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. They are roughly bounded by U.S. Route 60 on the south, Arizona State Route 88 on the northwest, and Arizona State Route 188 on the northeast.
10-490: The mountains were once known in Spanish as Sierra de la Espuma ("Foam Mountain"). The range has a maximum elevation of 6,266 ft (1,910 m) and prominence of 1,706 ft (520 m) at Mound Mountain in the far eastern section of the range. The mountains are in the federally designated Superstition Wilderness Area , and include a variety of natural features in addition to its namesake mountain. Weavers Needle ,
20-410: A popular trail that leads up to Fremont Saddle, which provides a very picturesque view of Weavers Needle. Miner's Needle is another prominent formation in the wilderness and a popular hiking destination. Lost Dutchman State Park , located on the west side of Superstition Mountain, includes several short hiking and mountain bike trails. Circlestone includes ancient stone monuments. As with most of
30-545: A prominent landmark and rock climbing destination set behind and to the east of Superstition Mountain, is a tall eroded volcanic remnant that plays a significant role in the legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine . Numerous hiking trails cross the mountains from multiple access points, including the Peralta Trailhead, the most popular. Peralta Canyon , on the northeast side of Superstition Mountain, contains
40-407: A rich vein of gold, and many treasure hunters have searched for it. The hunt for gold around Weavers Needle has been pursued by hundreds (possibly thousands) of people. Weavers Needle has a large split in the side that makes it look like it has two tops, not one. This can only be viewed from the side. Weavers Needle can be climbed as a four-pitch route. Each of the pitches is rated a 5.0 or less, with
50-478: The cause of severe dust storms in the metropolitan region. Weavers Needle Weavers Needle is a 1,000-foot-high (300 m) column of rock that forms a distinctive peak visible for many miles around. Located in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix, Arizona , Weavers Needle was created when a thick layer of tuff (fused volcanic ash)—a volcanic plug —was heavily eroded, creating
60-698: The gold and came up with the secret mine to explain his theft. The legends and lore of the Superstition Mountains can be experienced at the Superstition Mountain Museum on the Apache Trail where artifacts of the Lost Dutchman are on display. Some Apaches believe that the hole leading down into the lower world, or hell, is located in the Superstition Mountains. Winds blowing from the hole are supposed to be
70-573: The legend, a German immigrant named Jacob Waltz discovered a mother lode of gold in the Superstition Wilderness and revealed its location on his deathbed in Phoenix in 1891 to Julia Thomas, a boarding-house owner who had taken care of him for many years. Several mines have been claimed to be the actual mine that Waltz discovered, but none of those claims have been verified. Waltz was a miner at Vulture Mine , where he likely stole
80-488: The second pitch being more of a class 4 scramble. The route is trad (traditional climbing), and opportunities for protection with traditional gear are ample. No permit is required to hike to Weavers Needle, to climb, or to camp at the top. Highly experienced climbers will often free-solo, and rappel from the fixed anchors at the top. Despite the relatively low rating of the climb, this is not recommended for beginner or intermediate climbers. The area surrounding Weavers Needle
90-412: The spire as an erosional remnant with a summit elevation of 4,555 feet (1,388 m). It is set in a desert landscape of cactus and mesquite bush, with large Saguaro cacti particularly prominent. The peak was named after mountain man Pauline Weaver . Weavers Needle has played a significant role in the stories of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine . The Needle's shadow reportedly indicates the location of
100-423: The terrain surrounding the Phoenix metropolitan area, the Superstition Mountains have a desert climate, with high summer temperatures and a handful of perennial sources of water. The elevation in the more remote, eastern portion of the wilderness is higher than the western portion, which lowers temperatures slightly. The legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine centers around the Superstition Mountains. According to
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