|
 I
taught a class about the history, geology, fauna,
flora and legend of the Superstition Wilderness Area
for more than twenty years here in Apache Junction.
These are the twenty most commonly ask questions
about the area.
1. How did Superstition Mountain get its name?
The best answer to this question centers around the
early farmers of the Salt River Valley according to
most historians. The farmers grew and cut hay for
the Army at Fort McDowell in the late 1860’s. These
farmers constantly heard stories from the Pimas how
they feared Superstition Mountain. The farmer
thought the Pimas were superstitious about the
mountain hence the name Superstition Mountain.
2. Is there a Dutchman’s Lost Gold Mine?
Most Arizona historians believe there is little
evidence to suggest the existence of a rich gold
mine in the Superstition Wilderness Area. One can
never forget the old adage, “Gold is where you find
it.” Hundreds have searched for the old Dutchman’s
mine over the past century and it still remains
lost. Geologist, for the most part, will tell you
there is no gold in the Superstition Wilderness
Area.
 3.
Who was the Dutchman?
Jacob Waltz indeed existed and prospected the
mountain of Arizona from 1863 - 1891. Waltz made
several trips into the Superstition Mountains
according to early pioneers of Mesa and Tempe. He
was born in Germany in 1810 and died in Phoenix,
Arizona Territory, October 25, 1891. Waltz had gold
claims in Yavapai County and worked gold claims in
California. He also homesteaded 160 acres of land
along the north bank of the Salt River in Phoenix.
Much of the legend about this old German immigrant
resulted from the gold ore cache found beneath his
death bed and the stories written by Peirpont
Constable Bicknell prior to the turn of the century.
4. How do I find Peralta Trailhead?
Drive southeast from Apache Junction on Highway 60
toward Florence Junction. Peralta Road is
approximately 2.4 miles east of King’s Ranch Road.
Turn east on Peralta Road and drive 8.0 miles to the
Peralta Trailhead. This is a dirt road and is often
not improved.
5. How do I find First Water Trailhead?
Drive northeast of Apache Junction on State Route
88, the Apache Trail, 4.9 miles. Turn right onto
First Water Road. This road is dirt and can be very
rough. It is 2.5 miles to the trail head.
6. Where is the Lost Dutchman State Park?
The Lost Dutchman State Park is located 4.7 miles
northeast of Apache Junction, Arizona on State Route
88 - Apache Trail. The entrance to the park is on
the right hand side of the road traveling northeast
from Apache Junction.
7. How did Superstition Mountain form?
Superstition Mountain, according to geologist Dr.
Michael Sheridan, Arizona State University, was
formed from volcanic activity more than 24 million
years ago. The mountain was once a part of a large
caldera which resurged, forming a massive mountain
that was eroded to its present shape after millions
and millions of years. The rocks of Superstition
Mountain are primarily volcanic in origin.
8. How old is Superstition Mountain?
Some geologists believe Superstition Mountain to be
between 15 million and 29 million years old.
9. Do Native Americans live in the Superstitions?
Native Americans occasionally visit the interior
regions of Superstition Wilderness Area today;
however none live in the Superstition Wilderness
Area. The last Native Americans to occupy a small
part of the Superstitions were the Pimas during the
construction of the Apache Trail from 1903-1905.
10. Are there any roads into the Superstition
Wilderness?
Roads are prohibited in a national wilderness area
by law. Today only one road actually penetrates the
wilderness. This road is the Tortilla Ranch access
corridor. The forest service plans on withdrawing
this access corridor sometime in the future.
— Next Week, Part II — |
