The Superstition Wilderness is a wilderness area in central Arizona, encompassing over 160,000 acres within the Tonto National Forest. This federally protected region features a rugged desert landscape characterized by desolate mountains, canyons, and unique rock formations. Elevations range from approximately 2,000 feet to over 6,200 feet, offering diverse terrain for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, and touring cycling.
The Superstition Wilderness provides a variety of outdoor activities for those exploring its…
62
Routes
4.5
(47)
Average rating
895
People visited

4.0
(2)
44
hikers
8.27km
03:07
430m
430m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

12
hikers
20.1km
07:02
770m
780m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

15
hikers
3.75km
01:44
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

14
hikers
4.41km
01:55
420m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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3
runners
14.4km
01:56
400m
400m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
12.8km
02:04
870m
870m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
19.0km
02:38
630m
630m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
4.87km
00:44
220m
220m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.5
(2)
2
riders
33.0km
01:22
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

56.6km
03:03
1,030m
1,030m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

27.6km
01:33
610m
610m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

29
riders
43.6km
02:34
630m
630m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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23.2km
02:29
760m
760m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
riders
41.4km
03:00
830m
830m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

5
riders
12.6km
00:45
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
riders
6.22km
00:33
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Superstition Wilderness offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, road cycling, and touring cycling. The area features about 180 miles (290 km) of trails for hiking and trail running. Specific regulations apply to cycling within the designated wilderness area itself.
Popular hiking trails include Peralta Trail, First Water Trail, Siphon Draw Trail, Wave Cave, and Hieroglyphic Trail. The Peralta Trail is particularly known for its scenic beauty and views of Weaver's Needle. Further details on routes are available in the Hiking in Superstition Wilderness guide.
Yes, the Superstition Wilderness offers trails suitable for various skill levels, including easier options. These paths provide access to the unique desert landscape without requiring extensive experience. Information on less strenuous routes can be found in the Easy hikes in Superstition Wilderness guide.
Many hiking trails are also suitable for jogging and trail running. Notable options include the Hieroglyphic Trail, Peralta Canyon Trail, Dutchman Trail, Superstition Ridgeline Trail, and Terrapin Trail. A comprehensive list of routes is available in the Running Trails in Superstition Wilderness guide.
While mechanized transport is generally restricted within the federally designated wilderness area, opportunities for cycling exist on surrounding roads and specific trails. Lost Dutchman State Park, bordering the wilderness, offers mountain bike trails. The Apache Trail (State Road 88) also provides scenic routes for experienced road cyclists, as detailed in the Road Cycling Routes in Superstition Wilderness guide.
Key natural landmarks include Weaver's Needle, a dramatic volcanic plug, and Mound Mountain, the highest peak at 6,265 feet (1,910 m). Other notable features are the Wave Cave, known for its unique rock formations, and the Praying Hands Rock Formation. The area also features extensive Sonoran Desert vegetation.
There are more than 50 routes available for various sports in Superstition Wilderness on komoot. These routes have received an average rating of 4.64 out of 5 stars from over 5,000 visitors. The community has contributed to a diverse selection of outdoor experiences.
Yes, the Superstition Wilderness features routes that lead to seasonal waterfalls, particularly after rainy periods. These hikes offer a different perspective on the desert landscape. Specific routes can be explored in the Waterfall hikes in Superstition Wilderness guide.
The highest point within the Superstition Wilderness is Mound Mountain, which stands at an elevation of 6,265 feet (1,910 m). Elevations across the wilderness generally range from approximately 2,000 feet (610 m) to this peak.
The Superstition Wilderness is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Tonto National Forest. For official information and current conditions, the Mesa Ranger District can be contacted at +1-480-610-3300. The official website for the Tonto National Forest is fs.usda.gov/tonto.
The wilderness offers numerous options for multi-day trips and combining trails for longer loops. Backcountry camping is permitted with specific regulations. Backpackers can explore the rugged terrain and remote canyons of the area.

