Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide

MASSACRE GROUNDS

If an easy hike in the shadow of the Superstition wilderness appeals to you, then you'll like this hike.

HOW TO GET THERE

This hike is located near Apache Junction, AZ.

To get to the trailhead: From the Phoenix area, take US-60 East to the Idaho Road exit, turn left (North) on this exit. After Main Street, take HWY-88 which forks off to the right towards the lakes. After about 5 miles you will pass the Lost Dutchman State Park on the right side of the road. An additional 0.2 miles will get you to the First Water trailhead turnoff (FR78). Drive 0.9 miles on this well graded dirt road. You will pass the trailhead for the Crosscut trail on the right. A sign stating "No Firearms" will mark the right turn onto FR28. FR28 is a rough road, for high clearance vehicles only. Take FR28 0.6 miles to the unmarked trailhead parking area.

RATING

Be Aware of: a little route finding

30 yr old Recommendation: This is a particularly good hike after a rain. The desert turns surprisingly green and the wildflowers abound. The loop described here is a Easy hike.

DETAILS

Elevation change: About 800 ft elevation gain.

Distance: The hike described is 3.0 miles for the loop hike described.

Time: This hike took about 2 hours with a 15 minute break for exploring the area.

Time of year: All Year. If hiking in the summer, best start this hike early in the morning because it can get hot. Best hiked during cooler weather after some rain.

Solitude: Surprisingly good considering the close proximity of this hike to Phoenix. We saw about 10 other hikers on this day.    

This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. After parking at the trailhead, the trail starts at the break in the fence. Although the trail is not signed, the trail beats a well worn path into the Superstition wilderness area.

The destination of this hike is the location of a rumored ambush of Spanish miners by Apache Indians. The real attraction in this area is the desert itself, especially after a rain. The trail climbs gradually and is not very strenuous. As you climb, be sure to stop and look around once in a while to enjoy the unfolding views.

After a rain this area explodes in colors. Red, yellow, purple, and orange wildflowers cover the mountainsides, giving an entirely different perspective on the desert.

There is some light route finding involved, as once in a while a faint spur trail may tail off from the main trail. Many of these spur trails end up back on the main trail, but you should try to follow the most well worn path. At some points in the trail, keep your eyes out for cairns to stay on trail. Eventually the trail peters out near the base of the Superstition mountain range. This is a nice spot to sit down and relax.

When you are finished enjoying the views and the flowers, return the way you came.

[Views of the desert on a cloudy day]

[wildflowers on the trail]

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