Vulture Peak Trail, Bureau of Land Management, Wickenburg, AZ

Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 km) mround trip

Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous

Elevation: 2400 - 3480 feet (730 - 1060 m)

Season: October - May

Located about 7 miles south of Wickenburg, AZ on the Vulture Mine Road is 3680 foot Vulture Peak. This ancient volcanic plug stands like a sentinel above the Sonoran landscape. The trail to the top is relatively short, but very steep.

The trail begins at the Vulture Peak trailhead. There is a 4x4 road that will take you 1.4 miles further, but it is a very rough road and not really recommended for most. However, this first 1.4 miles of the trail is a very pleasant and relatively easy stroll through the Sonoran vegetation and across several nice washes.

When we were there, a green carpet of sprouts following the recent rains covered the ground and many xeric plants, such as the ocotillo and brittle brush has begun to sprout new leaves.

Upon reaching the 4x4 road trailhead, the trail immediately begins its nearly vertical ascent to the saddle on Vulture Peak above. In just 0.7 miles, the trail climbs over 800 feet in elevation. As it switches back and forth up the rocky slopes, the 5,000+ foot Harquahala Mountains appear as a broad dome on the western horizon.

The steepest and roughest section is right before the saddle, where the white strains of raptor droppings are left on the rocks and a large next is visible. At the saddle, you now have views east toward the Valley of the Sun and all the way across to the distant Four Peaks and the White Tanks Mountains. The large white domed football stadium in Glendale is even visible.

For those who are adventurous, another 200 foot vertical ascent will take you to the summit of the mountain for even more expansive views. However, given the difficulty of hauling a 2-year old on my back, we chose not to try it out, especially watching the other hikers butt-scooting down the chute.

Retrace your steps on the way back. Remember, that will be a tricky 0.7 mile descent, especially on the knees. But, the last 1.4 miles will be much more enjoyable.

Hieroglyphic Canyon Trail, Superstition Wilderness, Tonto NF, Arizona

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) round trip

Elevation: 1800 - 2600 feet (550 - 790 m)

Difficulty: Moderately Easy (strenuous behind petroglyphs)

Season: Anytime, except mid-day in summer

Located just outside of Apache Junction, in the Superstition Wilderness, this is a relatively easy, easily accessible trail that offers year-round water and some ancient petroglyphs. So, as you can imagine, it is also heavily visited, particularly by those who don't often go on long backcountry adventures.

But, despite the crowds, a visit to the Hieroglyphic Canyon petroglyphs is worth it. The trail begins in the sprawling community of Gold Canyon just off Hwy 60 heading toward Globe. The suburban developments go literally up to the Tonto National Forest boundary.  Turn left on Kings Ranch Road and go 2.8 miles until turning right on Mohican road. Then, look for the brown hiker sign and follow it at several more turns until arriving at the huge parking lot.

The trail heads up the hill to an intersection, where you will stay left. Then, it heads out across the bajada straight toward the Hieroglyphic Canyon ahead. The canyon cuts deep into the sheer cliffs of the Superstition Mountains which makes for a might site. Behind you, you can see Mount Lemmon near Tucson and Mount Graham far off in the distance.

The trail is wife, but rocky, but as it approaches the mouth of the canyon, get much more rugged. You will soon begin to hear the sound of the stream as it tumbles over several waterfalls. Make sure you look out for the boulder filled with ancient grinding mortars. At the middle falls are the densest set of petroglyphs. You will also know you are there when you see the hoards mulling about.

If you are adventurous, consider continuing up the canyon, boulder-hopping your way up to the sharp right turn the canyon makes. From up there, there is a spectacular view of very high cliffs and rugged speaks of the Superstitions. It isn't easy to get up there, but it is fun.

Boulder-hopping up the canyon

Around the bend, looking up to the headwall of the canyon

Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead