Main Menu | Books | Tips | Distributors | Wilderness Areas
The Superstition Wilderness, located 40 miles east of Phoenix near Apache Junction, AZ, is rich in history, from Indians (800 A.D.) to Spanish explorers (1539) to Mexicans to settlers and miners (1870s) and ranchers (1890) and military, all of which are traced in the guidebook listed below. The highest point in the wilderness tops out at 6265 feet (Mound Mountain) from a low of about 1600 feet. Its special quality was noticed early as it was declared a Forest Reserve in 1908 and was part of the original Wilderness Preservation System in 1964. Comprised of 159,780 acres, it spans a distance of 24 miles by 12 miles at its widest point. Over 140 miles of trails are available.
Visitors should be alert for venomous creatures such as rattlesnakes, scorpions, centipedes, brown recluse spiders, black widow spiders, tarantulas, and Gila Monsters. Vegetation includes creosote, palo verde, ironwood, cholla, jojoba, prickly pear, and the stately saguaro, and along water sources you can find sycamore, cottonwood, willow, and walnut trees. Animal life includes mule deer, mountain lions, javalina, coyote, hares, skunks, rabbits, porcupines, squirrels, rodents of various varieties, and a number of bird species.
Water becomes crucial in the desert. Much of the wilderness lies within the Sonoran Desert and there are few reliable water sources, so check with the local ranger office before embarking on a backpack trip. Day hikers should carry all the water they will need for the day. The availability of water can vary significantly from year to year. For example, in spring of 2001, (so I was told) rainfall was plentiful, dry washes ran wet, and the desert bloomed brilliantly. In the spring of 2002, they were in a drought and water was only available in 2 places in the entire wilderness. So check before you hike!
Main Menu | Books | Tips | Distributors | Wilderness Areas
E-mail Chuck at CMorHiker@aol.com