Hike Superstition Peak via Carney Springs Tonto National Forest, AZ

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Also known as Superstition Mountain, Superstition Benchmark, or Superstition Peak 5057, this is the high point of the Superstition Mountains. There are two most commonly used routes to reach the peak, from Hieroglyphic Canyon, and from this route via Carney Springs. From the trailhead, I followed an initially wide trail to the base of the Superstition Mountains. The trail entered a canyon and became a bit more narrow from encroaching brush as it continued more steeply up to a rim at the top of the canyon.

From the rim, you get a wide view of the route ahead, which ends at Superstition Peak to the west. The trail is easy to follow here and alternates beetween mellow and steep sections. Initially it heads through meadowy terrain as it progresses to the southeast ridge of Superstition Peak. There's a short section of Class 2+ scrambling along the way. You also have views of the iconic Weavers Needle for much of the trek up to the summit.

Gorgeous rock pinnacles surrounded me on the final few hundred feet to the top. There's a final set of Class 3 moves leads to the summit. There was some light exposure, but you can stay far enough away from the drop to feel secure.

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

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Superstition Peak (Superstition Benchmark)

5057 ft

1817 rise

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From the parking area, heading to Carney Springs.

Carney Springs on the right somewhere, but head up the trail that leads through this canyon.

Looking back down the canyon before the trail gets steep.

There is a flat section on the way up the canyon before it gets steep again.

Approaching the top of the canyon.

After ascending the canyon, you get nice views north and west of the Superstition Mountains. Superstition Peak is that triangular-looking one on the left in this photo.

A trail takes you the whole way, first up to the low point in the ridgeline ahead, and then up to Superstition Peak (right).

Small section of Class 2+.

Looking northeast, toward the Weavers Needle, which has just come into view.

Approaching the saddle.

View south from the saddle.

Looking back toward the saddle on the way up the final push to Superstition Peak.

Looking back on a small scramble section.

Superstition Peak just ahead.

Approaching the gorgeous spires along the southeastern ridgeline.

Looking down the short Class 3 section to the summit.

Superstition Peak summit looking along the ridge to The Flatiron.

Superstition Peak summit looking back the way I came.

Superstition Peak summit looking at the Weavers Needle.

After coming back down, sunset was making the mountains look all good. Superstition Peak is the triangular one.

Hire me or show me some love!

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!