Experience Superior: Hike the Legends of Superior Trails (LOST)
Distance: 11.65 miles - can be split into multiple hikes depending on your skill level and interest.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes!
Permit/Pass Required: No
Getting There: From Phoenix, head east on US 60 to the town of Superior. Refer to THIS MAP for various access points.
Tips: The trail is divided into five segments - each with something a little different for everyone! It's like a choose your own adventure!
About the Hike: The Legends of Superior Trail connects Superior to the Arizona Trail. The trail consists of several segments. Queen Creek, Downtown, Miners & Ranchers, Panther to Pinal City and Arnett Canyon.
My first experience on the LOST was Arnett Canyon. Starting out in the Picketpost trailhead lot I weaved my way around the beautiful mountain into the canyon below. Desert flora and fauna soon turned to a green oasis as my pup and I encountered a beautiful oasis in the middle of a sandy wash. This portion of the trail is a little over 8 miles out and back, but I had attempted it on an early summer morning and had to turn around as the afternoon heat rolled in. That's what makes this trail so wonderful - you can make it as long as you would like and every mile has something absolutely beautiful to enjoy. I recommend going early morning when the canyon is shaded, and in the spring when there is water in the creek. Your pup will thank you too!
My second LOST experience was the portion to the historic Claypool Tunnel. This part of the trail begins just off Hwy 60 in town and weaves its way under the beautiful Superior bridge and along the sites of many old mining remnants until you reach the tunnel - constructed when the road was built back in 1919-1922. This great portion of the trail will teach you some of Superior's history while leaving you breathless at some very incredible views. This portion of the trail is about 4.5 miles round trip and should definitely be topped off with an afternoon of exploring along Superior's historic Main Street!
Learn more about the LOST trail on this great write up from the USFS.
Want to experience all beauty that Superior, Arizona has to offer for yourself?
Enter to win a prize package for two!
Including:
A Jeep Tour of the back country, compliments of Superior Tour Co.
Passes to the magnificent Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Wine tasting at Bruzzi Vineyards Wine Tasting Room
Dinner for at Silver King Smokehouse and Saloon
Breakfast or Lunch at Bella's Marketplace and Cafe
Prize brought to you by Visit Superior! Adventure, Elevated.