This Wilderness is one of the areas that quickly captivated my heart when I first came to the American Mid West.  At the time of This adventure, I had taken multiple trips to the Superstition Range, in southern Arizona.  Many of these were day trips, and many involved striving to climb Superstition Peak for sunset.  An endeavor I would not accomplish until I backpacked the Ridgeline that the peak sits on.  Many of these adventures started at Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction, Arizona.  My overnight trip and traverse of the Ridgeline would take me from Carney Springs Trail via the Superstition Ridgeline Trail to Lost Dutchman State Park and a shuttle back to my Jeep from a good friend.  Needless to say, this adventure only came about through the glory of God and much patience.  Instead of beginning this trip with the Siphon Draw Trail, I would down-c climb Siphon Draw from just below the Flatiron.

This area historically is known for a possible hidden Gold Mine and many different cultures clashing over time.  People over the years have gotten lost or even died due to the extremes of this Wilderness while looking for this supposed gold treasure.  For myself, my gold was the experience of God’s creation!  At the time of my successful trip, I was working in the Historic Stove Pipe Wells Village in Death Valley National Park in Southern California.  I finished a long work week of running around the kitchen and dining room… Understaffed but busy with guests.  I had packed my Jeep before my shift so I didn’t have to think too much once I was out of work.  Once off the clock, I began my long drive through the night. 

As I drove through the night, I first stopped in the little town of Beatty, Nevada.  Topping off my gas tank and grabbing some caffeine and snacks for the road.  From here, I drove towards Pahrump, Nevada, and Las Vegas, Nevada, before joining Interstate 40.  The interstate that would take me all the way to Arizona.  After a massive amount of caffeine consumption and many hours of driving, I made my way to Denny’s Dinner in the Apache Junction area.  I ate some food and then drove to the trailhead to catch an hour or so of sleep before embarking on my adventure.  After waking up I began by hiking up the Canary Springs Trail… Eventually connecting to the Superstition Ridgeline Trail.  From here it was a walk all the way to the base of Superstition Peak.  Here, I would camp below the summit with views of Phoenix, Arizona, and photograph the sunset from the mountain summit.

After photographing the sunset and eating dinner, I was off to bed, eager to rest up for the next day.  Once the sun rose I walked the rest of the Superstition Ridgeline all the way to the Siphon Draw Trail Lost Dutchman State Park.  I saw a mountain goat near the middle of the Ridgeline, the early morning far above the city was peaceful.  Looking one way is a reminder of the stress of man’s kind of greed and the other… The beauty and peace of the vast Superstition Wilderness.  After around what I believe was six miles I found myself at the base of Siphon Draw.  I slipped upon entering Siphon Draw and scrapped my leg.  Another scar that tells a story I am fortunate to have had.. a blessing from God.  After walking into the entrance station in Lost Dutchman, I purchased a Snickers bar and an Arizona State Parks and Trails Buff to commemorate the experience!  It was now time to wait for my ride back to my Jeep.  After some time my good friend Justin pulled up and drove me to my trailhead.  We spent much of the day catching up over pizza and checking out an outdoor shop where I purchased a hat that said Superstitions.  For me… Commemorating the blessing of experiences is important. 

-Sky.