The Superstition Mountain

The Superstition Mountain is a city located east of the Phoenix metropolitan area in Arizona. It anchors the west end of the Superstition Wilderness. Although its precise origin is debated by geologists, many believe that the mountain was formed from volcanic activity as far back as 25 million years ago.

The ash and basalt composed mountain was battered by elements to give it the unique form it has today, creating the prominent landmark and popular recreation destination in the region.

About the Superstition Area

Perhaps, nowhere in the entire United States will you find an area full of legend, history and intrigue other than in the ruggedly 160,000 acre land Superstition Mountain.

Archeological evidence indicates that people were here some 9000 years ago. Later inhabitants included the Salado, Hohokam and Apache Indians, followed by Spanish explorers and Mexican Gold Miners.

Early American trappers and adventurers migrated to the area and were soon followed by cattlemen and farmers. Eventually, the U.S. Cavalry was sent in to establish strongholds to protect this rapidly growing population. As modern times approached, men and women began searching for what they believed was the richest gold mine in the world in the Superstition Mountain and till date have not found it.

Some facts and features of the Superstition Mountain you should know of:

1. It is a region in Arizona located to the east of the Phoenix metropolitan area.

2. They area is secured by a large mountain that is a popular recreation destination for residents of the Phoenix, Arizona area.

3. The Superstition Mountains have a desert climate, with high summer temperatures and a handful of perennial sources of water

4. Superstition Mountain is famous for the Lost Dutchman’s Mine where “millions of dollars’ worth of gold” is allegedly hidden, but has never been verified.

Lost Dutchman Ore Crusher

5. According to the legend, Jacob Waltz, a German immigrant, discovered a mother lode of gold in the Superstition Wilderness and revealed its location on his deathbed in Phoenix in 1891 to Julia Thomas, a boarding-house owner who had taken care of him for years. This mine is still undiscovered.

6. Scientifically, the mountain was formed from volcanic activity as far back as 25 million years ago. The ash and basalt-composed mountain was battered by the elements to give it the unique form of multiple pillars it has today, creating the prominent landmark

7. The hike and climb to the summit of Superstition Mountain is reputed to be the toughest in the area. Indeed it is not easy and should not be attempted by anyone who is either not fit or who has knee, joint or back issues. More than half of the route is quite steep, ranging from Class 2 Difficult to some Class 3 rock-climbing pitches. Again, coming down, is tougher on the body than going up.

The history and reputation of this mountain is varied. Many have searched for the mysterious mine. But this is sacred ground. People disappear and mysterious deaths occur. That’s just one reason why it’s called Superstition Mountain.

The quest to find this gold have grabbed many miners by the heart and doesn’t let go, leaving dreamers and death in its wake. While the details change, the search for hidden treasure in the Superstition Mountain continues!!!