Petroglyphs on Hieroglyphic Trail

Hieroglyphic Trail

TRAIL STATS

Mileage: 2.9
Elevation gain: 642 feet
Time to complete: 2 hours
Stars: ★★★★
Difficulty: 1/5 (Ratings explained)
Rocky, but not too steep

Hieroglyphic Trail leads you to an excellent panel of petroglyphs next to pretty pools of water reflecting the desert sky. If it’s been raining recently, there may be waterfalls cascading down the multi-tiered pools along the smooth rock watercourse. In very dry times, the pools can dry up completely, so try to time this one right. This is a great choice for families.


Trail Description

Lost Goldmine Trail

From the parking area, go through the gate to begin heading up the Lost Goldmine Trail. The trail is wide and rocky, but a very easy grade.

The benefit of going right after rain is that the Superstition Mountains just might be cloaked in a blanket of clouds.

Superstition Mountains in clouds

Hieroglyphic Trail

After a short distance, you’ll come to a well-marked intersection with Hieroglyphic Trail. Keep left, and soon you’ll reach another gate at the boundary of the Superstition Wilderness.

This trail heads back into the canyon you can see in the distance. When you get to the giant saguaros, you’ll know you’re almost at your destination.

Giant saguaro cactuses on Hieroglyphic Trail

Petroglyphs

As you get close to the petroglyphs, the trail becomes a bit more rocky and uneven. You’ll know you’re there when you reach the smooth rock.

Hopefully you took my advice about going after rain, and the water is flowing from pool to pool. I couldn’t seem to capture the beauty of all the pools in one frame.

Hieroglyphic Canyon waterfalls

The petroglyphs are located just across the water on several walls and rocks.

Petroglyphs on Hieroglyphic Trail
Just a few of the petroglyphs on Hieroglyphic Trail

Many people explore up the watercourse for a bit, but if you’re looking for a bigger adventure, you can follow a trail on the right side of the wash that will take you all the way to the Superstition Ridgeline and Peak 5057 if you’d like. This is only for experienced and fit hikers since it is a strenuous trail littered with loose rocks near the top. But it is totally awesome.


Map & Directions

Location Superstition Wilderness, Gold Canyon, Arizona

From the US60, head northeast on Kings Ranch Road. Turn right on Baseline. Left on Mohican Road. Left on Valley View Drive. Right on Cloudview Avenue to the trailhead. There are a lot of helpful signs to help you get there.

Fees/Passes None

Trailhead Facilities There are portable toilets at the trailhead

Download KML or GPX


Recommendations for you

Broadway Cave Arizona

Broadway Cave | Superstitions

Shaka Cave in the Superstition Wilderness

Shaka Cave | Superstitions

Arch on the Hackberry Spring loop

Hackberry Spring Loop | Superstitions

Follow us!
If you enjoyed this article, please consider supporting us by following us on our social media pages. Thank you!

Get our latest hikes and blog posts in our newsletter!


We want to hear from you!

Tell us what kind of content interests you or share feedback by taking this survey.

Disclaimer Outdoor activities have inherent risk, and we will not be able to tell you all the risks you may face. You are responsible for your own safety, so prepare as well as you can and know your limits. Follow this guide at your own risk. And have fun!


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *