April 7, 2008 © Thomas J. Kollenborn. All Rights Reserved.
Getting around in the Superstition Wilderness Area can be accomplished by three different methods. The first method is hiking or walking and it is by far the most common and least expensive. The second method of travel is by horseback, which is quite expensive these days. Pack trips are for the more affluent, but can really be enjoyed by anyone. The third method of travel is by airplane or helicopter. This is also a very expensive method of travel within the wilderness area, and for the most part is not practical in a rugged wilderness such as the Superstition Wilderness Area. Let’s examine these three methods of travel in the wilderness.
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| Most of us can't afford a helicopter flight over the Superstition Wilderness Area, however it is a beautiful way to see the wilderness. |
The wilderness area has many rules and regulations. There are limitations on the number of days you can spend in the wilderness (14 days). There are also limitations on the size of any given party that enters the wilderness (15). Also no motorized, mechanical means of travel can be implemented in the wilderness area. This includes bicycles, wheel bars and similar mechanical objects. The wilderness is an area where man is a visitor and when he departs he must leave the area clean and in its original natural state. This means no fire rings or man-made rock walls, etc. The wilderness concept often comes into conflict with modern man’s interpretation of what is and is not historical.
Wilderness regulations stipulate that prehistoric ruins of Native Americans are part of the wilderness. Contemporary man and his structures are not part of the wilderness stage. This regulation basically means old rock walls, stone cabins, concrete water tanks, rock water tanks, windmills, bridges, and other man-made objects are not part of the true or pure wilderness concept as defined by wilderness regulations. Wilderness areas are geographic regions untouched by modern man’s use. Once a wilderness area has been set aside it is difficult to make any changes in its status as a wilderness. At best the wilderness concept can be quite complicated and complex when trying to explain it. You might say, it is an attempt to preserve American wild lands for future generations of American citizens to enjoy and marvel at. Look how popular the National Park System is!
The Superstition Wilderness Area is probably one of the most popular wilderness areas in the United States. It is estimated more than 60,000 visitors use the trail system of the Superstition Wilderness Area annually. There are more than 140 miles of improved hiking trail and another 100 miles of unimproved hiking trail. The western end of the wilderness near Apache Junction has six trailheads. The most popular are First Water Trail Head and Peralta Canyon Trail Head. The Lost Dutchman Gold Mine trail links these two popular trailheads. The other trailheads are Boulder Canyon Trail Head and Hieroglyphic Canyon Trail Head. Maps can be obtained from the Tonto National Forest Service Ranger District in Mesa (480-610-3300) or Superstition Mountain Museum in Apache Junction (480-983-4888).
Another interesting and spectacular entry point in the wilderness is through Lost Dutchman State Park. The park is located about 5.5 miles NE of Apache Junction on State Route 88 (the Apache Trail). The park provides all kinds of amenities, including books, maps, camping areas, restrooms and secure parking. The park has a five dollar entry fee per vehicle.
The Lost Dutchman State Park and the Tonto National Forest Service have partnered on an excellent trail system out of the Lost Dutchman State Park. I recommend your first experience in the wilderness be through the Lost Dutchman State Park. There is available information about the wilderness from very knowledgeable park rangers.
The trails of the Superstition Wilderness Area can be rated from 1.0 to 10.0 with 10 being the most rugged. The most popular trail is First Water Trail, which is a rating of about 1.5-2.5 from First Water Trail Head to Boulder Basin near East Boulder, a distance of about five miles. The second most popular trail is the Peralta Trail. This trail is extremely steep about halfway up the canyon, and is rated 4-5 in difficulty. The hike from Peralta Canyon Trail Head to Fremont Saddle is about 1.5 miles.
Trail difficulty ratings can [vary] from individual to individual. A concrete or paved trail is usually rated as a one. A trail that you must use your feet and hands to negotiate is usually rated between a nine and ten. Reasonably easy walking is done on trails rated between one and four.
Be a smart hiker and always tell somebody where you’re hiking and when you expect to return. [Your] life could depend on it.
Always take enough water and some kind of a first aid kit. When you are in the wilderness you can always encounter the unexpected.
Be prepared – always – is still a good motto when hiking the trails of the Superstition Wilderness Area.