Considered by many to be the toughest day hike in Arizona, the cairn-marked route of the Superstition Ridgeline stretches 12 miles across the spine of the magnificent mountain range that rises above the desert floor just east of Phoenix. It’s described by John Stanley of the Arizona Republic as “a cruelly wonderful hike … across some of the most unforgiving territory in Arizona,” suitable only for those with a “combination of strong lungs, strong heart, strong legs and weak mind.” Despite such warnings, on a beautiful Sunday morning in March I set out with my colleagues and friends Tony and Karin on this challenging hike/scramble/climb.
We started from Carney Spring trailhead on the east side of the mountains, just as the early morning light was starting to illuminate the peaks and the waning moon was setting in the west. We finished 12.5 hours later at Lost Dutchman State Park, after an accumulated elevation gain of over 4000 ft, which together with the equivalent associated elevation loss, meant that our initial climb to the ridge, our slipping and sliding up and down the sharp folds of the mountain range, and our final steep descent (using hands, knees and rear) down Siphon Draw resulted in 8000+ ft of ups and downs during the day. Its reputation is well deserved!
Although the hike itself was difficult at almost every step of the way, the sensory experience was remarkable. We were treated to a wonderful day, with clear skies, temperatures in the 70s, light winds, fresh air, and expansive news in every direction, with nearly perfect visibility conditions. To the north was the heart of the Superstitions, feature Weaver’s Needle, which normally towers above many hikes in the lower elevations, but which from our vantage point was nearly lost in the jumble of ridges, cliffs, canyons, and streambeds that stretched for miles below us. Nearly every hike I’ve taken in the Superstitions could be located from our perch on top of the ridge. To the south our view took in much of the east Valley, outlining the spread of Phoenix toward Florence and beyond. In the distance were the faint outlines of the Santa Catalina mountains next to Tucson. We made a short detour and scrambled/climbed to the top of Superstition Peak, where we found an old ammunition box with a visitor’s log. It happened to be my Dad’s birthday, where I was able to leave him a short note dedicating our hike in his memory. It’s a trek he would have enjoyed during his prime years, so it was fitting that we were making this journey on his birth date.
On the ground were a host of flowers showing off their early Spring blooms, including brittlebush, globe mallow, hedgehog cactus, fairy duster, desert paintbrush, desert penstemon, lupine, desert marigold, red bells (mock vervain), and desert rock pea. Amazing rock formations and hoodoos greeted us along the full length of our trek. Ravens soared in the distance, riding the wind currents, and cactus wrens and a few songbirds added to the soundscape of our boots sliding on loose rock as we climbed and descended the steep slopes.
This was my second expedition along the Superstition Ridgeline, the first in March 2005. It took me 10 years to undertake it again, and although it was “cruelly wonderful,” we were all completely exhausted by the end, and I found myself thinking it might be another 10 years before I will be willing to subject my body to the torture of another walk across this mountain ridge. But the inspiring views will likely overtake the memories of the harsh terrain, and I may soon have the urge to try it a third time. Hopefully, I’ll be strong enough to resist the temptation …
Category:Scenic
Subcategory:Landscapes
Subcategory Detail:
Keywords:desert, mountain
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