Mining Camp to Siphon Draw - Superstition Mountains

Distance: Approximately 4 miles.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult depending on one's ability.

Elevation gain: 1000 feet +/- from the Mining Camp Trailhead.

Time: Expect 2-3 hours for this hike.

Fun factor: High!

Off we go, again, into the Superstitions! Regardless of the season, we hike here every few weeks, because we love it just that much. We'll use the Mining Camp Trailhead. There is some shade on this hike during the morning hours, and the temps are forecast to be in the 80's at the posted start time.

Here is an excellent link with descriptions, photos, and stats. Please read it to make sure this hike matches your abilities, but do note, we will start at a different trailhead than that noted in this link. http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=686

What to Bring: Plenty of water (we'd suggest 2-3 liters at a minimum), sunscreen, a hat, proper hiking shoes, a snack, your camera and your love of the trails. We'll stop in the Draw for a snack before heading back down.

Directions to the trailhead: Take U.S. 60 to Idaho Road (exit 196) and go north for 2.25 miles to SR88, the Apache Trail. Turn NE (slight right) on SR88 and continue about 5.5 miles or so to Nodak Rd. (It is the turn for the Mining Camp Restaurant, so look for the signs for that turn). Turn right at Nodak Rd. and then left at the 2nd Rd. (Mining Camp Rd.) and continue to follow the signs to the restaurant. At the restaurant, turn to the left into the parking lot, and park away from the restaurant on the west end of the lot.

Please note these are all paved roads ending into a gravel parking lot. There is no fee to park here, but there are no facilities available, either, so plan accordingly.

For those coming down the 101 to the 202, it is suggested that you exit at Brown Road (rather than going down to US 60) and take it east about 5 miles to AZ 88. From there, turn left, and head to the Mining Camp restaurant turnoff.

Suggested carpool location: 6:30 am at the Home Depot at Power and US 60. Go east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to Superstition Springs Blvd. exit 187. Take that exit, turn right and go 1/2 mile east, across Power Road. Then turn left, toward Home Depot, at the second driveway. Park in the southwest corner of the lot, behind Burger King. The Home Depot address is 6838 E Superstition Springs Blvd., Mesa, AZ 85208.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please state if you will be at the carpool spot, or, in the alternative, whether you will meet at the trailhead. You are responsible for yourself in this regard. There is no guarantee that anyone will be at the carpool location. If no one has indicated they will be there, please consider proceeding to the trailhead.

The forest service imposes a 15 hiker limit on all Superstition Wilderness hikes.