Superstition Mountains wildflower hike

CROSSCUT-TREASURE LOOP

Tonto National Forest

Brittlebush: March 9, 2013

Blessed with a beveled topography leaning into sun-drenched exposure, the open rangeland of the western Superstition Wilderness is choice property for spring wildflowers. In addition to its fortuitous floral fortitude, the Crosscut Trail is very easy to get to, making it one of the most popular hikes for viewing annual blooms. A backdrop of abrupt volcanic escarpments that have been photographed and filmed to death (think, Jerry Maguire) add to the allure of this Apache Junction tourist magnet. 

Wild hyacinth & cholla cactus

Crosscut trail, which wanders 4.5 miles from First Water Road to Broadway in Mesa, also connects with a bevy of routes just outside the boundary of Lost Dutchman State Park.  The Treasure Loop is a favorite because it gets nice and high, brushing the base of geologic landmarks like the "Green Rock" and the "Praying Hands".  For flower lovers, the 500 feet of elevation gain and entry into damp drainage gullies, produces a variety of moisture-loving plants (Dainty Desert Hideseed) as well as those that thrive in more open and arid micro climates (Mexican Gold Poppies).   March and April are the best months for to see the blossoms before impending heat takes them out for another year. 

view from the trail

HIKE DIRECTIONS:

Follow Crosscut Trail (aka Jacob's Trail #58 and Jacob's Crosscut) 1 mile to the junction with Treasure Loop #56 and follow the signs.

LENGTH:  3.5 miles

RATING: moderate

ELEVATION: 2580'- 2060'

FACILITIES: none
GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, travel east on US60 to exit 196 (Idaho Rd/AZ88).  Go left at the off ramp and follow AZ88 7 miles to First Water Road (FR78) near milepost 201 on the right. Go 1 mile on FR78 to the signed Crosscut trailhead on the right. There is NO fee to park here.

Alternate access:  For access with restrooms, maps and picnic tables enter via Lost Dutchman State Park and use the maps posted at the trailheads. The park charges a $7 daily fee per vehicle.

INFO: Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District, 480-610-3300

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tonto/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=35455&actid=50

MAPS: Lost Dutchman State Park

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/LODU/map.html

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Lost Dutchman State Park guided hikes

Medicinal plants of the Sonoran Desert hike

Apache Junction

creosote

There’s always something fun going on at Lost Dutchman State Park, and the month of March is jam-packed with events, hikes and programs.  This week I participated in a guided hike called Medicinal plants of the Sonoran Desert.  Following parts of the park’s Treasure Loop, Prospector’s View and Jacob’s Crosscut trails, volunteer hike leaders stopped at various shrubs, trees and flowers explaining each plant’s medicinal and food value attributes.  For instance, did you know that parts of the creosote bush can be used to reduce symptoms of arthritis, asthma and certain bacterial and fungal infections?  Or, that mesquite tree beans make flavorful, nutritious flour and that a tea made from its leaves can sooth sunburn, rashes and sore throats?  Here’s a sample of what’s on deck in the coming weeks, check the park web site for details:

March 14: Getting to know the birds around you.

March 16: Star Talk with astronomer Bill Dellinges

March 21: Geology Hike

March 24: Reptiles & Amphibians program

jojoba

LENGTH:  3.5 miles

RATING:  easy

ELEVATION: 2,000' – 2,500'

DOGS: must be on leash, pack out droppings

DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 40 miles

GETTING THERE:

From Phoenix, go east on US60 to exit 196 for AZ88/Idaho Road.  Turn left and follow Idaho Road

2.3 miles to AZ88/Apache Trail.  Turn right and continue 4.9 miles to the park entrance on the right.

FEE: $7 daily fee per vehicle (includes guided hikes)

FACILITIES: restrooms, water, camping, picnic tables, visitor center

INFO:  480-982-4485

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/LODU/index.html

MAP: http://azstateparks.com/Parks/LODU/downloads/LODU_Park_Map.pdf

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JACOB'S CROSSCUT

JACOB’S CROSSCUT TRAIL Tonto National Forest The rough-hewn silhouettes of the Superstition and Goldfield mountains make the perfect backdrop for the wildflower madness that occurs each spring. The Jacob’s Crosscut Trail # 58, which skirts Lost Dutchman State Park, is one of the best places to get your fill of blooms. Beginning as early as late January and running through April, millions of poppies, lupines, fairy dusters, chia, chicory and many other colorful buds line the well-defined route. LENGTH: 6.5 miles one-way RATING: easy ELEVATION RANGE: 1,880’ – 2,110’ GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take Highway 60 east to the Idaho Road (Highway 88) exit. Continue east on Highway 88 past the Lost Dutchman State Park. Just past the park, turn right onto First Water Road (FR 78) and drive 1 mile to the signed Crosscut trailhead on the right.