A great introductory hike to the Superstition Mountains for all levels and ages is the historical Hieroglyphic Trail. Easy for some while moderate for others, this short hike is perfect for families and dogs looking to get a taste of wilderness and witness ancient petroglyphs.
The Hieroglyphic Trail leads you through a field of cactus and up into the Hieroglyphic Canyon where you can enjoy several seasonal waterfalls and swimming holes. The rocks surrounding the waterfall are full of petroglyphs left behind by those before us.
In this post I’ll guide you through the details on what to expect when hiking Hieroglyphic Trail, how to find even more waterfalls, and tips for a safe adventure!
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Hieroglyphic Trail Stats
- Distance | 3.1 miles RT
- Difficulty | Easy
- Elevation Gain | 537 feet
- Total Time | 1.5 – 2 hours
- Permits/Fees | None
- Trailhead | Hieroglyphic Trailhead
- Dogs Allowed | Yes
Below is a map of the Hieroglyphic Trail.
This trail guide begins at Lost Goldmine Trailhead for access to the Hieroglyphic Trail and beyond. Typically the petroglyphs located by the seasonal waterfall are the ‘end destination’ but you’re able to continue your journey and intersect with the Ridgeline Trail for a longer adventure.
It is only 1.55 miles to the petroglyph and seasonal waterfall where most hikers turn around. We’ll cover this portion of the trail throughout this guide.
If you want to continue your hike, check out Hiking Peak 5057 via Hieroglyphic Trail!
Getting To The Trailhead
Lost Goldmine and Hieroglyphic Trailhead parking is easy to find yet feels like a long detour around neighborhoods. You can follow the directions below, but it would be much easier to map them here!
Beginning from Phoenix, you’ll want to get onto the 60 West, headed towards Gold Canyon. This is a small town located right near the Superstition Mountains with access to some of the best views and trails.
The 60 West turns into the Superstition Freeway, taking you right through Gold Canyon. You’ll turn left onto S Kings Ranch Road and follow it through a few different neighborhoods.
Once you reach E Baseline Ave, turn right. This will turn left into S Mohican Road. Continue along this road a short ways and then turn left onto E Valley View Drive. This road ends up turning into South White Tail, I know, confusing, but keep driving.
You’ll then reach a T in the road and turn right onto East Cloudview Ave. Finally, this street dead ends into the trailhead parking lot!
LOCAL TIP:
Plan on arriving early on weekends for the parking lot can fill up fast. Do not park on the side of the road if the lot is full- you may get towed!
Best Time To Hike The Hieroglyphic Trail
Hiking in the Superstition Mountains is best enjoyed during the months of November – April. You’ll find that the temperatures during this time are more comfortable and typically less than 100 degrees.
Depending on the time of day you begin your hike there may be zero shade. If you begin early enough in the day it is possible you’ll have shade once you get into the canyon. Keep this in mind when planning your hike!
Sunset in this area is gorgeous, so if you’re not afraid to hike back in the dark I highly suggest visiting for sunset.
If you choose to hike during the summer, you’ll want to begin at sunrise and end by no later than 10:30 a.m. to beat the heat. The summer is too hot for dogs to be out hiking, so please leave your furry friends at home.
How To Time Hieroglyphic Trail With Waterfalls
If you want to witness the seasonal waterfalls and swimming hole, you’ll need to time your hike just right! Otherwise it will just be dry rock.
The water flows best after several days of good rain or after a strong monsoon. You’ll need to have a little sense of spontaneity because of course rain cannot be planned!
A good trick is to keep an eye on the recent Alltrails reviews or your favorite Phoenix area outdoor content creators! Updates are usually always posted and shared. Follow me on Instagram if you don’t already!
Why Is It Called Hieroglyphic Trail?
It may seem silly that the trail is named Hieroglyphic Trail when what you’re really witnessing are petroglyphs. But, there is valid reasoning for this.
The word “hieroglyphic” refers to the ancient Egyptian formal writing system, one believed to be the oldest writing system dating back to 3300 B.C. At times this term was easily mistaken for just about any writings or pictures that were found. And this was the case when it came time to naming the Hieroglyphic Trail. So, yes, it is misnamed in a sense!
The Hohokam Natives inhabited this region up to 1,500 years ago, and the ancient petroglyphs carved into the walls are evidence of their settlement. Petroglyphs translate to “rock carvings” and are different than pictographs, which are paintings.
Hiking The Hieroglyphic Trail
Once you’ve found your way through the confusing neighborhoods in Gold Canyon and parked in the large parking lot, you’ll see the Lost Goldmine Trailhead sign at the entrance. This sign says Lost Goldmine Trail which can get confusing, but don’t worry, you are in the right place.
Both trails begin from the same spot but break off from one another shortly after. It isn’t too far from the trailhead that you’ll reach the first intersection. Turn left here to begin hiking the Hieroglyphic Trail.
There are two gates along this trail that you’ll have to go through. Be sure to keep the gate closed behind you! This helps keep the wildlife from traveling into the neighborhoods.
Once through the gates, the trail tests you with a couple switchbacks but quickly evens out as you hike through the large cactus field. Overall the Hieroglyphic Trail is easy to follow but you’ll want to be careful of your footing on the all the loose rock.
Once you hike past the cactus field you’ll begin hiking into the Hieroglyphic Canyon. Depending on where the sun is positioned, the tall walls surrounding you may provide some shade the rest of the way.
When you’re in the canyon you’ll notice the views become very impressive. If this is your first time hiking in the Superstition Mountains be sure to take some time to pause and look around you in all directions. This wilderness is one of the most scenic areas in the valley!
The Hieroglyphic Trail doesn’t gain much elevation overall, but you will need to do some minor scrambling at roughly 1.5 miles in, which is where you’ll begin to notice petroglyphs carved into the rocks around you.
1.55 miles from the trailhead is where the pools of water typically are. If you cross them to reach the wall on the left of the canyon, you can see carvings depicting humans, animals, and geometric shapes all over.
Spend as much time as you’d like here or attempt to continue your hike to the Ridgeline Trail that! Either way, when you’re ready to return to your car just head back the way you came.
LOCAL TIP:
If the water is flowing heavily then there most likely will be more waterfalls past the petroglyph area! Not many people venture further, so if it is crowded this may be a nice option.
Hike Beyond The Petroglyphs For More Waterfalls!
If you feel like exploring even more, then I highly suggest continuing past the petroglyph area to see if the other waterfalls are also flowing.
On the right hand side of the canyon, the Hieroglyphic Trial continues, following along the side of the canyon. While it goes all the way to the Ridgeline, you don’t have to hike the entire way to see more waterfalls!
Even a mile further will most likely provide a great extended adventure. Just be sure to not hike in the middle of the canyon. If you find yourself bushwhacking then you’ve missed the trail. Back track and find the trail!
Tips For Hiking The Hieroglyphic Trail
- Visit after a heavy rain if you want to enjoy the pools of water and mini waterfall on the Hieroglyphic Trail. Usually the water flow is strong and clear for weeks after a good monsoon.
- Consider a sunset or sunrise hike during the hotter months. Hiking in extreme heat paired with direct sun exposure is never a good idea. Since this trail is relatively easy and short, hiking it with a trusty headlamp is do-able!
- Bring the appropriate hiking backpack. The Hieroglyphic Trail is short in distance but still rocky, so having a good hiking backpack to carry your supplies and keep your hands free is recommended.
- Pack plenty of water. This is still the desert, so it is highly suggested that you pack 1-2 liters per person for this hike. Using a hydration bladder makes it easier to sip water as you’re moving, plus it reduces the amount of water bottles you’ll need to bring along.
- You’ll want sturdy shoes! This trail is your typical rocky, dry, and dusty desert trail. You’ll also be climbing around some slick rock if you make it to the petroglyphs. If you have weak ankles, consider giving them some more support by wearing a midrise hiking boot. If your ankles don’t need much support, a low profile hiking shoe with good grip will work just as great.
Please Leave No Trace!
Part of responsibly recreating in the outdoors is knowing and following the Leave No Trace Principals. It is imperative we all follow the principals so we can continue to visit these destinations and keep the environment in tact for future generations to enjoy.
We are fortunate that we’re able to hike right up to the petroglyphs to view them. In order to preserve them, never touch, carve, or paint over them.
Learn more about Leave No Trace.
Final Thoughts On The Hieroglyphic Trail
The Hieroglyphic Trail is one that I always recommend to family and visitors who ask for good local hike ideas. It is a little further out of the Metro Phoenix area but that also is part of the allure.
I love the fact you’re able to walk right up and view the petroglyphs. It helps us become immersed in the area’s history and adds a little more appreciation to this hike.
Hopefully you’re able to visit when the pools of water are full and the waterfall is flowing. Even though you don’t hike deep into the Superstition Mountains on this trail, you still get amazing views, and it is a great introduction into the wilderness.
More Superstition Mountain Hikes:
- Peralta Trail to Fremont Saddle: Arizona Hiking Guide
- How to find Broadway Cave in the Superstition Mountains, AZ
- Ultimate Guide to Hiking Flatiron via Siphon Draw Trail
- Hiking Black Top Mesa In The Superstitions Is Worth It
- Hiking to Massacre Falls via Massacre Grounds Trail
- Hike Battleship Mountain via. First Water Trailhead
I’d love to hear from you!
Have you hiked Hieroglyphic Trail before, or plan on adding it to your bucket list? Share a comment below!