The Hieroglyphic Trail provides access to a canyon on the South side of the Superstitions. One advantage of this trail is that there’s a paved road all the way to the trailhead and, unlike Lost Dutchman State Park, there’s no fee for access. The rather large parking lot fills up on weekends and holidays, at least during the cooler months of the year, so arrive early (or late in the afternoon). To reach the trailhead, take the Superstition Freeway (Route 60) to South King’s Ranch Road, and then follow the signs. The trailhead strikes off from the parking lot into the Superstitions and Hieroglyphic Canyon:



The trail itself gently rises across a Saguaro enriched landscape until it reaches a narrow canyon, a little over a mile and a half from the trailhead. Below is the trail as mapped by my GPS:



At the end of the trail, in winter or after a rain, you might find a couple of pools of water:







This is the location of the hieroglyphics as well:









But honestly, the hieroglyphics aren’t the chief highlight of the trail. It’s a very scenic trail, with great views of the Superstitions as it winds through foliage dotted by grandiose saguaros. First, a few dawn and sunrise shots:




















Some sunset shots:











And shots of the trail, starting with the gate leading to the Superstition Wilderness:

















Miscellaneous shots from trail:






















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Tags: Superstition Mountains, hieroglyphic trail