The Popular Arizona Mountain Range That Has An Unsettling Amount Of Lost Hikers

The Sonoran Desert is renowned for its rugged beauty and bevy of available outdoor adventures. However, it is also an unforgiving landscape, and one popular Arizona mountain range has an unsettling amount of lost hikers — and a fittingly ominous name.

Located less than an hour from Phoenix, the Superstition Mountains are a very popular hiking destination. It makes for an easy day trip from all of the major cities in Arizona. It is also a great stop if you are taking a bucket list road trip across the Southwest United States. This relatively small mountain range rises to an elevation of 6,000 feet above the desert floor. The Superstition Mountains can be accessed via either the Tonto National Forest and Superstition Wilderness Area or the Lost Dutchman State Park, which abuts the national forest and is situated at the base of the Superstition Mountains.

Although the Superstition Mountains have long been a popular spot for outdoor adventure seekers, they have been shrouded in mystery, folklore, and superstition even longer. Additionally, as one might expect, a rugged mountain range in the middle of a desert can be fraught with peril for those who are unprepared. So, in order to have an enjoyable, safe visit to the Superstition Mountains, it is important to understand the history of the area and be properly prepared for your adventure.

The Superstition Mountains have long been the source of folklore, legends, and superstitions. Although a number of these stories sprouted independently from each other, many of them dovetail together. The name of the range is derived from a myriad of stories native peoples told of the death and disappearance of many who entered the mountains and the eerie noises that can be heard.

The most recognizable mountain in the range is the namesake, Superstition Mountain, also known as Thunder Mountain, due to the Apache belief it was home to the Thunder Gods. According to some, the Apache also believed it was a portal to the underworld. This belief later ties into the more famous legend of Superstition Mountain involving a treasure trove of gold in an abandoned mine supposedly found by a German immigrant named Jacob Walz in the 1870s. Known as the Lost Dutchman's Mine, this treasure is said to be protected by the Apache spirits.

The legends and superstitions are believed by some and dismissed by others, but it is undeniable that a good many of those who have come to this area in pursuit of gold or adventure have ended up missing or dead. According to an article in Scholastic Scope, nearly half a dozen hikers go missing each year to this day. Over the past decade, a number of those cases have made national news, such as the case of two women day hikers who were later found after having to overnight in the mountains. In 2024, the tale of a day hiker who did not return ended much more tragically, as the body of the 53-year-old man was later recovered.

As is the case for any hiking trip, it is absolutely necessary to have a plan, yet be prepared for the unexpected when adventuring in the Superstition Mountains. Whether accessing through the Tonto National Forest, Superstition Wilderness, or Lost Dutchman's State Park, it is a good idea to plan out your route with All-Trails or another similar app prior to your trip. You should also share your route and plan with someone before setting out on your hike.

Given the rugged terrain and often extreme weather conditions, it is also imperative to pack essential emergency supplies and avoid common hiking mistakes, as the Superstition Mountains can be unforgiving. You should also be aware of any dangerous animals you may come across, such as if you encounter a rattlesnake on your hike. Furthermore, it is always a good idea to hike with one or more partners and have some means of communication other than a cell phone, as service can be spotty in the area. Finally, considering the Superstition Mountains are in a desert, hydration is of utmost importance. Utilizing a hydration pack such as the CamelBack Hydrobak can help ensure you stay properly hydrated throughout your trek.

Those interested in the legends of the Superstition Mountains and exploring the area, should consider reading "Exploring the Superstitions: Trails and Tales of the Southwest's Mystery Mountains." This book not only expounds on the legends and folktales of the region, but also includes photos, trail maps, and known clues of the Lost Dutchman's Mine. It also has helpful descriptions of the area's flora and fauna.