|
 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 be really 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.
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
rocks 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 trail heads.
The most popular are First Water Trail Head and
Peralta Canyon Trail Head. The Lost Dutchman Gold
Mine trail links these two popular trail heads. The
other trail heads 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, rest rooms 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 must
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 half-way 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 very 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. You
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. |
