Superstition Mountain
Shadows over Superstition Mountain, Arizona. Photo
obeck.
Storm clouds gather over the mountain. Photo
Adamos Maximus.
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.
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 125°F in summer and drop below freezing in winter. The most temperate time is the popular hiking season from September to June when the air is a pleasant 100 to 115°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
| Names: | Superstition Mountain, Wikchsawa, Ka-Katak-Tami |
| Type of site: | Sacred mountain |
| Faith: | Various legends including ancient Indian |
| Dates: | 29 million years old |
| Location: | East of Phoenix Arizona |
| Address: | U.S. Route 60 and State Route 88 |
| Website: | www.arizona-leisure.com/superstition-mountain.html |
Article 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
This article was contributed by Suzie Jones, travel writer for Fodor's Gold Guides.
