Superstition Wilderness

When my friend and neighbor TJ used to come out to Arizona, 25 years ago and more, Superstition Wilderness was his favorite place to hike. It still is. Now back in the day (when he was a younger man) he would hike this area during the summers with temperatures reaching well over a 100 degrees. On this trail TJ showed me the exact spot where he decided to sleep in the shade for an hour or two on a particularly hot day until it got a little cooler. Unfortunately, he rolled over onto a small Cholla Cactus while doing so. As you might guess, that was not a lot fun.

Anyway, today we started the hike in the mid 60s and ended in the mid 70s. Gorgeous day for a hike. Some really spectacular views (I always say that, I know). My favorite area was called “Garden Valley.”

It was 2.5 hour drive from our homes to the trailhead, about 5.5 hours on the trail, 2.5 hour drive back, dinner in Prescott Valley afterwards. I had a hot shower when I got home and fell asleep on the couch watching television. Great day!

Legend of the Lost Dutchman

FYI, TJ and I were unsuccessful in finding the cache of gold which the Legend of the lost Dutchman says is hidden somewhere in the Superstition Wilderness. Maybe next time! Read the The Wikipedia article.