Photo by Mare Czinar Fish Creek Canyon

For rich fall color and stunning vista
views, head no farther than the Superstition Mountains. Here are four exhilarating hikes to get you moving this autumn.


From the stark volcanic badlands in the west to the soft-green riparian forests and pine-studded hillsides in the eastern highlands, the Superstition Mountains are rich in geological and biological diversity. Legends of lost goldmines and hidden Spanish treasure add titillating intrigue to the visceral beauty of the area. Although the fabled mineral riches remain elusive, there’s still plenty of “gold” to be found in the countless secluded canyons where perennial waters foster hidden pockets of plant life, which brighten up in a palette of honey and vermillion in the low light and cool air of autumn.

Fish Creek Canyon
Full of boulders and jaw-dropping beauty, Fish Creek Canyon harbors rare desert water in the middle of nowhere. The canyon’s perennial creek supports robust stands of white-bark sycamores, elegant, slim-leaf Goodding willows, cottonwood, velvet ash and Arizona walnut trees. The hearty plants are opportunistic parasites, surviving by sinking their roots deep into the earth to gorge like vampires upon the water that settles into the porous volcanic soils.
Beginning in late October, crisp autumn air creeps into the canyon, painting the vegetation in loose, random strokes of russet, ocher and sulfur-yellow. Mottled, spent leaves collect in the clear waters and stony crevasses that house this wild, desert stream. Although there’s no established trail into the canyon, reasonably fit hikers easily can scramble up the creek to the roughly 1.5-mile-point, where a major barrier of disheveled rock denies further access to all but the most determined adventurers.
Length: 3 miles roundtrip
Rating: difficult
Elevation: 2,200–2,400 feet
Getting there: From Phoenix, go east on Highway 60 to the Highway 88 exit (Idaho Road). Turn left at the off-ramp light and continue on Hwy. 88 for about 27 miles (past Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat). Continue downhill on the steep, dirt, mountain road to the Fish Creek Bridge, which is located just past milepost 223.
Finding the route: The hike starts near the yellow turn sign on the west side of the bridge. From there, scope out the cave in the cliffs and head toward it following primitive footpaths. Once at the cave, scramble downhill to the creek. From there, hike upstream (go right) among the boulders, sand and shallow pools.
Information: Call the Globe Ranger District, 928-402-6200, or visit fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.