The Ridgeline hike in the Superstitions is Iconic! Alltrails lists it as 10.7 miles from end to end, gulp, that's a lot with over 4,250 feet of elevation gain. But, it is doable, because people have done it!
The plan is a bit different than the description, because we would start at the Peralta Trail and go to the top of the flat iron. Descending the flat iron is a potentially the most dangerous part of this hike, so we may not do it. It also adds about 2.5 miles each way, but the elevation is still the elevation, so expect 4k up. Thus, we should expect under 8.5 miles and 4k elevation on this segment
Returning to the starting point is the greatest question of the planning portion of the trip, which I will suggest is either along the bottom, which would include a descent down the Hieroglyphic Trail and a return along the base of the mountain. Finding the Hieroglyphic Trail to descend will be fun and adds about 3.5 miles to the 8.5 miles, which puts us at 12 miles. The bonus is that we get to see hundreds of petroglyphs along the way down:
Returning to the start has a trail too! I could not find the specifics but here is the information on a loop that includes the return route along the base of the mountain. In fact, it is the entire loop less the adventure to the top of the flat iron. This loop's stats state it is 11.6 miles and 3.4k up. Doing some quick math with the Alltrails elevation guide, we see that 5 miles is the basic return without much elevation change.
The trip as designed would be almost 17 miles. We can shorten it to 12 if we don't go to the top of the flat iron. The trip could return the same way we go along the ridge depending on our temperaments, time, and other factors like water use/availability. There is water to filter on the Hieroglyphic Trail.
Not yet planned, but definitely on the list are the Circle Stone Ruins, Triple Arch Trail,
Options:
Circlestone should be read about, and guess what, there is a quick read. I will go to my local library to borrow a copy of the book.
This trip can be made multiple ways, long and shorter and from different directions. Researching the opportunities will be important decisions. One way is to start at Roosevelt Lake!
There are bears! There are many things out in these mountains you would not expect....there will be animals like goats, mountain lions, and more...
Triple Arch Trail is out and back and looks to be absolutely delightful.
Fitness Corridors (biking in greater Phoenix along canals...one point is near where you live)
There is so much nearby....here is a good book to think about as your guidebook.
Of course, there is always the Arizona Trail to go from end to end in Arizona.
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