Superstition Mountain

Shadows over Superstition Mountain, Arizona. Photo obeck.

Clouds over Superstition Mountain

Storm clouds gather over the mountain. Photo Adamos Maximus.

Clouds

Closer look at the cloud-covered mountain. Photo Adamos Maximus.

View of the mountain from Goldfield Ghost Town. Photo Jc Olivera.

Ancient petroglyphs on the Hieroglyphic Trail. Photo David Porter.

More ancient petroglyphs at Superstition Mountain. Photo David Porter.

Location map and aerial view of Superstition Mountain. For a larger interactive view, see our USA Map.

This article was contributed by Suzie Jones, travel writer for Fodor's Gold Guides.

The most painted and photographed landmark in Arizona after the Grand Canyon, Superstition Mountain is a 3,000-foot-tall fault bound volcanic plug that speaks with the deep rumbling thunder of both ancient and modern sacred beliefs.

History

Superstition Mountain was made 29 million years ago. When it was formed the caldera that gave birth to the mountain was seven miles in diameter and resulted in a mountain a thousand feet higher than it is today.

For local Native Americans (who believe all big mountains are sacred) this place near Apache Junction has many names. During the last couple of centuries it has been a tuning fork that clearly resonates the modern day belief in happiness through wealth.

The first European visit recorded was that of Italian born missionary and explorer Fray Marcos de Niza in 1639. However it was the Pima Indians that introduced the mountain to the Salt River Valley farmers in the late 1860’s. The Pima stories centered on their fear of the mountain and the local farmers subsequently named it Superstition Mountain.

Myth & Mystery

Legends old and new abound concerning Superstition Mountain:

Indian lore – It is the home of evil spirits who are responsible for the loud rumblings from the mountain
Pima and Apache beliefs – This is where Cherwit Make (the earth maker) sits waiting to judge them and the Pima Indians will not cross these mountains
Aztlan – Although this idea is strongly contested it is equally passionately argued by writers such as Chorral Lore and Ralph Caine that the Superstition Mountains contain the ancient home (and treasure) of the Aztecs.
Circlestone – A pre-historic Native American site estimated to have been built around 1200 AD. Originally thought to be a form of stock coral upon its discovery, later investigations point to religious use.

Most of the modern legends were sparked from the US$ 3 million in Gold removed from the Mammoth mine in the mountain:

Jacob Waltz – a legendary lost gold mine called the Lost Dutchman mine since his death in 1891
Geronimo’s Gold Cave – a tale of Spanish gold lost forever

What to See

Superstition Mountain is not the highest point in the area. Mountain peaks top 6,000 feet above sea level and this wilderness is a lucky dip of diversity with canyons, deserts, giant Saguaro cactus, Mountain lions and amphibians. It is a harsh playground with temperatures that can exceed 115°F in summer and drop below freezing in winter. The most temperate time is the popular hiking season from October to May when temperatures average between 65 to 85°F.

There are many trails in the Lost Dutchman State Park - don’t miss the Praying Hands, the Flatiron and the Peralta Trail (the Peralta brothers were the first to discover gold here), which runs across the Fremont Saddle and down into the eastern wilderness.

Whether the legendary gold will ever be found, the Superstition wilderness occupying 242 square miles around the mountain has a wealth of diverse fauna and flora that is accessible to anyone with a pair of hiking boots and a desire for fresh air. Look out for exposed ancient Indian petroglyphs when you wander about. Although almost 100,000 people visit this wilderness most of them hike less than a mile, preferring to concentrate on the abandoned ghost towns and historical museums. If you venture further, the Great American Outdoors will be experienced in all its glory.

The Apache Trail offers luxury resorts and spas where you can play golf in a landscape straight out of your favorite 1950s TV western. The Verde River and the lakes of Canyon and Saguaro are also in close proximity.

Quick Facts

Site Information
Names:	Superstition Mountain; Wikchsawa, Ka-Katak-Tami
Location:	Arizona, USA
Faith:	Indigenous
Categories:	Sacred Rocks; Rock Art
Features:	Petroglyphs
Visitor Information
Address:	U.S. Route 60 and State Route 88, Arizona, USA
Coordinates:	33.410093° N, 111.400938° W (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:	View hotels near this location
Website:	www.arizona-leisure.com/superstition-mountain.html
Cost:	Free

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Article Sources

Article contributed by Suzie Jones with reference to the following sources:

Swanson, James A. and Kollenborn, Tom. A Superstition Mountain Mystery
Lindsay, Diana and Lindsay, Lowell (2006). The Anza-Borrego Desert Region: A Guide to the State Park and Adjacent Areas of the Western Colorado Desert Wilderness Press.
Ralph L. Caine (1951). Legendary and Geological History of Lost Desert Gold
Pepper, Choral. Desert Lore of Southern California
Skinner, Charles M. (1896). Myths and Legends of Our Own Land

Last updated on July 13, 2010.