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Superstition Mountains

The Superstition Mountains, located at the southwestern edge of the central mountains, are mostly volcanic in character, the apparent remnants of a gigantic caldera. Local hikers fondly refer to the range as the “Sups.” The western canyons and mountains of the Sups are part of the Sonoran Desert, and range from 2000 to 5000 feet in elevation. Desert shrubs, cactus, and grasslands are the primary vegetation in this western region. The eastern end of the Superstition Mountains features a metamorphic geology of largely granitic rocks. Elevations are higher in the eastern Sups, and the terrain is mostly covered with high desert grassland, chaparral brush, and pinyon pine and juniper woodland. A few pockets of stately ponderosa pines favor cool canyon bottoms and north slopes. Mound Mountain is the highest point in the Sups, at 6266 feet. The Superstition Wilderness Area encompasses nearly the entire range. Though relatively small, the wilderness is rugged and includes a thorough network of trails. This creates opportunities for a variety of backpack trips of several days.