Holidays and hiking go together. Every winter, clear blue skies, and warm sunshine beckon all who wish to enjoy the desert in all its glory. It is just way too perfect for staying indoors.
Beauty in the Superstitions.
One of our favorite holiday hikes is the Hieroglyphic trail, Gold Canyon, AZ. The Superstition Mountains are massive and rugged—full of sharp drop-offs, canyons, and cliffs. I was not surprised to find that this range is also one of the most photographed and painted—second only to the Grand Canyon.
Last December, Dave and I, along with daughter Hillary, and son-in-law Bruno, headed out to Gold Canyon to enjoy the day, stretch our legs and view some hieroglyphics.
The trailhead was tucked away within the boundaries of Gold Canyon, an unincorporated city just outside Apache Junction. We had no problems finding the parking lot, thanks to quaint wooden signage posted along the way. The hike that day was relatively short (about 3 miles) but packed a scenic punch.
We followed the gentle incline to a gate—the entrance to the Superstition Wilderness. Teddybear cholla and saguaros filled the landscape. Within minutes, suburbia was left far behind.
Cactus as far as the eye can see.
As we approached the mouth of the canyon, it became rocky, and the trail narrowed.
On the way up.
At trails end, we gazed down upon smooth volcanic rocks that surrounded a dry stream bed. Small residual pools of water were present, and often exist year-round.
View from the mouth of the canyon.
The Hohokam had the right idea. This canyon must have been the perfect lookout as well as an excellent location for gathering. To the south lay Gold Canyon and the Gila River Valley and to the north—the Superstition ridgeline towered above us.
Hillary and Bruno exploring the canyon
Etched upon the canyon wall were hieroglyphics—plentiful, intricate, and still highly visible.
Take notes.
According to George Johnston (president emeritus of the Superstition Mountain Museum), in the late 1860s, local farmers gave these mountains their name after hearing stories through the Pima Indians of strange sounds, mysterious disappearances, fear and trepidation. There was superstition. Oooooooh.
Dave exploring hieroglyphics.
Hmmm. Perhaps these were the stories shared up in that canyon. Maybe not. Regardless, after viewing the hieroglyphics, it seems to me that they sure had a lot to say.