Difficulty: 5 Route: 3
Distance RT 12 miles
Trailhead Elv 2100 feet
Elev Gain 2800 feet
Accum Gain 4300 feet
Avg Time RT 6-8 hour

This trail has changed over the many years in existence, and with the urban sprawl reaching to the base of the Superstitions it is some times difficult to find the old trailhead. There are some magnificent saguaros and picture perfect photos ops of the superstitions along the way.

After about 25 minutes you'll reach the official trail head of the Hieroglyphics Trail. The trail from this point climbs gradually through fields of saguaros, jumping cholla paloverde, creosote bush and other desert plants. As the trail rises to Hieroglyphics Canyon, the end of your destination, teddy bear chollas join the cacti present along the trail. There are wonderful views of Mesa and Apache Junction to the west and wilderness are to the east. It is at this point the trail levels out some and is great place to stop and take in the beauty of the desert. The trail continues and follows the drainage channel from the canyon and some spectacular views of the canyon and rock formations can be seen along the way. After some minor rocks to climb over you have reached the end of the trail and can view some remarkable Indian hieroglyphics. Beware though, some of the hieroglyphics have been recently etched by some modern day morons. After rains there will be pools of water in the rock areas. Every time I have been there water was present and it was polluted. On the return trip the views are just as great as the conversation about the hieroglyphics you've just seen. The total distance is about 1.8 miles from the official trail head. This is a great trail for winter visitors, visitors from back east, or anyone looking for a easy fun trail to hike in the beauty of the Superstition Mountains. You can stop at the water pools or continue upward!

But beware! This will be the longest 1.8 mile hike you will ever do..so it will seem. We will actually be heading up into the canyon much farther with lots of elevation gain before we reach the Ridgeline. Bouldering, scanning waterfalls, and incredibly adventurous not to mention a full body workout!! This is not a stroll in the park but some of the most spectacular scenery as the Canyon opens up along the way. Bring plenty of water and carb supplements...you will definitely need them. Do bring gloves and proper clothing as their might be some catclaw and desert flora to migrate around. Once on the Superstitions Ridgeline we will attempt to scale Superstitions Peak Mountain. After we scale the peak we will then head back down the way we came to our cars and be back saturday afternoon.

Directions to Hieroglyphics Trailhead: From the East Valley follow US 60 East to South Kings Ranch Road. Kings Ranch Road is 14.1 miles east of Power Road for reference. Turn North on Kings Ranch Rd and follow to 2.8 miles to Baseline. Turn East on Baseline and follow 0.2 miles to Mohican. Turn North onto Mohican and follow 0.4 miles to Valleyview Road. Turn West onto Valleyview and follow (naturally turns North, and turns into Whitetail Road) for 1.4 miles. At the intersection of Whitetail Rd. and Cloudview Road turn East and follow 0.4 miles to the end. The trailhead parking is here and the trail is easy to spot to the East.