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The Superstition Mountains (Yavapai: Wi:kchsawa) is a range of mountains in Arizona located to the east of the Phoenix metropolitan area. They are anchored by Superstition Mountain, a large mountain that is a popular recreation destination for residents of the Phoenix, Arizona, area.
Where are the Superstition Mountains in Phoenix Arizona?
Trail Summaries – Superstition Mountains and the west Superstition Wilderness Trail (with number) Length (one way) (miles) Elevation Change (feet) Bull Pass #129 1.6 470 Terrapin #234 2.9 800 Bluff Spring #235 3.4 800 Second Water #236 3.3 500.
Why do they call Superstition Mountain?
Next to the Grand Canyon, the Superstition Mountain range is the most photographed and painted landmark in Arizona. This influenced the farmers to believe the Pimas were superstitious about this particular mountain, and thus the name Superstition Mountain was born.
Where is the Lost Dutchman mine located?
The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine (also known by similar names) is, according to legend, a rich gold mine hidden in the southwestern United States. The location is generally believed to be in the Superstition Mountains, near Apache Junction, east of Phoenix, Arizona.
How do I get to the Superstition Mountains?
When driving from the Phoenix/GIlbert/Mesa area, take U.S. 60 east, and exit Idaho Road. Go left (north) on Idaho Road, until you reach AZ Highway 88 (the road to Canyon Lake / Lost Dutchman State Park).. Turn right (northeast) on AZ Highway 88. Drive northeasterly along AZ Highway 88 approximately 3.1 miles.
Where can I take pictures of Superstition Mountains?
Where to photograph the Superstitions. Lost Dutchman State Park, at the foot of the mountains, is a great location for photographers. You can camp there, so you’ll be in place for first or last light. There are bold angles of the mountains with lots of desert plants in the foreground.
Are the Superstition Mountains open?
Park and Facility Hours 6 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Day Use Gates are closed and locked from 8 p.m.- 6 a.m. daily.
Is the Lost Dutchman Mine Found?
For more than a century, adventurous souls have sought the Lost Dutchman Mine, and since 1891, more than a hundred people have claimed to find it. But the mine remains shrouded in mystery, so much so that it might not exist at all.
Has anyone found gold in the Superstition Mountains?
Legend has it that in about the 1870s a German miner named Jacob Waltz found gold in the Superstition Mountains — recovered some, and then hid the mine. According to historians like Superstition Mountain Historical Society’s Gregory Davis, there’s some truth to that legend. GREGORY DAVIS: He did exist.
Can you drive to the top of Superstition Mountain?
Description. This is a long drive through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest with amazing scenery and canyons you’ll drive through. Its about a 40 minute drive to the beginning of the trail from Phoenix, and the trail itself is close to a two hour drive, if you don’t plan on stopping along the way.
Is there still gold in Arizona?
Gold has been mined in all areas of Arizona. Much of the total production comes as a byproduct of copper mining, but placers are also found throughout the state with abundant gold still waiting to be found.
Where is Jacob Waltz buried?
Jacob Waltz is buried in the old pioneers cemetery in Phoenix.
What Indian tribe lived in the Superstition Mountains?
Thousands of years ago, the Apache Indians hid something remarkable deep inside this impassible mountain range. These foreboding hills are known as the Superstition Mountains, and buried deep within them is an amazing secret.
What city is near the Superstition Mountains?
Apache Junction, Arizona Superstition Wilderness Location Maricopa / Pinal / Gila counties, Arizona, US Nearest city Apache Junction, Arizona Coordinates 33°28′41″N 111°14′20″WCoordinates: 33°28′41″N 111°14′20″W Area 159,757 acres (64,651 ha).
What is there to do near the Superstition Mountains?
Things to Do near Superstition Mountains Superstition Mountain Museum. #2 of 10 things to do in Apache Junction. Apache Trail Tours. #1 of 8 Outdoor Activities in Apache Junction. Lost Dutchman State Park. Goldfield Ghost Town. OK Corral. Barleens Dinner Show. Saguaro Lake Ranch Kayaking & Tubing. Superstition Zipline.
Can you shoot at Superstition Mountain?
Shooting is permitted where safe. Please clean up your cartridges and target material.
Is Peralta Trailhead open?
Area Status: Open From Peralta Trailhead to Fremont Saddle, the trail is often down to bedrock and provides difficult footing.
Can you camp in Superstition Wilderness?
Established campgrounds along the west side of the Apache Trail offer places to camp for up to 14 days. Lost Dutchman State Park provides the easiest access, just 10 minutes from Apache Junction.
Is Peralta Trail closed?
Many popular trails—including Peralta Trail, Wind Cave Trail and Pass Mountain Trail—are closed. Recreation sites on forest roads not listed as open are closed. Before you head to the lake or forest for some recreation, check the Tonto NF website for currently open sites.
How much gold has been found in the Superstition Mountains?
mined the area, sinking three shafts and thousands of feet of drifts. The main shaft ran 1,000 feet, and during the company’s years of operation, $67,000 worth of gold and silver were mined from 7,100 tons of ore.
Who Found the Lost Dutchman Mine?
Some 30 years later, Jacob Waltz — nicknamed “the Dutchman,” even though he was German — rediscovered the mine with the help of a Peralta descendant, according to legend. Waltz, who died without revealing the mine’s location, reportedly shot people who followed him as he returned to it for more gold.
Did they find Jesse Capen?
The remains found in late November in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix have been identified as those of Jesse Capen, “the gentle giant” who’d worked as a night bellman at the downtown Sheraton for almost a dozen years, all the while dreaming of searching for the Lost Dutchman.
Are there bears in the Superstition Mountains?
Bears are of no real concern in the Superstition Mountains and John paid an unexpected and mildly amusing price for his overkill decision in regard to food storage.
Is gold panning legal in Arizona?
SpecifIc areas of the State have been set aside for recreational use that includes gold panning. At Lynx Lake near Prescott and Lake Pleasant near Phoenix, unlimited panning is allowed, but no claims may be staked.
Is there gold in southern Arizona?
Arizona is most definitely one of the best states in the country to prospect for gold and other rare minerals. It seems that every part of the state has gold deposits, and the southern Arizona desert surrounding Tucson is no exception.
Can you drive through Tonto National Forest?
Tonto National Forest, in central Arizona, spans from the northeast of Phoenix to the Mogollon Rim on the west and San Carlos to Fort Apache Indian Reservation on the east. The 61-mile drive across takes approximately two hours to complete.
Is the Apache Trail Scenic Drive open?
The scenic desert drive is open year-round running through canyons, geologic formations, desert plants and trees, with desert and lake views.
Is it safe to drive the Apache Trail?
History of the Apache Trail The Apache Trail, also known more officially as Arizona State Route 88, is a 40-mile drive starting in Apache Junction and ending at Theodore Roosevelt Dam. The road is very winding, with switchbacks and sharp turns, so amateur drivers should take caution.
