Reasons to Backpack the Superstition Wilderness

Arizona
Nov 2018

Wilderness, solitude, history – backpack the Superstition Wilderness and you’ll find it all.

Arizona’s Superstition Wilderness is the best winter backpacking destination you’ve never heard of. Winter in central Arizona’s Sonoran Desert offers mild weather and welcome respite from the winter storms that descend on much of the US and Canada. Make the most of the moderate temperatures and discover the desert’s wild side while backpacking the Superstition Wilderness. The beautifully rugged terrain, multitude of backpacking routes taking you far away from crowds, and the exciting native and settler legends of the region will have you yearning to hike every trail of the Superstition Mountains.

1. UNTAMED TERRAIN

backpack the superstition wilderness.

The Superstition Wilderness has over 160,000 acres of rugged and steep terrain. It’s located within the Tonto National Forest. It’s easy to get sidetracked by the variety of flora and fauna you’ll encounter here – from the boulder piles to small watering holes, and saguaro forests to pockets of ponderosa pine – there’s so much to explore.

 

2. TRAILS TO YOURSELF

A male hiker smiling.

If you’re looking for trails less-traveled, you’ll find them in the Superstition Wilderness. A backpacking trip takes you deeper into this mountainous landscape along virtually untrodden routes.

 

3. SUPERSTITIOUS HISTORY

A black and white photo of the Superstition Mountains.

You may not find the legendary Lost Dutchman gold mine on your backpacking trip, but you’ll learn the rich history of how this wilderness was named and why explorers still tell its wild mountain tales.