Hiking Arizona's Superstition and Mazatzal Country

Book excerpt: Just east of the greater Phoenix area, the Superstition Mountains are a wild, rugged range of volcanic peaks, mesas, and canyons. A network of trails covers this wilderness, reaching into Sonoran desert canyons, pine forested valleys, mysterious volcanic rock formations, and jagged peaks. North of the Superstitions and still only a two hour drive from Phoenix, the Mazatzal Mountains are one of Arizona’s largest and most remote wilderness areas. You can hike for days here without seeing another hiker. Completely revised and updated, Hiking Arizona’s Superstition and Mazatzal Country, 2nd, is your ticket to exploring and enjoying this remarkable country, from the Verde River to the pine-forested peaks along the Mazatzal Crest, the jagged summits of Four Peaks, and the labyrinthine canyons of the Superstitions. This guidebook contains descriptions of enjoyable hikes from a few hours to a week in length, for everyone from family groups to ardent peak baggers. Many of the hikes are loops and have opportunities for side trips and exploration. Look inside to find: Hikes suited to every ability Mile-by-mile directional cues GPS coordinates for all trailheads as well as critical points along the hikes Easy-to-read, up-to-date maps and elevation profiles Safety, technique, and equipment tips