Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide

TREASURE LOOP TRAIL

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, turn into the Lost Dutchman State Park on the right side of the road. Park at the Saguaro Day use area (follow the signs in the park). The trailhead for the Treasure Loop trail starts here. 

RATING

Be Aware of: crowds

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 450 ft elevation gain.

Distance: The hike described is 2.5 miles for the loop hike described.

Time: This hike took about 2 hours with a detour to the Praying hands climbing 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: You won't too much solitude on this hike. Expect to share this trail with 30-50 other hikers.    

Map: Click here  

This is a nice introductory hike to the Superstition mountain wilderness area. The trail is well defined and well signed. The elevation gain is also gradual. The Treasure Loop Trail #56 starts from the Saguaro day use area. The trail slowly gains elevation as it heads directly towards the Superstition Mountains. Typical desert plants of Saguaro, prickly pear, and Cholla are seen here. After a rain, the wildflowers quickly overrun this area and add color rarely seen by the desert.

You will pass Jacob's Crosscut trail (#58), continue on the Treasure Loop trail. The climbing will peak at Green Boulder where it splits to the left or right. Going right will take you to the Siphon Draw trail. To stay on this loop hike, go left here. The hike runs parallel to the Superstition Mountains for a while, then starts to lose elevation. There is a wood bench at this point that marks the point at which you can take the secret trail to the Praying Hands.

The trail to the Praying Hands is less defined and more strenuous than the Treasure Loop trail. This trail does get you closer to the interesting spire formations of the Praying Hands. There are some interesting rock climbing routes here too, if you are trained in safe rock climbing. This part of the trail is less crowded and presents an opportunity for some solitude and good views not seen from the main trail. If you do take this trail, a good spot to turn around is the saddle between the spires.

The real treat of this hike is the impressive up close views of the Superstition mountains and Apache Junction framed in the desert.

Continuing on the Treasure Loop trail, the remainder of the hike goes through the same desert scenery and heads towards the Cholla Day use parking area.  

From the Cholla parking area, it is a short walk to the Saguaro parking area.

[Views of the Superstition Mountain Wilderness on a cloudy day]

[Praying Hands rock formation]

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