Supes Hike

[kgmolson]

Hi All,

I have been in the area since about June and still havent been to the Supes, I have mainly spent most of my time up north. So now I figure its about that time to hit em up.

So I am looking for a real kick pumpkin hike through the Supes, I am thinking a 10-15 mile day hike loop. I would like it to kick my butt a bit, but also be a little forgiving at the sametime.

any ideas?

[Al_HikesAZ]

Many of the trails in the Supes lend themselves to nice loop hikes. Look at Joe's HikeArizona map of the Western Supers. And buy the Beartooth map of the Superstitions. When you really get into hiking in the Supes, buy the Carlson & Stewart book - Hiker's Guide to the Superstitions. It has a lot of history and lore about these hikes.

Here are some nice Fall-Winter-Spring loops.
From Peralta TH
a couple of nice loops around Bluff Spring Mountain
Bluff Spring Loop & Weaver's View http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=12
Bluff Spring Mountain Loop. http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=187

Here are a couple others from Peralta TH.
Weaver's Needle Loop via Peralta TH http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=204
Whiskey West - Red Tanks Loop http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=197

From First Water TH
BlackTop Mesa also offers some nice loop hikes.
Black Top Mesa http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=170

[kgmolson]

Perfect! Thanks!

I just picked up the book the other day.

What about Reavis Falls, what are some good routes to take to get there?

[Al_HikesAZ]

For dayhikes, I think of Reavis as out&backs - not loops. Reavis 109 South or Reavis 109 north are both great out & back. For backpacking, you can create several loops.
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=270

[Hoffmaster]

Without a doubt, Battleship Mtn should be near the top of your list.

[SuperstitionGuy]

What are your interests, trails, off trail, peaks, ridgelines, riparian canyons, indian, mining or ranching ruins, etc. etc.?
There is currently only one defined trail on HAZ to Reavis Falls but there dosen't need to be! Has anyone yet hiked down the drainage to the east of Plow Saddle to see where it takes you? Has anyone yet found the American Flyer childs wagon left behind by a prospecting family? What about that cave, with what appears to be a cabin inside? And just where is that indian cliff dwelling that no one has reported on yet?

[big_load]

Just when I thought I was finished with hiking in from the North TH you had to go and post that challenge.

[djui5]

any ideas?

First water to 2nd water to Boulder trail to Calvary trail. From here you can intersect the Dutchman trail. You've got 2 ways to go, either down and around Bluff Springs, hiking back up Terrapin to intersect with the Dutchman again, or you can head West on the Dutchman and cut down across the South side of Black Top Mesa. Follow this trail back out to First Water.

This hike will give you views of most of the major sites in the Supers. You get to see Garden Valley, Black Mesa, 2nd water spring, Boulder Canyon, Battleship mountain, Peters Mesa and Malapais, Marsh Valley, Black Mountain, Bluff Springs Mountain, Needle Canyon, Black Top Mesa, Weavers Needle, Boulder Basin, and Parker Pass (I'll post pictures from the real Parker Pass someday). It is a fantastic hike, yet a long one. Should be able to do in a day if your used to hiking a lot. Might be a little dark as you get closer back home, but there isn't a lot "exiciting" to see between Parker Pass and First Water.

[kgmolson]

These suggestions sound great! I did the Perata to Cave trail on Monday and had a blast chipping at the surface. I thought the Perata Trail was ok, but was really impressed by the Cave Trail... have any of you guys done the reverse loop Cave to Peralta?

Just found out I have a long weekend... looks like i will be digging into some of the hike ya'll suggested!!! Thanks again!

[joebartels]

Reverse Cave is okay, but you can squeak that one out in the summer.
Since you have the book you better head out quick before it gets hot and do Trip #37

[kgmolson]

trip 37! Consider it done... thanks Joe.