Hike #32: Butcher Jones Trail, Tonto National Forest

Length: 5 miles

On my last visit to the Butcher Jones Trail, I had considerable trouble locating the correct path. I believe the lake's level was significantly raised due to the draining of a dam upstream, resulting in a crudual segment of the trail being submerged below the lake and reeds. Fortunately, on this trip, the lake was again at a normal level, and the trail was easily followed.

The first half-mile of the Butcher Jones Trail merely traces the western shoreline of Saguaro Lake, which is extremely popular with anglers on most weekends. Fortunately, the trail soon leaves the shore and begins working its way into the more secluded surrounding hills.

I was completely amazed at the number and variety of wildflowers growing along these hills. With the wildflower season beginning at the end of February when the Valley is still cool and relatively wet, the presence of so many flowers took me by completely surprise; in fact, I would say there is an even large abundance of flowers now than existed a month ago! I'm glad to see the warmer, drier weather hasn't effected everything in nature the way it's knocked me out the past couple weeks (darn these allergy/sinus issues!!!)

Once the trail enters the hills above the lake, the surroundings become more and more like those one would expect to see in the Phoenix Valley; however, the lake is never far from sight, and the trail eventually leads down to the shoreline once again. After enjoying the beautiful flowers and scenic views, return to the trailhead along the same path you've been following. (However, be forewarned that if you descend from the first set of hills to the second area of shoreline, it will be a fairly steep hike on your way out!)

To view more photos of the Butcher Jones Trail, click here.

Hike #31: Jacob Crosscut Trail, Superstition Wilderness

Length: 2.5 miles

When I set out this morning, I intended to re-visit the Massacre Grounds Trail; however, on the way to the trailhead, I spotted the smooth parking area for the Crosscut Trail and quickly altered my plans to avoid the miles of rough dirt road!

The Crosscut Trail starts runs along the north-side of the Superstition Mountain, with the trail starting near the First Water Trailhead and ending in Apache Junction. If hiked in its entirety, the Crosscut Trail runs just over 6-miles (most of it passing through the Lost Dutchman State Park). I, however, followed the trail for approximately 1-mile until it intersects with a segment of the Treasure Loop Trail inside the Lost Dutchman State Park; this made for a relaxing, relatively flat balloon trail through beautiful spring wildflowers and scenic mountain views.

To view more pictures of the Crosscut Trail, click here.

Hike #28: Siphon Draw Trail to Flatiron, Superstition Wilderness, Tonto National Forest

Length: 6 miles

Starting at the Lost Dutchman State Park, the Siphon Draw Trail provides an extremely strenuous climb up the Superstition Mountain. Although the Siphon Draw Trail is quite difficult, the convenient start point and trail's beauty make it very popular (and often quite crowded.)

The first mile of the trail passes through the Lost Dutchman State Park and is extremely well-maintained; this segment of the trail is a luxurious dirt path with well-defined rock borders. However, the trail soon leaves the state park and enters the Superstition Wilderness. While the trail continues with a well-marked route, the path is no long the smooth dirt but instead a series of small loose rocks. The trail climbs higher and higher getting ever more narrow and rough.

Eventually, the trail arrives at a large smooth stone basin, which after a heavy rain will have small streams of water cascading down its sides. To the left of the basin is a large waterfall which marks the official end of the Siphon Draw Trail. Although most people choose this as the turn-around point, a good many continue climbing along the unofficial "trail" towards Flatiron, a large, flat plateau on the top of the Superstition Mountain.

The unofficial trail is quite easy to follow thanks to heavy travel and a series of white spray-painted arrows and dots. Although few route finding skills are required, the difficulty of climbing makes this one of the most challanging trails in the Superstitions. The mile between the waterfall and the top of the mountain gains over 1,500 feet in elevation and is nothing more than a continuous climb up jagged rocks. Although this part is challanging and will get the heart pounding, the rocks do provided a nice climbing surface with plenty of places to clutch as you drag yourself up the mountain.

Finally, after climbing until you think you can go no further, you arrive at a 12-foot rock wall that proves to be the most difficult obstacle yet! Although not impossible this rock wall is by far the most vertical challenge encountered on this trail. Fortunately, immediately on the other side of this wall is the top of the Superstition Mountain and a large flat plateau (and trust me, after climbing for what seems like forever, the flat land will be something to rejoice over!)

The large plateau area to the right of the trail is known as Flatiron, and provides thrilling views of the entire Superstition Wilderness and Phoenix Valley. Flatiron makes a perfect resting point, although I'd advice those with vertigo to stay away from the plateau's steep cliffs! After a well-deserved rest, it is time to retrace your steps down the mountain. Although not as physically exhausting, the route down requires careful footwork and can take considerable time. However, once arriving back at the waterfall and stone basin, the smooth, well-developed trail returns for a speedy exit.

To view more pictures of the Siphon Draw Trail, click here.

Hike #23: Massacre Grounds Trail, Superstition Wilderness, Tonto National Forest

Length: 4 miles

Located immediately east of the Phoenix Metro Area and just miles from the Black Mesa Loop Trail, the Massacre Grounds Trail provides a short, moderately-challenging hike through the Superstition Wilderness. Unfortunately, this trail is not the easiest to access; the rough road leading to the trailhead is extremely primitive and requires either a high-clearance vehicle or some slow, careful driving. However, upon reaching the trailhead, it quickly becomes evident by the breath-taking view that the drive was well worth it!

The Massacre Grounds Trail begins along a relatively flat plain with the Superstition Mountains rising in the foreground and the massive Four Peaks Mountain towering in the distance. The trail soon works its way away from this plain and enters a series of valleys with dramatic peaks on each side. Although the peaks are each impressive, it is a solitary needle formation that commands the scene. After about a half mile, the trail passes the side of this needle and continues deeper and steeper into the Superstitions.

After passing the striking needle formation, the trail quickly begins following a boulder-filled wash, which if there's been a recent rain will be filled with water. After skipping among the shallow pools for another half-mile, the trail approaches a small waterfall (again, provided that there's has been significant rain.) Up until this point, the trail has been really well-defined; however, after the waterfall the trail makes a sharp turn left and all but disappears.

Carefully following the rock cairns through shrub-covered desert, the trail climbs for the next mile until it reaches a large rocky cliff. From here, there is yet another panoramic view of the surrounding desert. After a brief break at the top, it's time to turn around and retrace your steps back to the parking lot. Sounds easy, right? Guess again! I somehow lost the trail on the way down. I worked my way across open desert - through several washes - until the original needle came into view again. (Too bad I was way too far to the west!) Fortunately, once I could see the needle again, I had a point of reference and merely had to work my way towards its base.

To view more pictures of the Massacre Grounds Trail, click here.

Hike #21: Hieroglyphic Trail, Superstition Wilderness, Tonto National Forest

Length: 6 miles (3 miles if you turn around at the petroglyphs)

Named for a series of Hohokam Indian petroglyphs - which early settlers mistook for Egyptian hieroglyphics, the Hieroglyphic Trail provides exciting hiking options for both the beginner and seasoned hikers. The first part of the trail is well-established and relatively flat, making it ideal for first-time hiker; the second, more challenging, half of the "trail" follows no set path, but instead provides a steep climb through unmarked terrain to the Superstition Ridgeline.

From the parking lot, follow the Lost Dutchman Trail for a couple hundred feet to a well-marked intersection with the Hieroglyphic Trail. Continue along the new trail through a beautiful desert landscape with the towering Superstitions in the background. The trail continues for about a mile and a half to a large series of pools, which are typically full during the winter and early spring. Carved into the stone cliffs next to these pools are the mysterious petroglyphs.

For those that desire an easy hike, now is the time to turn around; for the more adventurous, this is where the fun begins! From the petroglyphs, continue north following the boulder-filled wash. Although the trail has been easy-going so far, this segment will definitely take some time - many of the boulders are quite large and extremely difficult to pass. Following this path, you will soon pass an abandoned mine shaft before coming upon a fork in the wash. Unfortunately, finding the correct fork is apparently quite difficult...with so many drainage routes in the canyon, it's difficult to select the correct fork. I apparently did not do so well.

Leaving the main wash at the canyon's bottom, I began following a minor wash towards the ridgeline. Unfortunately, the path I was following soon became little more than a steep overgrown cliff. After working my way straight up (through some pretty scary spots) for a couple hours, I eventually had to give up and admit defeat. Sadly, getting down was even more difficult than the ascent; I was seriously beginning to wonder if I was going to make it back to the canyon's bottom in one piece! Thankfully, upon reaching the canyon's bottom, it's merely a matter of retracing your way through the boulders back to the established trail.

To view more pictures of the Hieroglyphic Trail, click here.

Hike #18: Peralta/Cave Trail Loop, Superstition Wilderness

Length: 5.2 miles

The Peralta Trail is perhaps the most popular trail in the Superstition Wilderness, which when combined with the Cave Trail, makes for a spectacular loop hike that highlights the best the Superstitions Mountains have to offer.

From the busy parking lot, the loop begins by following the Peralta Trail through a lush green valley, which was quite the unexpected sight in the middle of the desert. After about a half-mile, however, the trail leaves the valley and begins a steady climb into the surrounding cliffs. For two-miles the trail creeps slowly up the mountain until suddenly making a turn and opening to a magnificent view of Weaver's Needle.

From this point, most people choose to turn around and retrace the Peralta Trail back to the parking lot. However, for the more adventurous, there is the somewhat longer (and much more difficult) Cave Trail. When first venturing onto the Cave Trail, the first thing one notices is the isolation; after the crowds of the Peralta Trail, the peace and quiet is almost startling.

Continuing along the Cave Trail is quite easy for the first mile; however, eventually the trail approaches a steep ridge, which you must somehow descend. Once at the bottom, the trail all but disappears. For the next mile, you must carefully follow the small cairns that mark the "trail" (and trust me this is not an easy thing to do...the terrain is extremely rough and many of the cairns are extraordinarily small and difficult to find!) I would not recommend taking this portion of the trail unless you feel very comfortable in your route finding skills (and preferably only in a group!)

Eventually, the Cave Trail does work its way down from the hard volcanic rocks into the more traditional desert, where the trail again becomes visible. From here, it is an easy trip back toward the Peralta trail and an easy exit.

To view more photos of the Peralta and Cave Trails, click here.

Hike #15: Black Mesa Loop Trail, Superstition Wilderness

Length: 8 or 9 miles (depending on the source you read....I would believe it closer to 9)

The Black Mesa Loop Trail is actually three trails, the Lost Dutchman Trail, the Black Mesa Trail, and the First Water Trail, which when combined make for challenging 9-mile hike.

The loop begins by following the Lost Dutchman Trail for about 4.5 miles. With a variety of desert vegetation and breath-taking views, this is by far the best portion of the loop. The cliffs overlooking the trail provide welcome shade along the first segment of the hike; however, after a couple miles of gradual incline, the trail leaves the cliffs and opens for a wide panoramic mountain view. After another couple miles, the trail approaches a large flat wash, where it intersects with the Black Mesa Trail. (Note: This can be really difficult to find since the trail all but disappears in the wash. Know that if you come upon the sign for Boulder Canyon Trail, you have gone too far and need to retrace the trail back about 500 yards until you see the wooden marker for the Black Mesa Trail.)

The Black Mesa Trail is the middle 3-miles of this loop. Although this segment of the loop does provide a good variety of vegetation, the views are nothing when compared to those of the first portion. I will advise to watch out for the forests of Jumping Cholla Cactus, which have VERY prickly barbs.

Eventually, the vegetation grows more sparse, and the loop connects with the final 1.5-miles of the First Water Trail. Although this portion passes through a couple minor washes, it is otherwise unremarkable.

To see more pictures of the Black Mesa Loop Trail, click here.

Hike #12: Butcher Jones Trail, Tonto National Forest

Length: 2 miles (just a short portion of the trail)

With the cooler weather in the Phoenix area lately, I decided to try another attempt at the Superstition Wilderness, which is the mountainous area just east of the city. Several months ago, I attempted the Boulder Canyon Trail...only to succumb to the heat and humidity of July in Arizona. Well, I can gladly say that the weather was perfect this morning for my trip to the Butcher Jones Trail!

The Butcher Jones Trail traces it way through the riparian and desert areas along the western shores of Saguaro Lake. The lake, which is the smallest formed by a series of dams along the Salt River, provides a beautiful oasis of wildlife and vegetation quite uncharacteristic of the desert. The first 1/4 mile of this trail is well-developed with paved sidewalks, hand railings, and plenty of trees.

However, the trail soon leaves the shoreline, and the path becomes much rougher! For about a half mile, the rocky trail weaves it's way between a variety of interesting cacti. Unfortunately, the trail soon all but disappears....becoming overgrown and all but impossible to follow. Although I made several attempts to find the correct path, I only found myself scrambling again and again through low underbush! In the end, I had to admit defeat and give up on the Butcher Jones Trail.

On a side note, I would like to mention that all areas surrounding the Saguaro Lake require a Tonto Forest Parking Pass. Before I went this morning, I had read a number of sources that said that the fee had either been discontinued or that you could pay for the permit on site. Neither of these things were true! You must purchase a day pass at a gas station in town before heading out there...learn from my mistake and save yourself the extra 20 miles required to return to the nearest gas station!

To see more pictures of the Butcher Jones Trail and Saguaro Lake, click here.

Hike #3: Boulder Canyon Trail, Superstition Wilderness

Length: 5 miles

Ok, I guess the ghost of my Houston past came to visit me this morning when I decided to hike the Superstition Wilderness. I had hoped that by going at 6 AM I would be able to escape the heat of the day...and while the temperature only got in the mid-80s, the humidity was freakin' high!!! You know you're in trouble when you can feel the sweat begin to pool on your eyelids....

Anyway, the hike itself was quite rugged. While the Superstition Wilderness and Superstition Mountains make up the southern region of the Tonto National Forest, the environment is completely different from that of the northern regions of the forest. With its barrenness it's hard to imagine this a forest by anyone's standards; however, that's not to say the Superstition Wilderness doesn't have it's own beauty.

With rugged cliffs, tons of cacti, and clear blue skies,the Superstition Wilderness is likely to be what most people picture when they imagine Arizona. However, let me be the first to say that that Wilderness will beat the crap out of you! I began the Boulder Canyon Trail with a two-mile hike straight up! (It was the mountain that would NEVER end!) Once I finally made it to the top, the view was pretty amazing. Unfortately, by the time I made it up there, the heat and humidity were just too much...I had to give up my hopes on continuing further (although with 5 miles round trip, my trip wasn't any too short!) However, I will definely return later this fall once the temperatures in central Arizona cool down a little!

To see more photos of the Boulder Canyon Trail, click here.