Superstition Peak 5057 (South Ascent Route)

This route is more difficult, but shorter than accessing the peak from either Carney Springs and the Ridgeline Trail (east route), or via Hieroglyphic Canyon and the Ridgeline trail (north west route). Hike north from the trailhead to the petroglyph site in Hieroglyphic Canyon. The trail for the south ascent route begins about a hundred yards north east of the petroglyphs, that follows a ridge up to the balancing rock that is clearly visible, on the high ridge line directly east. At the top of this ridge, pass over a gap in the rock near a wooden cross, and climb staying in the shade of the rocky ridge under the back side of the balancing rock. At first the rock cairns are sparse and the trail is somewhat overgrown, but it becomes easier to follow as you climb out of the valley to a more gently sloped area. There are two major rock bands that must be climbed in this route. The first passes by a decades old white painted arrow, directing you to head east below the cliff. The trail weaves its way up on top of this first rock band without any hands on climbing. The trail then opens up and flattens out for a while. Just before reaching the summit block you will encounter a crux that will require about a ten foot, hands on rock climb. It is not difficult, but could cause problems for anyone with exposure issues. From here it is an easy walk up to the summit block, though the cairns are sparse and there seems to be a number of different faint trails. There is another small scramble required on the last 20 feet or so to get to the summit, where you will find three metal survey markers and a log book in a blue metal box. You can return the same way, or loop back via the Hieroglyphic Canyon route, or a much larger loop via the Carney Springs Trail route.