Hiking to Superstition Peak 5057 via. Hieroglyphic Trail is a challenging yet thrilling adventure. If you’re an experienced hiker searching for your next peak to bag, I’d highly suggest this one!
Peak 5057 is the tallest peak in the Superstition Mountains and provides outstanding 360 degree views from the top. Well, 99% of the time you’ll have the opportunity for outstanding views. I ended up timing my hike on one of the very rare days it snowed up in the peaks, so I had zero visibility up there!
While I may not be able to show you the outstanding peak views, I can help you find your way there, provide tips for a safe hike, and make sure you know how to find the hidden trail which connects you to the Ridgeline Trail. Let’s get started!
Looking for more hikes in the Superstition Mountains? Check out 11 Amazing Superstition Mountains Hikes- From A Local
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Hike Stats
- Hiking Distance | 7.3 miles RT
- Difficulty | Difficult & strenuous
- Elevation Gain | 2,243 feet
- Total Time | 6-8 hours
- Permits/Fees | None
- Trailhead | Lost Goldmine Trailhead
- Road Conditions | Paved, 2WD okay.
- Dog Friendly | Dogs allowed but not suggested. I highly advise leaving them at home.
Below is a map of the route to Peak 5057 via Hieroglyphic Trail.
Getting to Superstition Peak 5057 via Hieroglyphic Trail requires passing through Hieroglyphic Spring, the popular destination to view ancient petroglyphs and soak in seasonal swimming holes. The first 1.55 miles of the hike will most likely be populated, but once you continue past the springs area you’ll likely lose the crowds.
From the Hieroglyphic Spring you’ll continue on Hieroglyphic Trail to intersect with the Ridgeline Trail. Once at the saddle, you’ll follow the Ridgeline Trail to Peak 5057.
It can be a bit tricky finding the trail from the petroglyphs, but this post will help you figure out exactly where to go!
Preparation saves lives. Know where you are going ahead of time and always have a way to keep yourself on trail. One way to do this is with a GPS system or app like Gaia GPS.
You can download my Peak 5057 hike and gain access to my library of all tracked hikes. Once downloaded, you can load it into your own trusty device for ease of mind!
The Alternate Route To Peak 5057
You can also reach Peak 5057 via the south approach embarking from Carney Springs Trailhead. This approach is roughly 8.0 miles long and while still very steep, it requires less scrambling. View this route on AllTrails.
If you’re looking for great views along the way, and a more fun and challenging hike, I’d suggest sticking with the route via Hieroglyphic Trail!
Best Time To Hike Peak 5057
The best months for hiking in the Superstition Mountains are November-April. The temperatures during these months are perfect for hiking!
I would not suggest hiking this one in high temperatures, or anything hotter than 75 degrees. There is a good amount of exposure to the sun as well as extremely steep sections that will make you put in the work.
Of course hiking to Peak 5057 via the Hieroglyphic Trail has the allure of seasonal waterfalls! If you can time your hike after several days of rain during winter, do it! I hiked this during February of 2024 when we had a very rainy week. Through this guide you’ll find photos showcasing SO many amazing waterfalls along the way!
Hiking Superstition Peak 5057 via Hieroglyphic Trail
Your journey begins at the Lost Goldmine Trailhead. There is a good sized parking lot here but it fills up very fast, so I suggest you arrive early! You’ll want to get an early start to this hike anyways. Don’t park on the side of the streets throughout the neighborhoods or you may be towed. If you can’t find a parking spot right away I suggest circling and waiting for a bit. Most people here are only hiking 1.55 miles in to see the springs and return relatively quickly.
From the lot you’ll pass through a gate which helps keep wild animals out of the neighborhoods. Please close this behind you!
To start, Hieroglyphic Trail is pretty pleasant. You’ll hike up a few switchbacks, level sections, and eventually give way to a gradual incline.
Sooner than you know you’ll find yourself in the canyon at Hieroglyphic Springs and the petroglyph area. This is where most people stop to hangout and play in the water. Definitely take a moment to appreciate the petroglyphs scattered along the canyon walls!
There is a large panel on the left side of the spring that hosts the majority of petroglyphs in the area. Please don’t touch these or carve over them. They are protected and it is illegal to do so. Appreciate them from a distance!
Just beyond the petroglyphs there will be two large boulders marking the correct way. A lot of hikers have a difficult time locating the actual trail beyond the petroglyphs. Just remember these boulders pictured above and keep in mind that if you find yourself in the middle of the canyon bushwhacking, you missed the trail.
If you find yourself bushwhacking then backtrack and find the trail. I’ve read a ton of reviews stating the trail is overgrown and difficult to follow, but this is far from the truth!
The Hieroglyphic trail to Ridgeline Trail is actually very well defined and easy to follow. You’ll need basic route finding skills as it traverses several scrambling sections, but nothing too difficult.
While hiking through the canyon I was lucky enough to witness several stunning waterfalls, courtesy of the rain. It sure was a treat and a nice break from the typical dry, sunny desert. I’ll take it when I can get it!
The trail is a constant incline the entire way from the petroglyphs to Peak 5057. There are only a few small sections that level out but they pass quickly. Be prepared for your calves and quads to burn!
Once I neared the Ridgeline Trail my luck continued and I reached the clouds. This is when they decided to drop some snow on me! This is not normal for the Superstitions, but definitely can happen for a few days during the winter season.
The snow provided another tricky element as it made some areas slick and slushy. It was especially tricky when it covered the scree sections. But, overall it wasn’t terrible and is easily do-able if you have durable waterproof hiking boots.
Once you reach the Ridgeline Trail you’ll turn right to Peak 5057. Along the way you will be presented with a tall obstacle, shown in the picture below.
This is a tall climb that you cannot get around. This is why I don’t suggest bringing dogs on this hike! Also due to the hike overall being pretty steep and strenuous for dogs. But, the picture below does make the climb look scarier than it actually is for humans.
The rocks provide good foot and hand holds which allow you to easily maneuver your way up. In my case the snow sure made it a bit slippery, but even with the snow we conquered this obstacle with ease.
After the small rock climb the trail continues and intersects with yet another social trail that will lead you all the way to the peak. Turn right!
At some point the trail will lead you down and then back up. It feels wrong when you’re hiking it and you will question yourself, but it is the correct route. I highly suggest having a GPS map with you, just incase!
There is one last steep and slick climb up the rocks to reach the very top of Peak 5057. Luckily the rock isn’t slippery and is easy for your shoes to grip onto. But it is still a steep scramble you should take slowly.
I sure wish I could show you the views from the peak, but all I had was a complete whiteout!
Tips For Your Hike
- Begin with the proper understanding that this hike is going to be very steep!
- Try to time your hike during the rainy season if you can. It makes it much more enjoyable and the waterfalls along the way alone are worth it.
- Pack your layers because the weather can change once near the ridgeline. I always bring my budget friendly packable down jacket.
- Bring hiking poles if you find they help you keep balance and relieve your joints.
- Wear durable hiking boots with good grip. Bonus points if they are waterproof.
- Pack plenty of water and snacks! You’ll need to replenish your energy and hydration along the way.
- Download my GPX track by subscribing and gaining access to the library! Then you can input it to your trusty device! Having a track to follow will help keep you on trail.
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Recap: Peak 5057 via Hieroglyphic Trail
I sure wish I had a view from the top! Now I’ll have to hike to Peak 5057 again so I can see them for myself. But, I can’t deny that being able to witness all of the waterfalls and SNOW in the Superstitions was absolutely amazing.
This hike is in my top 5 favorite list due to those factors! I drove home feeling so accomplished, full of my ‘hiker’s high’. I mean, I had just conquered the highest peak in the Superstition Mountains!
What do you think? Are you adding this to your bucket-list, or are you scheming to time it for some snow? Share in the comments below!