Hike Superstition Peak via Hieroglyphic Trail Tonto National Forest, AZ

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Superstition Peak is generally reached from one of two unofficial trails. Years ago I hiked to the summit via Carney Springs, but today Austin and I would reach the peak via the Hieroglyphic Trail. We set out from the extremely popular trailhead along the wide and developed Hieroglyphic Trail, which led gradually up the beautiful foothills of the Superstition Mountains and entered Hieroglyphic Canyon. Here the official trail ended at a swimming hole at the base of a wall covered in petroglyphs. Hieroglyphs and petroglyphs are different things, so the canyon was misnamed and somehow it stayed that way. We didn't linger, excited to leave the loud unleashed dogs and discarded orange peels of careless hikers.

Past the swimming hole, it might take a moment to locate the unofficial trail that leads through Hieroglyphic Canyon and up to the ridgeline above. To find it, keep to the right of the watercourse. If you're bushwhacking at all, try again. Once on the trail we had no difficulty sticking to it, the route initially keeping to the right (south) side of the flowing water. With some minor undulations and occasional boulders and Class 2, we found the trail to be really pleasant and far less overgrown than anticipated.

A bit up the canyon we encountered waterfalls, water always a gorgeous sight in the desert. The trail continued climbing more steeply just to the right of the waterfalls and then eventually led directly into the watercourse. Cairns marked the way through the stream for a short time, and a Class 3 move brought us up one small headwall next to one of the many falls. Past here we were led to a slope and away from the canyon, now gaining vertical much more steeply as we progressed to the ridgeline. Austin wasn't thrilled. I'd promised a nice trail hike today and this had turned into yet another steep peakbagging endeavor, but as usual he slogged along with me, inured to mountain terrain at this point in our relationship.

We reached the ridgeline, located directly at the saddle separating Superstition Peak from Peak 4869. We took in the views of the iconic Weavers Needle before continuing south along the ridgeline. Starting up a minor lump, we chose to follow one of many social trails up and over the crest (Class 2). On the way back we took a different social trail that wrapped to the west around the lump, but this proved more loose and steep, so the crest is my recommendation. We approached a second lump, this one much larger and fortified by cliffs. Fortunately, the trail wraps around its western cliffy base, some light Class 2 boulder-hopping along the way. Back at the ridgeline, a Class 3 set of moves led us up a wide crack, the crux of the outing. Trivial hiking continued along the ridgeline, but not toward the summit. Instead, we were led around the eastern slope of Superstition Peak and merged with the route from Carney Springs along the peak's southeastern ridge. From here it was a steep trail up to the base of the summit block. A final set of Class 3 moves brought us to the high point. There was some light exposure, but you can stay far enough away from the drop to feel secure. Excellent views all around, but I guess that's to be expected from the high point of the Superstition Mountains.

Back at the saddle before heading back, I peered up longingly at the ridge to Peak 4869. This summit is normally reached by folks hiking over it during a full Superstition ridgeline traverse from Superstition Peak to Ironview Peak, but I've never gotten around to that route and figured I might as well hike Peak 4869 while I was already up here. Austin wished me a nice hike and I scurried off, a trail leading all the way over to this minor and unnamed summit. Peak 4869 also had great views, but I rushed back and scooped Austin so we could get into town for dinner. Weeks later when writing up this trip report, he informed me he was both proud of me for using the word "inured" (which we recently learned together), and that this hike was, in fact, "worthwhile". All hikes literally always are, Austin. Always.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Superstition Peak

5057 ft

1817 rise

Peak 4869

4869 ft

529 rise

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From the Hieroglyphic Trailhead, a view toward Superstition Peak above.

Hiking along the Hieroglyphic Trail.

The trail enters Hieroglyphic Canyon.

We reached the end of the trail, a swimming hole with the incorrectly named hieroglyphs (they're petroglyphs). This photo was taken later on the way back when there weren't a ton of people.

Lots of flowing water.

Hieroglyphs across the stream.

Some of the hieroglyphs.

Heading up the canyon, keeping to the right of the watercourse.

We located the social trail.

View back as we make progress along the trail.

Progress up Hieroglyphic Canyon.

Some undulations, and a few short Class 2 sections.

We reached flowing water.

View back down the canyon.

Very pretty, it's always a treat to find water in the desert.

Continuing our ascent up Hieroglyphic canyon, to the right of the watercourse.

Another shot back.

A steep section of slab along the trail.

The trail led us back into the watercourse.

Class 2 within the watercourse.

Beautiful little waterfalls.

A short Class 3 move.

The trail brought us out of the watercourse and onto a slope.

Ascending the steep slope.

View back, Hieroglyphic Canyon seen center below.

The trail became even steeper.

View back as we gain elevation along the slope.

Class 2 section.

View back at the top of the Class 2 section.

Shortly before reaching the ridgeline, a view back into Hieroglyphic Canyon.

At the ridgeline, a view toward Weavers Needle.

Along the ridgeline to Superstition Peak. I recommend keeping to the ridge crest on one of a few social trails, up and over that hump.

Class 2 up the hump.

View back, Peak 4869 seen top right.

Continuing along the crest, the next hump is best avoided on the right via a social trail.

Avoiding the hump, Class 2 social trail at the cliffs' base.

View back at the base of the cliffs as we reach the ridge crest again.

Just after reaching the crest again, we reached the Class 3 crux of the hike.

View back down the Class 3 set of moves.

Above the crux, back along the ridge crest.

The trail then led around the east side of Superstition Peak.

View back as we wrap around the east side. Weavers Needle seen on the right.

Now on the southeast side of Superstition Peak, heading up.

View back along the crest.

Amazing pinnacles along the way up.

Another shot back.

Final bit to the summit. We kept to the left of these pinnacles.

View back.

Final Class 3 moves to the summit of Superstition Peak.

View back down at the Class 3 bit to the summit.

Austin just below the summit. It was a bit exposed, but the holds are great and it's easy to keep away from the cliff.

Summit of Superstition Peak.

Close-up toward Ironview Peak and Peak 4869.

Superstition Peak summit view down into the city.

Close-up toward Weavers Needle.

After reaching the saddle, I headed up to Peak 4869. A trail leads the whole way up.

View back toward Superstition Peak on my way up to Peak 4869.

Peak 4869 seen ahead.

Peak 4869 summit, view toward Ironview Peak.

View toward the Four Peaks and the outstanding yellow cliffs of the Superstitions.

View back toward Superstition Peak.

Heading back along the Hieroglyphic Trail.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!