Superstition Mountains & Four Peaks Backpacking

"Three, four peaks all I could see
In the morning it's a hundred and ten degrees,
But I like the goddamn heat." - Gin Blossoms

Superstition Mountains
The Superstition Mountains got their name for a reason: legend, lore... and a lost gold mine! You may not stumble upon the hidden riches, but we'll show you other Sonoran Desert treasures like petroglyphs and ancient ruins.

We like to take backpackers to Reavis Ranch and Rogers Canyon, just east of the Phoenix area. Reavis Ranch is a secluded valley in the center of the eastern Superstitions. There's an old abandoned apple orchard that still bears fruit.

The Reavis Ranch trail follows the path of an old road that was used to access the ranch in the mid 20th century, but certain parts look much more like a rocky trail than a road. Most of the backpacking trip has desert terrain, but you'll also hike through shady areas.

We can also take you in a 4-wheel drive to Rogers Canyon, which is known for its unique cliff dwellings. These remarkable ruins were once home to a community of ancient Native Americans. You'll travel along a creek bed and through wooded areas. There's always extra time to explore the dwellings and soak up the streams.

Difficulty
(5)

OH @#%&!
(1)

Solitude
(9)

Mazatzal Mountains
Northeast of Phoenix, you'll see four seemingly equal triangular peaks along the horizon. That's (not surprisingly) called Four Peaks. There are a ton of trails in this area.

You can trek up Browns Trail, which leads to the highest of the four peaks, or visit an old amethyst mine that was once owned by a close relative of one of the Just Roughin' It owners. Remnants of a wildfire several years back still line the road to several trailheads, but many of the trails themselves are still thick with green brush.

Locally, Four Peaks has another claim to fame - it's the name of a favorite Tempe brewery and really tasty brew.

Difficulty
(3 to 8)

OH @#%&!
(3 to 6)

Solitude
(5 to 9)

Trip Cost/Person