Superstition Wilderness Hikes With a Rental Car

Question

Coming to Phoenix for Spring Training and planning some hikes between games. I have a few night games I'm going to so will have a couple full days of hiking. For one of those days I was planning a full day at the Superstition Mountains but was bummed to realize the roads to the trailheads are mostly dirt roads. I will have a rental and won't break my contract by driving on dirt roads. These are the hikes I have on my radar...

1. Peralta Canyon to Freemont Saddle

2. The Wave Cave

3. Broadway Cave

4. Siphon Draw

It looks like, if I'm correct, the only one of these I can do that has a paved road to the trailhead is Siphon Draw at Lost Dutchman's State Park. Is this correct? Are there other trails you can recommend? I'd love to see Weaver's Needle. Is there a trail in that area that has a paved road to the trailhead? Thanks in advance for any help.

Answer

You are correct that many of the popular trailheads in the Superstition Wilderness are accessed via unpaved roads, which can be a limitation if you are restricted from driving your rental on dirt roads. Here’s a breakdown of the hikes you mentioned and alternatives that are accessible via paved roads:

Hikes you mentioned:

Peralta Canyon to Fremont Saddle: The trailhead is at the Peralta Trailhead, which is off a dirt road (Peralta Road from the Goldfield area). Not suitable if your rental contract forbids dirt roads.
The Wave Cave: Access requires driving on dirt roads and some cross-country navigation. Not suitable for your rental car restriction.
Broadway Cave: Trailheads for Broadway Trail also involve unpaved roads. This is not feasible with your rental restrictions.
Siphon Draw (via Lost Dutchman State Park): This trailhead is fully accessible from the paved parking lot within Lost Dutchman State Park. You can safely hike to the top of Flatiron and enjoy views of Weaver’s Needle without violating your rental agreement.

Other recommendations with paved access:

Weaver’s Needle Viewpoints: While you cannot hike directly to Weaver’s Needle without dirt roads, there are several trails starting from Lost Dutchman State Park or adjacent paved pullouts that offer excellent views:

Siphon Draw Trail: You’ll get great up-close views of Weaver’s Needle if you hike to the Flatiron.
Treasure Loop Trail: Easy, 2.4-mile loop on paved access within Lost Dutchman SP with nice desert scenery and views of the Needle.
Hieroglyphic Trail: About 1.5 miles roundtrip, starts from a paved parking area and provides views of petroglyphs and surrounding peaks, though less direct for Weaver’s Needle.

Other easy-access hikes near Phoenix: If you want to avoid dirt roads entirely, consider these:

Echo Canyon Trail (Camelback Mountain): Paved parking lot; challenging but short hike.
Tom’s Thumb Trail (McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Fountain Hills entrance): Trailhead accessible from paved roads, moderate hike with scenic desert views.
Pass Mountain Trail (Piestewa Peak, Phoenix): Paved access, moderate climb with excellent city and desert views.

Summary:

For a full day in the Superstitions with a paved-access trailhead, Siphon Draw at Lost Dutchman State Park is your best bet. You’ll be able to see Weaver’s Needle up close if you hike to the Flatiron. For additional shorter or easier hikes with paved access, consider Hieroglyphic Trail, Treasure Loop, or nearby preserves like McDowell Sonoran or Piestewa Peak.

Tip: Arrive early at Lost Dutchman SP, especially on weekends, as parking can fill quickly. Bring plenty of water and sun protection; the desert sun can be intense even in spring.

Superstition Wilderness Hikes With a Rental Car

More Phoenix Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions