Superstition
Wilderness – the name just conjures up visions of a harsh, rugged environment,
symbolic of both the mythical and magical Wild West. Lucky for us, this very special Arizona wilderness area is
the real deal and is easily assessable to us all by car, boat, bike and/or
foot.
The
Superstition Wilderness is made up of 242 square miles of harsh, mostly
undisturbed landscapes that are located on the far eastern edge of the Valley
of the Sun bordering Apache Junction.
It is mostly Sonoran Desert type vegetation but a few pockets of
ponderosa pine can be found at the highest elevations.
Exploring
the Superstition Wilderness can be one of the most classic, extreme backcountry
experiences in the world, but it does not have to be that way. Here are some ideas for great family
adventures into the Superstition Wilderness that are exciting, fun and easy to
find.
-Superstition Mountain Museum is a great place to begin your
discovery of the Superstition Wilderness.
Currently Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia’s Superstition painting collection
is on display there. Here a link
for more information - http://superstitionmountainmuseum.org/
-Grab a picnic lunch and enjoy the trails of Lost Dutchman
State Park. With springtime
weather and wildflowers in full bloom, this state park will be an outdoor
treasure to discover. Their
moonlight hikes are really unique and special! – http://azstateparks.com/Parks/loDU/index.html
-Take a drive up the Apache Trail. The first 16 miles past Canyon Lake to Tortilla Flat is
paved and easy to drive. If you’re
looking for an adventure, drive the entire 44 miles of the historic Apache
Trail to Roosevelt Dam. Be one of
those Arizonans who have conquered the curves of Fish Creek Hill –
-take a boat ride exploring beautiful Canyon Lake on the
famous steamboat Dolly. This is a great, fun adventure for the whole family - http://www.dollysteamboat.com/
-Take the hike through Peralta Canyon and gaze upon the
classic symbol of the Superstition Wilderness, Weavers Needle. The 2.5-mile hike from the trailhead to
the overlook is through lush desert vegetation and by mid-February an explosion
of wildflowers. We have made this
hike with children as young as 6; be sure to take your own water, sunscreen,
hat, good hiking shoes, etc. - http://eastvalleyguide.com/peralta-trail-to-fremont-saddle/
So
as the wonderful weather of February arrives once again, get out and find
yourself discovering a part of the rugged Superstition Wilderness of
Arizona. It’s a special
experience!
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| Canyon Lake |
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| Dolly on Canyon Lake |
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| Tortilla Flat, Arizona |
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| View along the Apache Trail |
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| Weavers Needle |
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