Hiking the Superstition Mountains - Desert Backpacking in Arizona
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- Опубликовано: 14 сен 2016
- Join Sara & I for 3 days of desert hiking, backpacking & camping in the Superstition Mountains. And who knows - maybe Sara will find the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. GPS Data at www.sintax77.com
Join Sara & I for 3 days of desert hiking, backpacking & camping in the Superstition Mountains. And who knows - maybe Sara will find the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine…
For this desert backpacking trip, we’ll be hiking a loop in the Superstition Wilderness, within the greater Tonto National Forest - about 60 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona. Not only was this a beautiful and scenic hike due to the stark desert surroundings and sharp, rugged peaks, but this particular region has added bonus - a rich history full of intrigue and lore right at home in your favorite spaghetti western flick...
For a easier read, with maps, pics, etc, check out the full blog post / trip report here: wp.me/p2ReUQ-h9 Below is a truncated version for RUclips:
...The most notable and famous of those stories being that of Jacob Waltz, or as it’s commonly referred to, the mystery of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold.
Somehow, Jacob knew where a bunch of gold was in these mountains, and he kept it a complete secret, despite rumors throughout the years that he knew about it’s location. People would try to follow him when he went into the mountains, but he always lost them, or at the least, waved a gun at them until they left. Finally, on his death bed in 1891, he confirmed the gold mine and gave some info on it’s whereabouts to two individuals. Apparently, it wasn’t quite enough info, because they never found it after years of searching. Word spread, many more people started searching, and they continue to search until this day...
So what does all this have to do with our backpacking trip? Did we find some gold or something? Am I devoting my life to finding the Lost Dutchman’s Mine? Well no, but it makes hiking around out there pretty cool and Old Westy, if you ask me. At the very least, it gives you something to ponder as you hike along the cactus covered traverses, baked incessantly by a sun they just may have glinted off of Jacob Waltz’s prize back in the 1800’s.
But anyway, back to the hike we did. Here’s the details…
Season / Time of Year: Winter - January 20th to January 23, 2016.
Elevation Range: Minimum - 2,283′ , Maximum - 3,550′
Trailhead Used - Peralta Trailhead - GPS Coordinates N33° 23.858′ W111° 20.873′
Trails Used Day 1 (in order of use)
Peralta Trailhead Parking Lot,
Dutchman Trail
Set up camp in a relatively flat area along the trail, about .75 miles after crossing an intermittent stream.
Day 1 Total Mileage: 2 miles
Day 1 Total Elevation Gain: 344′
Trails Used Day 2 (in order of use)
Continue on Dutchman Trail
Whiskey Springs Trail.
Trail crosses LeBarge Creek (where we stocked up on water)
Red Tanks Trail.
Dutchman Trail.
Set up camp along Dutchman Trail.
Day 2 Total Mileage: 10 miles
Day 2 Total Elevation Gain: 1,325′
Trails Used Day 3 (in order of use)
Continue on Dutchman Trail
Bull Pass Trail
Black Top Mesa Trail, towards the top of Black Top Mesa
Explore the mesa and hunt for the Spanish Hieroglyphs or maybe some of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold, etc.
Back down Black Top Mesa Trail.
Unofficial Bull Pass Alternate Trail
Dutchman Trail.
Terrapin Trail.
Bluff Springs Trail.
Return to Peralta Trailhead parking lot.
Day 3 Total Mileage: 15 miles (plus a couple miles of meandering about on Blacktop Mesa)
Day 3 Total Elevation Gain: 2,933 feet
Trip Grand Total Mileage: 27 Miles
Trip Grand Total Elevation Gain: 4,662′
Notable Gear Used on this Trip:
Nemo Losi 3p Tent amzn.to/2h40KG3
Sara’s backack - ULA Ohm 2.0
Sintax77’s backpack - EMS Longtrail 70 and a Ribz Front Pack
Generic canister stove amzn.to/2w0L4pQ
Vargo 450ml titanium cups amzn.to/2uCFWJ9
Toaks 750ml titanium cook pot amzn.to/2w0ORDt
Sea to Summit Alpha Light spoons (long version) amzn.to/2uY6Ux7
Plenty of various sized Platypus Bags for water storage. amzn.to/2w1bx6N
Fozzils Bowlz for eating our chili and queso appetizer amzn.to/2h3luxN
Packit Gourmet dehydrated meals
Sara’s sleeping pad - Big Agnes Q-Core SL amzn.to/2eOhikE
Sintax77’s sleeping pads - Thermarest Z-Lite amzn.to/2uy9vx7 on top of a Klymit Inertia X-Frame amzn.to/2uCi1tb
Hammock Gear Burrow top quilts
Montbell UL Down Parkas
Sawyer Squeeze water filter configured in a gravity setup amzn.to/2h3H1Xl
Highly recommended book for hikes in this area: ‘Hiker’s Guide to the Superstition Wilderness‘ amzn.to/2uyjmTu
The scat was from a Ringed Tail Cat. The Cacti that was eaten was from a Javelina. I enjoyed your hike, I've been hiking these mountains since 1980. Due to an assortment of mechanical injuries It's no longer safe for me to attempt anymore trips. Thank you for posting, enjoy your youth...Peace Out!
Sara really is amusing Sean you got to bring her along more often her personality really complements things
Being a local to the area I am glad to see the desert getting its 15 minutes of fame.
I had heard of the dutchman's gold before and I live in Sweden. Granted I didn't remember that it was at this location but as soon as I saw the trail name I knew.. It's probably a bit more famous than you think! Let me know if you ever find the gold out there! :)
R.J. Vega FOOL!
This entire area has been world famous for well over a hundred years. As a local, you are a moron.
@@jamesaritchie1
No need for rudeness. He's not saying no one knew about this aeea until these folks did this video. He is saying he really appreciates that the area is getting some recognition via the video. You're the moron, frankly, for not understanding a simple concept.
I love the area! Go as often as I can.
I really enjoyed this. I think so many people are surprised how cold the desert can get. Thank you for spotlighting on of Arizona's most beautiful areas. Truly a hikers paradise.
Magestic views I enjoy all the video but more magestic is the communication and the peace the you two share especially from a lady when they complaint even for a fly around GOD BLESS YOU TWO THANKS FOR SHARING SOMETHING SO KOOL AND HEALTHY
Thank you for posting the video. I hike out there all of the time and glad to see the area getting some coverage.
Great adventure! Sara had me laughing out loud. Can't wait til it cools off you have me inspired to hit the trails..
Outloud laughs at the 45+ mark!! Winter in the desert! Sarah cracked me up! Great trip, thanks for sharing it with us, and keep highlighting all the gear you bring.
I love the beauty of the mountains like up north like Tennessee where I lived, but I also fell in love with the beauty of the desert too. Great video and thanks for taking us along.
Awesome review! Thank you for taking us along and for the info. Looking forward to seeing more of your excursions.
Great video Sintax! the two of you make a great team. It's so cool how you flew out and hit the trail right away, what an epic day. Might try this trip myself at some point. Thanks for bringing us along.
You are lucky to be alive. Lot's of folks have disappeared in the Sūps.
Before seeing this vid.. I just got done watching another vid on the Paranormal files channel with a local guy from there who said he wouldn't go into those mountains alone ever. Glad these folks had a good time..but after hearing the history of the Sups and numerous headless bodies and with the heads found later on wedged into rock crevices.. I'll pass. lol
@@discojelly dude I just got done watching that video a few minutes ago...I didn't think I was going to watch all of it but that guy is a great storyteller
@@discojelly hes a great storyteller but an idiot.
Ppl would rather believe fairytales and dismiss the Bible.
The Vatican and the 'Lucifer telescope'.
He lost credibility at that point.
Again when you are about to attack this message, reread what I wrote.
Ppl believe superstitions and fairytales over the Bible.
Pull LOVE STORIES as if they were children.
"A rich history full of intrigue and lore right at home in your favorite spaghetti western flick... " Indeed.
Courts Griner Photography ...same here..that was Corey Daniels...expert guide. I would go out there without a group of 10 people with live camera feed running
Outstanding hike, I greatly enjoyed it. A nice change-up, thanks!
It looks like you two have so much fun together! I love it.
The wife and I really enjoyed your video... looks like a great way to spend a few days
Just watched this now at 3.00 am gmt. Unputdownable like a good book. You guys have a great rapport. Don't lose that.
Absolutely love your videos , just the right balance of fantastic scenery and you guys , throw in a cheeseburger and viola ..! Perfect
Love watching your adventures! Thanks for taking us along. Happy trails....
Thanks!
Nice video right in my backyard get to see that every day. Best sunsets in the world.
I've been there a dozen times!!!! Thanks for making a video near me. 😄
Good morning my outdoors friends. Greetings from Northern California. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video. I don't do heat, so I have never hiked in the southwest. Sara deserves an academy award for her expression the morning of day three. You folks take care out there and enjoy your outings. Too bad that Sara didn't locate the Dutchman's mine. 🤗
You guys both have a great sense of humor... makes watching your vids much fun
Thanks Hank great story. I love to hear all of the gang’s stories. Mom grew up in southern AZ some of her family were ranchers and Cowboys from the 1890s threw the early 1950s so I really enjoy the stories.
Just discovered your channel a week or so ago and really like the variety of content. You do an excellent job narrating and Sara is hilarious. You guys rock!
loved your trip, especially when you keep in the parts that shows me I'm not the only one who needs a Snickers Bar at times..
Arizona is awesome
Sarah stole the show again! great adventure!
It's spooky camping there. I went camping back in the the day on a full moon, but not alone...great video! Thnx you guys stay safe in your adventures..
thank you. I live nearby but do not have health to do what you did. I've wanted to see behind superstition mountain, so THAN YOU for the video! great job on drinking water. very key for Arizona.
Yes! Always look forward to your vids
glaud you posted a video man. this one's a little different than the others and im digging it. keep them coming. I love watching them
You two are a perfect couple -and fun -and funny -to watch hike ! Sarah goes from wool Sherpa hat , puffy , to sleeveless shirt and ultra light hiking pants…ha ha ! You always do a lot of research with history,perfect trail navigation, and more complex hiker meals ! You two could make an excellent long distance thru hike and would have the entire hiking community watching ! Always watching for your next blog , thank you a lot !
Cool Vid - I've always liked that lost treasure story! Thanks for sharing
Syntax... thank you for posting this video and more importantly the gps data. My wife and I did the same loop just last weekend. we skipped blacktop Mesa on the Bull Run trail though and got back pretty early on day three. Awesome, quiet, surprisingly wet place and I'm just real grateful you did the planning leg work for us. Keep it up!
The view is stunning. Not aware you could camp out 🙋🏻♀️
Smart move. Direct flight, good temps in the winter, easy access to the airport. Good planning and nice trip!
Yeah, the proximity to Phoenix Intl really did make this area a pretty convenient trip, relative to a lot of the other areas on our backpacking to-do list. Finding flight deals to Phoenix is a bit easier than some of the other airports out west as well.
I myself don't take to well in the cold weather. So I understand, Anyhow a good attitude sure help a whole lot and I see that for the most part. Thank You for sharing.
I use to live in the Pheonix Valley (2010) and heard so many stories of people getting lost looking for the treasure. Glad you all made it out. I love the Tonto NF. The winding road along the Roosevelt Dam gave me my introduction to the area. Amazing views. Sunrises are unique in the Superstition Mountains. And no we didn't even try to hike the area in the summer. LOL
Thanks for taking us through the superstitions, guys! :)
Loved the video. Have taken a few trips and also lived in Tucson AZ in 2000 and checked out some of the trails... Thanks for posting!
Looks like a great adventure. Passed by Tonto NF many times and never stopped. Now I think I will try going there this fall.
Enjoyed the video. My family and I have hiked by full moonlight several times. No need for a flashlight. One can see the trail just fine.
Thanks for this video! It brings back fond memories of when I lived in PHX.
Great video...The two of you are a real power couple.. good inspiration.
Excellent Vid, shot in my beautiful state. Haven't been into the Superstitions yet. Good idea to stay away from cactus. For all of the big "needles" you see there are dozens of smaller ones, very small,, damn hard to pluck out. You would need a magnifying glass. Also great hiking up in the Prescott area where we live. Tnx again for letting us join you.
Hey thanks for the wonderful hike and video an for inspiring everyone to go out an explore the wilderness love the video keep up the great work 5 stars
LOL...she said Brown chicken brown cow... Great vid guys, I was just out in that area last month. Beautiful.
Just love your videos. You are a great couple who really enjoy your adventures. Thanks for taking us with you. I live in Walthamstow England so it is fantastic to see the scenery you go to. Look forward to next one. Peace and love.
Thanks, Frederick!
I use to work in Apache Junction. Love Arizona in the winter. I moved away because summer is brutal there. Sunrise and sunsets really paint the mountains in beautiful colors. I miss that. It looks like Sara keeps you moving along at a brisk pace.
Brutal Summers? The highest I ever saw was 124...I think. Not sure.
Excellent adventure. I wasn't sure when I first started watching but by the end, especially with that view from the mesa, combined with all the cool history and folklore, I was convinced that you picked a great spot to go visit. Definitely very different from what we are used to here in the east. Thanks for taking us along.
Thanks - I found it to be a really cool experience as well. While it doesn't have the typical backpacking vistas, there was something about the vastness and severity of the area that I found really intriguing. In fact, I'd really like to go back some day. From looking at my guide book, we didn't even scratch the surface of what there is to explore out there.
A helmet of salvation moon, how awesome and what a most mesmerizing place that is, the Superstitious Mountains. 😻
Beavers needle LOL! I needed to laugh, thanks Sara! I went to school, worked and retired in Arizona. I have been from one end to the other hunting, camping, fishing and ghost town hunting on horseback. I barely scratched the surface of what’s to see in that state. You guys take care, Happy New Year!!!
Thanks, Norris. Glad you enjoyed the vid. Happy New Year to you as well!
Got to tell you my friend. The trips with Sara are way more fun to watch. That little lady is a hoot.Thanks for sharing with us.
Haha, I'll have to pass that along :)
Think a good trail name for her would be Sassy Sara... :)
Love it! Very Aderra Nisqually Mohavesque presentation. 👍🏽👍🏽
i was looking forward to a new video with you two. came out great!
Great video as always Sintax. Thanks for taking us along.
Thanks, my pleasure!
This is awesome. The Superstition Mountains are our list!!!
Really enjoyed this video of superstition Wilderness hike
Good video We definitely should check it out next time. Thank you for showing us!
I love it absolutely amazing place to go, if id enough to last few more days id definitely stay beautiful scenery
I enjoyed your adventure! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for bring us with you.
I have went to Grand canyon camping and it ain't like east tn. for sure a different kind of beauty for sure. Thanks for posting.
Great video. Clear and informative information. Outstanding you two! :)
My stomping ground. Glad you enjoyed the beautiful Sonoran desert. Not usually that much water, though. And 80 F? That's sweater weather. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome video and adventure. Thanks for sharing 👍🏼
Thanks for sharing the amazing views. Your videos have highly motivated me to get back out and do some backpacking.
It is amazing what people do to go have fun.
You two are so neat. Wonderful to see a nice couple enjoying the outdoors. Wish I knew you so we could hike together. Love how well you get along together. Wonderful video. I am happy that your video is a long one. This area is not on RUclips as much as other places. Sara is a neat lady. Glad that she enjoys the outdoors too. I grew up in Prescott in my youth when it was just a small town. Love Arizona. Keep the videos coming. Perhaps you could do some of southern Utah. Happy hiking.
Fun adventures!!! 👍 Enjoyed your video, thanks!
nice trip guys amazing how the temp moves around out there. Enjoy room service, bath etc. Dave (from over the pond) :-)
I enjoyed ya'll video. I used to work in Phoenix but never got to go up the Superstition Mtn's. and spend any time there. I bet you're glad you didn't go there in the Summer time when it gets Really Hot there.
Lived out there in the 70's......miss those mts! (and cactus,snakes,scorpions and sand!)
@24:45 WOW!!! That view! Beautiful scenery
Ahhh, hiking with the one you love!
Love the channel and watching ya'lls hikes. I miss AZ, lived there for 3 years and got to do plenty of hiking but never got a chance to do any overnights. That, and not seeing the Grand Canyon are still two of my biggest regrets from my move back to the east.
Was out there for 7 years myself and also never made it the big Canyon!
you lived there for three years and didn't see the grand canyon??? ok then..
I love the LaBarge/Charlebois area -great video!
Enjoyed it very much.
Thanks a lot.
All of your vids are great.
Most convenient place to backpack for me gotta love it
Great Video Guys! It's my first vid of you two, Def going to watch more. Thank You!
Nice video! That trail looks very interesting. Would make for a nice, early spring hike.
Very nice looking area for camping! 😃🇫🇮
Awesome a always...but...it's about time.lol Thanks for the vids!
excellent video.....we have been doing day hikes in this area for 5 months. .....
Thank you for making this video, enjoyed it very much.
My favorite backpacking team and video. I also love their other backpacking videos. Makes me wanna go back packing in Arizona but im too scared of coming in contact with a cougar lol
Right on! Something cool to watch tonight..
I FLEW OUT THERE FOR MY SON TO PICK UP A TRUCK FOR HIM .IT WAS GORGEOUS . DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO HIKE BUT WOULD LOVE TO GO BACK & ENJOY WHAT YOU'LL DID . GOT TO DRIVE OVER THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS AT NIGHT IT WAS LIKE GOING TO HEAVEN , TO HELL , THEN GOING LEFT OR RIGHT & MAYBE SEEING SIGNS FOR PULL OFFS FOR BRAKES . NEW MEXICO IS AWESOME! GLAD YOU BOTH MADE IT SAFELY BACK .THANK YOU AGAIN.
Nice..i can knock that off my bucket list!!
Now this looks like a much better winter trip compared to my winter hammock trip along Lake Superior. My wife was watching and you gave her ideas with the juice. lol Very Good Video! I like how you take us on new adventures. Thanks Sintax & Sara :) Bob
Haha, yes - January on Lake Superior would have been a much different experience than our 86° afternoons out there! Thankfully, it warmed up quickly in the morning, but that second morning was shockingly cold.
The attack bushes are gray thorn. We call it cat's claw locally as the thorns are curved. Stumble into it and it is tough to get out of. Spend a lot of time in the superstitions. It is some rugged country. Great video.
I've lived here in Tempe (PHX Metro) for 17yrs. Thanks for documenting your hike/camping trip...That saves me a trip..LOL I prefer driving the Apache Trail in the Superstition Mtn area for my AZ scenic viewing. Good move on your part doing your hike in January rather than late spring or summer !! I believe we do get most of our rain in the winter and spring..it's usually bone dry in the summer months though..I didn't realize that there was that much water and green oasis areas there..
New subscriber loved thiz awesome video!!!!ty sharing soul much.Your a Beautiful Couple!These type videos I love Absolutely Love Az.Lived in.Tucson at one point only couple months bisit my cousin.💛❣❣💛
Boy do I have a lot of catching up to do on your vids... just started watching this one and it looks like I missed several more! Excited to see that you made it west.
+lambchopxoxo Yeah, this was a really fun a different trip for us. Welcome back to the channel!
Brilliant video..enjoyed it so very very much.
I lived in the desert for 17 years, I love it, and you can see so much sky space and depth into space, particularly at Night.
Hope you guys had some binoculars or telescope lenses.
Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy !!!
PS: You guys almost made work out of your vacation.
I'd be more interested in "taking in more" over "treking in more", lol, experiencing the feeling of particular parts of the environment. We each have our own happy zone.
woooooo, boy, it's my birthday! :D
(not literally, just like, because that's how I, feel, like, when Sintax77 comes out with a new video :)
enjoyed the trip as always guys
The desert and I have a semilike - hate relationship lol. I've camped a great many nights out there. I'm always glad to return to the forest though. Those temp swings. Fun and interesting visit but I'm good for a while.
Great hike guys, enjoyed watching. Have a great new years 2018. Thumbs up!