Superstition Benchmark

Superstition Wilderness, AZ
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Trip info

Distance7.9 mi
Elevation gain3,200 ft
Route typeOut & back
Duration4 hr
CruxClass 3
Quality6/10

Peaks bagged

1
Superstition Benchmark
DPS
SAHC
SAHC★
5,057 ft / Prom. 1,817 ft
DPS
Desert Peaks Section
SAHC
Southern Arizona Hiking Club
SAHC★
Southern Arizona Hiking Club Emblem Peaks

Trip report

Starting along the Hieroglyphics Trail.
Passing a gate at the boundary of the Tonto National Forest.
Entering Hieroglyphic Canyon.
Approaching Hieroglyphic Springs.
Some interesting petroglyphs.
Looking back down Hieroglyphic Canyon. More petroglyphs are visible on the wall on the right.
Continuing up the canyon.
The trail climbs the right side of the canyon.
View back toward Hieroglyphic Springs.
Trickling waterfalls.
Steep scree climb to exit the canyon.
Approaching a saddle along the Superstition ridgeline.
From the saddle, view northeast. Weaver's Needle is on the right.
Continuing south along the Superstition Ridgeline Trial.
The trail skirts around this prominence to the north of Supserstition Benchmark.
Approaching the crux, a Class 3 chimney, right of center.
Inside the chimney. I climbed up the slot on the left, making use of a 6-inch wide ledge, then stepped across to the large boulder (with the arrow) on the right.
View back from above the chimney.
The trail crosses over to the east side of the ridge.
View back.
Contouring the east slope of Superstition Benchmark.
View back.
Ascending the southeast ridge of Superstition Benchmark.
Cool hoodoo formations.
Superstition Benchmark ahead.
Class 2 below the summit.
Superstition Benchmark summit. View north.
View northeast into the Superstition Wilderness.
View west toward Phoenix.
Beautiful evening light on the return.

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