehicles at the Wave Cave lot, even on a weekday. On the way back to the ridgeline we passed a group of four approaching Three Sisters, then saw two more hikers down near the Boulder Creek origin, where there were some larger pools.

After hiking down Carney Spring and detoured over to Shaka Cave before finishing off the loop. We'd seen quite a few hikers all day--probably 10+ groups or individuals along the loop--but it was relatively quiet around the Wave Cave, and we managed to complete that final stretch without anyone asking us for directions to the cave. That might be the first time I've set foot anywhere near that trail and not been asked at least once...I think we should win a prize. Over the last mile or two, five or six powered paragliders were flying around.

We kept a pretty leisurely pace all day and took a lot of breaks at various spots along the way, so we finished just before sunset, but it was nice getting back up to 5057 after a few years and great catching up with ishmod again and getting one more hike in before the end of the year.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Benchmark Paraglider Reference Mark

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

	Boulder Creek Origin - Ridgeline Route	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	Small pools in the creek bed

May 18 2023

John10s

Guides 25
Routes 376
Photos 5,897
Triplogs 346

40 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Robbers Roost - Cave Trail Loop, AZ

Hiking		May 18 2023
		John10s • Triplogs 346

Hiking	8.49 Miles	2,452 AEG

Hiking	8.49 Miles	4 Hrs 31 Mns	2.55 mph
	2,452 ft AEG	1 Hour 11 Mns Break

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Robbers Roost - Superstitions

Cave Trail #233

Bluff Springs Trail #235

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My brother was in town--without his kids with him this time--so we had an opportunity to do something a little more challenging. I took some days off work and had hoped we'd be able to hike a long route in the Mazatzals, but he had to be back by mid-afternoon, so we chose something medium-length in the Superstitions, starting from Lost Goldmine Trailhead and heading for Robber's Roost.

On the way up Carney Springs, we took the short detour over to Shaka Cave. I noticed a few small pieces of turquoise that I didn't see last time...maybe some recent additions someone left behind. It was a humid morning, and we were drenched by the time we got to the first saddle on the steep ascent up Carney Springs. I hadn't hiked that stretch in at least two years, and the Carney sign at the top has been upgraded slightly since I was last there.

We had Robber's Roost to ourselves, which was an improvement from my last visit when there was a loud group of 10+ there at the same time. There were some puddles in the roost and a deeper pool in the lower room, and the Boy Scout graffiti on the walls seemed more prominent than I remembered. Someone had also placed a register in there in 2021, which had plenty of entries, but not many HAZ names that I saw. One of the top lines someone wrote in the register: "We came, we robbed, we roosted."

From there, we headed for Fremont Saddle and stopped by the surfboard rock and the gunsight. On the early part of the Cave Trail, we caught up two people ahead of us, but they turned off toward Lone Pine. We made our way over to Peralta Cave but didn't stay too long because gnats swarmed whenever we weren't moving.

We connected with Bluff Springs, and there were only four cars in the Peralta lot when we passed through...one of the benefits of hiking on a random Thursday morning. When we got back to Lost Goldmine, we were finished long before we needed to be home, so we drove over to the Wave Cave parking lot to add that as a second hike. It's one of those spots that I usually try to avoid because of the annoying crowds, but I hoped that on a weekday and with temperatures heading for the mid-90s, it wouldn't be too bad.

I was disappointed we didn't have more time to do a longer hike, but I always enjoy this loop. This was only the second time my brother hiked in the Superstitions, and this route includes a lot of great scenery in a relatively short distance. We only saw those two people, and more impressively, we made it from Lost Goldmine up Carney Springs without anyone asking for directions to the Wave Cave.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dacite Tide Summit Register Log

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Four Peaks Geronimo Cave - Weavers Needle 7.5 Robbers Roost - Superstitions Shaka Cave Three Sisters - Superstition Wilderness Wave Cave - Superstition Wilderness Weavers Needle

Feb 24 2023

pseudalpine

Guides 59
Routes 1,100
Photos 1,191
Triplogs 1,290

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Shaka Cave from Lost Dutchman, AZ

Hiking		Feb 24 2023
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290

Hiking	22.22 Miles	9,456 AEG

Hiking	22.22 Miles	12 Hrs 53 Mns	1.97 mph
	9,456 ft AEG	1 Hour 37 Mns Break

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Siphon Draw Trail #53

Superstition Peak 5057 - Carney

Superstition Peak 5057

Superstition Peak 5057 from Lost Dutchman

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AKA Superstition Ridgeline YoYo

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Saguaro

6 archives

Jan 27 2023

joebartels

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Hiero Sisters Shaka Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 27 2023
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	14.29 Miles	3,694 AEG

Hiking	14.29 Miles	9 Hrs 44 Mns	1.74 mph
	3,694 ft AEG	1 Hour 31 Mns Break

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Hieroglyphics Trail #101

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The_Eagle

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Glyphs n Snags
Chilly to start. At the waterfall, we bought two tickets to the easy lure of canyon travel. I know the route is creekside upper-right. Back on track is remarkable off-trail trail maintenance including a slot tunnel through Jojoba. The ascent is butter.

Ridgeline to Sisters
Enjoyed a long lunch at the rock cathedral. En route, we crossed paths with @Pickles, exchanged smiles, and the secret RS passphrase.

Over to West Boulder
Fun chatting with a fit grandpa having a field day. Heading out of the origin of Boulder Creek we managed to hike in a circle due to a cairned shortcut. Then hiked a slightly lower route than desired.

Large pools of water down in West Boulder Creek out towards Willow Spring. The yellow daycite tide rolled in surfing ankle busters down to Carney.

Cave Explorers - Ground Zero
Apps, arrows, flags, and runway lights will never help. Folks in new or uneasy circumstances get chatty. Bring a lawn chair, direct traffic, and socialize to your heart's desire.

A classic 3:30 p.m. "Good morning!". You put out a vibe to 30 million chicks, something is going to happen.

Chaka Khan
The route to Shaka Cave is pretty spectacular in the afternoon light on the saguaros and the cliff walls.

1,000 Crursed Ravines
Along Lost Goldmine Trail is semi-pleasant in the afternoon shade of Turk's Head. The desert scenery, saguaro's and all is prime now all greened up. The ankle busters and washboard ravines fade out to the largest ravine crossed up to Hieroglyphic Trailhead.

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- joe

Jan 27 2023

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Hiero-Ridgeline-Sisters Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 27 2023
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	15.31 Miles	3,906 AEG

Hiking	15.31 Miles	9 Hrs 44 Mns		1.88 mph
	3,906 ft AEG	1 Hour 35 Mns Break	14 LBS Pack

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Hieroglyphics Trail #101

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joebartels

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

We started around 8am with just a few other cars in the lot. It was chilly, but we were in the sun to start. After the small waterfall and Petroglyphs, we made the mistake of of staying in the drainage and boulder hopping. The actual use trail is just east of here. That made for some slow going.

Once we made the turn to the NE in the canyon, we found the very well defined trail and it was a simple (yet very steep) route to the top.

At the divide trail, the climbing was not yet over. We made our way past 5057 (been there, done that) and off to lunch with the 3 sisters. At we approached the end, there was a young lady that was just packing up and leaving. Much to our surprise in was HAZ's @Pickles ! Good to finally meet you.... We chatted for awhile and then she went on her way back down. [ youtube video ]

From here the Ridgeline Trail steeply descends to the West Boulder Saddle. Next up (actually down), my least favorite trail in the Supes. We made a stop at Shaka Cave, since neither of us had been there before. It was actually nicer than expected.

Back on the main trail, headed to the Lost Goldmine Trail, we started getting questions from the afternoon crowds going to the Wave Cave.

We were both tired and just wanted the hike to be over, but we still had to traverse over to our starting point. The Lost Goldmine trail drags on, but it was made a bit more tolerable by all the greenery and reaching the TH as the sun was setting in the golden hour.

_____________________

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

Jan 22 2023

mikemcg

Guides 2
Routes 127
Photos 1,478
Triplogs 129

male

Joined May 07 2019
Tempe, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 22 2023
		mikemcg • Triplogs 129

Hiking	4.91 Miles	876 AEG

Hiking	4.91 Miles	3 Hrs 15 Mns	2.00 mph
	876 ft AEG	48 Mns Break

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There were 4 water crossings on Peralta Road, which we took as a good sign that the falls would still be going. My low-clearance vehicle had no problem getting around the edges of the water crossings.

Started at 0915. Temp was 40°. There were only 6 vehicles total in the parking lot, but there was a group of about 20 people (ages 9-50) doing coordinated stretches and getting psyched up.

There was a lot of green and numerous birds along the trail. However, the large group cranked up Beyonce or something as they started, which made it tougher to hear the birds. The music faded away as we progressed, and eventually we didn't hear it.

Shaka Cave was nice and clean. We investigated it, struck poses, took pictures, and moved on.

The falls had mild flow. It was pleasant and peaceful. There were 3 people there, who left as we arrived. We took pictures and climbed around. After about 20 minutes, 5 other groups arrived. We proceeded to the lower falls and hung out there for a little bit, then headed back, passing at least 7 other groups that were heading to the falls, including one that had an excellent quality speaker, and wanted everyone else on the trail to hear it.

Overall a nice relaxing morning. We had the cave and falls all to ourselves, but passed many other groups as we headed back. Next time we'll go there immediately after the rain.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Shaka Cave

1 archive

Jan 21 2023

wallyfrack

Routes 93
Photos 7,758
Triplogs 1,691

64 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 21 2023
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,691

Hiking	11.20 Miles	1,551 AEG

Hiking	11.20 Miles	4 Hrs 20 Mns	2.58 mph
	1,551 ft AEG

no routes

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Early plans of hiking in the eastern Superstitions changed with the cool temperatures. I took the long way in to get some distance. The parking at the Hieroglyphic Trailhead was good early. I only saw a few hikers on my way out. There were several persons on the Wave Cave section. I wasn't sure how well marked or overgrown the turn off might be so I went off-trail a little early. I found the trail to the cave soon enough after. The trail is narrow but well traveled with a large cairn at the turn so no worries there. I ended up hiking past the cave to the waterfall. Somewhat surprised to see water flowing but the area is tight so difficult to get good photos. I stopped at Shaka Cave on the way back for a look. The morning was cool but the return trip was nice.

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1 archive

Jan 02 2023

Guides 2
Routes 31
Photos 902
Triplogs 50

male

Joined Sep 19 2020
Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 02 2023
		ScottHika • Triplogs 50

Hiking	13.00 Miles	1,500 AEG

Hiking	13.00 Miles	7 Hrs		1.86 mph
	1,500 ft AEG		15 LBS Pack

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[ checklist ] Carney Spring Dacite Cliffs Hieroglyphic Canyon Shaka Cave Three Sisters - Superstition Wilderness Turks Head - Superstition Boundary

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We had a couple days of wonderful rain over New Years 2023. Friends cancelled so I did a solo Lost Goldmine Superstition southwestern waterfall hike. With waterfalls in the Superstitions, it is all about timing and if you snooze you lose. Heavy flooding on Peralta Rd. was turning people back. I went to Lost Goldmine Cloudview planning on enjoying all of the seasonal waterfalls that show up with heavy rain as I made my way across the SWA boundary. This is a summary of many that I saw along the trail. The plan was to enjoy the Carney Springs waterfall as a finale, then make my way back to Cloudview.
The backup plan was to finish up at Hieroglyphic cascades, if there was time. I knew that it would be flowing strong, but I selected this as secondary because I’ve already been to Hiero many times over the years. There was drizzle and low cloud fog blanketing the Superstition ridgeline when I arrived. Because of the rain, I was able to easily find parking. Parking on waterfall days usually means a wait due to the relatively small lot and popularity of this trailhead. However, many choose not to hike here when it’s actually raining.
The air was crisp and damp and 44 degrees with a high of 51. There had been estimated 2 inches of rain over the past few days, perfect for this adventure. Hieroglyphic Canyon was hidden. The summary of flowing water I saw on the mountain:
• Summit 5057 waterfall (Ermahgerd west) several connecting ribbon falls flowing down from the summit.
• Ermahgerd main waterfall through center canyon
• Turks Head small rivulets flowing off of the prominent landform
• Turtle Canyon. Deep cut between Ermahgerd and Three Sisters. Named because there is rumored to be a large turtle petroglyph or carving in the upper canyon.
• Three Sisters small rivulets flowing down from the steep rock bluffs
• Wave Cave waterfall. Waterway dropping down the ridge between WC and Carney Springs.
• Carney Springs Waterfall. At the back of Carney Springs Canyon also dozens of small waterfalls cascading down the main channel through the canyon.
• Dacite Cliffs waterfall. Usually a spectacular ribbon fall dropping down sheer cliffs above the main Dacite Cliffs mine tunnel.
Only one person passed me on LGM until I got to the Carney Springs wilderness boundary fence. Then it was crowded. TBH, in the 30 years that I’ve been going to Carney Springs I’ve never seen that many people on the Shaka Cave Carney Waterfall trail. It was sort of overwhelming. The trail itself is well established now and no longer difficult to navigate. I could hear the main fall thundering ¾ mile away.
I chatted with different friendly hikers as we went up to the fall. I took a short stop at the Shaka Cave with others to chill before the last half mile stretch. The fall was spectacular. Flow like this may only happen a few times a year if that, so I counted myself lucky to be there. I love the enthusiasm of adventure kids experiencing water so that was fun too. Got a lot of video and some pretty good images as well off my phone camera. GPS image location is on.
All good things come to an end as the saying goes and I made my trek back. I did a quick stop at the old Camp Carney FS water basin and noticed that there was slight flow from the pipe that is usually dry. The actual spring is no doubt flowing freely. I ended up spending too much time to make the Hiero Canyon trip. Friends shared photos and it was beautiful as expected, but no regrets. I called it a day about 7 hours later and around 13 miles RT. The posted route is one way. The Lost Goldmine lot was full as I drove away. I think I’ll always remember this one.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Saguaro

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Fog

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
A few pockets of wildflowers including Fairy Dusters

2 archives

Dec 13 2022

pseudalpine

Guides 59
Routes 1,100
Photos 1,191
Triplogs 1,290

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Snowy Supes Slip Slide, AZ

Hiking		Dec 13 2022
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,290

Hiking	13.87 Miles	5,672 AEG

Hiking	13.87 Miles	7 Hrs 45 Mns	1.93 mph
	5,672 ft AEG	34 Mns Break

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6 linked trail guides

Superstition Peak 5057 - Carney

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Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Weavers Needle

2 archives

Oct 25 2022

AZLOT69

Guides 177
Routes 249
Photos 10,213
Triplogs 2,215

74 male

Joined Feb 12 2002
Gold Canyon, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Oct 25 2022
		AZLOT69 • Triplogs 2,215

Hiking	4.75 Miles	678 AEG

Hiking	4.75 Miles
	678 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

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no linked trail guides

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Nice day, early start. Did some Extra bushwhacking clocking in at 4.75.

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It's best for a man to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open his mouth and remove all doubt.
--Mark Twain

Feb 12 2022

John10s

Guides 25
Routes 376
Photos 5,897
Triplogs 346

40 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Shaka Cave - Carney Waterfall - Two Turks, AZ

Hiking		Feb 12 2022
		John10s • Triplogs 346

Hiking	12.02 Miles	2,191 AEG

Hiking	12.02 Miles	8 Hrs 23 Mns	1.82 mph
	2,191 ft AEG	1 Hour 46 Mns Break

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Old Turk's Head - Peak 2777

Turks Head - Peak 2822

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TboneKathy

Route Recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

We were looking for something a little shorter and easier today with @TBoneKathy recovering from a minor leg injury. We planned to start with a short hike to Shaka Cave and Carney Springs Waterfall so she could test the leg, and if it was feeling good, we'd tack on some other destinations to extend the hike. We started from Lost Goldmine East Trailhead around sunrise and were the only vehicle in the parking lot when we hit the trail. It was a little breezy, but already comfortable at ~60°.

Someone has painted white arrows on a lot of the rocks along the trail to the Wave Cave, some with "WC" added next to the arrows...especially pointless along such an obvious trail, even more so when all someone has to do to find the Wave Cave is follow the line of people. We veered right toward Carney Springs and took the social trail over to Shaka Cave. I noticed a few small pottery sherds just outside the cave when we arrived, and a few more, including a thicker piece, set in a recession in the rock wall above the grinding holes near the entrance. This cave is unique in that it's found in a standalone outcropping of rocks rather than in a canyon wall like so many others. It's a good size natural shelter and easily accessible, so it's not hard to imagine why it was an appealing habitation spot.

From there, we continued over to Carney Springs Waterfall, knowing it wouldn't be flowing today. Even dry, I was glad we made the short hike over there to check out it out...I'd noticed that spot from Carney Springs Trail over the years but didn't realize there was a social trail leading over there, and it's worthy of a return after it's rained.

TboneKathy was feeling pretty good, so we decided to extend the day. We considered hiking up to Robber's Roost and looping back on the cave route, but we decided to head over to Turk's Head instead. We've both hiked the Robber's Roost loop a few times, and we'd already seen 5-10 groups going up Carney Springs Trail and didn't want to deal with crowds at Robber's Roost. To be fair, some of the groups were probably lost Wave Cave hikers who weren't planning on going to Robber's Roost...

There were two people at Shaka Cave when we passed it on the way back, and the crowds were really starting to pour in as we got back on the Wave Cave route. Just as we passed the barbed wire fence and started west on Lost Goldmine, a group of lost hikers asked how to get to the Wave Cave. Apparently the giant opening visible in the canyon wall and white arrows every 15 feet still aren't obvious enough...

We hiked around to the west side of Turk's Head and started the climb. I hadn't seen anyone on the way up, but just as I approached the top and got a good look at the balanced rock, I heard voices and was disappointed to see a group of five at the summit. Fortunately, they were just starting down, so I ended up having the peak to myself for the few minutes I spent at the top. [ youtube video ] I didn't see a summit register up there, but recent triplogs show one up there, so I must have missed it. On the way down, another group of three was on their way up. At least they didn't ask for Wave Cave directions...

Since we were so close to Old Turk's Head, I wanted to head over there before we hiked out. @TBoneKathy waited below while I hiked around the east side. It wasn't a bad bushwhack...a little steep in places, but it was easy to avoid the worst of the brush, and I didn't encounter much catclaw or many thorns. I approached the peak from the north, which provided a fairly straightforward path to the top without much loose rock. I found the flatter/wider summit more enjoyable than Turk's Head...and not just because there were no people around this time

. [ youtube video ]

I headed back down, and it was a flat, easy hike back to Lost Goldmine Trailhead. It was a beautiful day, and this was the first hike of the year where the temperature topped 80°. It was nice to see four new destinations in the Superstitions despite all the people out on the trails today...but that's to be expected on these easier hikes around Peralta.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Graffiti Mano and Metate (Unknown Culture) Spring Box

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dacite Cliffs Shaka Cave Superstition Mountains - Ridgeline Three Sisters - Superstition Wilderness Turks Head - Superstition Boundary Wave Cave - Superstition Wilderness

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Moon

Feb 03 2022

dwightnancy

Photos 104
Triplogs 13

65 male

Joined Oct 26 2012
denver, co.

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 03 2022
		dwightnancy • Triplogs 13

Hiking	3.75 Miles	555 AEG

Hiking	3.75 Miles	2 Hrs 45 Mns		1.67 mph
	555 ft AEG	30 Mns Break	15 LBS Pack

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Peralta road was in great shape. Parking at the trail head was limited. An easy to follow trail leads to within 40 feet of the cave and then continues past it up and left to the waterfall area. There was no water flowing, but still it was worth hiking to. See picture. The Cave itself was larger than I expected. There were just a couple of potsherds left in a niche.

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Jan 06 2022

TheNaviG8R

Guides 1
Routes 38
Photos 3,193
Triplogs 467

55 male

Joined Jul 26 2008
San Tan Valley,

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 06 2022
		TheNaviG8R • Triplogs 467

Hiking	2.60 Miles	555 AEG

Hiking	2.60 Miles
	555 ft AEG

no routes

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The wife and I checking this short hike out.

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Jul 24 2021

Guides 2
Routes 31
Photos 902
Triplogs 50

male

Joined Sep 19 2020
Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jul 24 2021
		ScottHika • Triplogs 50

Hiking	4.00 Miles

Hiking	4.00 Miles

Linked

linked

[ checklist ] Dacite Cliffs Peralta Canyon Shaka Cave Three Sisters - Superstition Wilderness

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Last weekend I took advantage of the rain and revisited the Supes to check my favorite local waterfall. Peralta was flooded some and the clouds were amazingly low. It was a trip for the books because I got great video of the Carney Springs waterfall with strong flow while hiding in the mist. I also dropped by the Shaka Cave to dry off and relax while low clouds covered everything. I’m hoping for another solid storm and flow to perhaps visit again.

Be aware that rocks were being thrown down the fall! All waterfalls have falling rocks and this 240 foot drop is no exception. It is not advised that anyone stand under a tall waterfall like this when flowing. Sadly you can Google search waterfall death falling rock to learn more about it. The trail looked good and was not eroding in the wrong places. It was a good day in the Superstition Mountains.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Fog Rain

May 02 2021

Guides 2
Routes 31
Photos 902
Triplogs 50

male

Joined Sep 19 2020
Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 02 2021
		ScottHika • Triplogs 50

Hiking	4.00 Miles

Hiking	4.00 Miles
		14 LBS Pack

Linked

linked

Superstition Mnts - SW / Carney Springs Wall

Robbers Roost Canyon - Tonto NF

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The weather is warming up and headed back to Carney Springs from Lost Goldmine trail. Today I visited the Carney Springs waterfall from LGM east. You can of course get there from Carney Springs TH. A very little bit of recent rain has helped the desert green-up some. 2020 in the Superstitions was a lot like 2020 in rest of the world, barren! Hopefully the drought will break and things will get back to normal before going into the summer. In order for the Carney Waterfall to flow, there really needs to be a lot of rain.

This visit was just to check the social trail and confirm the route so that others can visit the base of the falls too. We have been going to the wall for years, but I don’t know many other people that know about the faint trail. Carney has a beautiful hidden baby canyon with a pocket of high cliffs all around. There are unique views and often a mild breeze inside. It's a rare sight to catch it flowing. Climbers will love this access to the wall. The photoset tells the story of my morning hike. I uploaded the route. I’m writing a guide but it will take me a while.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Mesquite Prickly Pear

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cactus Wren Cow

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dacite Cliffs Shaka Cave Three Sisters - Superstition Wilderness

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cirrus Cloud

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

1 archive

Mar 26 2021

Daytripper

Guides 7
Routes 187
Photos 2,318
Triplogs 909

74 male

Joined Dec 10 2016
Gold Canyon

Dacite Super Loop

Dacite Super Loop

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 26 2021
		Daytripper • Triplogs 909

Hiking	8.81 Miles	2,382 AEG

Hiking	8.81 Miles	5 Hrs 44 Mns	1.67 mph
	2,382 ft AEG	27 Mns Break

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