Superstition Backroads

Total Miles 25.3
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Summer, Fall
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

The Superstition Backroads are easy Jeep trails, close to town, that take you on a short day trip to an abandoned gypsum mine. The western end of the trail is close to the Superstition Mountains. The main trail is 4, while a short optional climb and the Gypsum Overlook Loop are 5. There is a picnic site at the top of the optional climb where we occasionally build a campfire and wait for the full moon. Look for a mushroom rock from one of the north spurs and a cave on the other. The cave looks like it should have cliff dwellings. If time is short you can just do the section west of Peralta Road. This is the most interesting section, but the east part is also worth the trip. You may even be lucky enough to see mule deer along the trail. You may also see Bighorn Sheep on the low part of Superstition Mountain at the end of the western spur.

Photos of Superstition Backroads

Difficulty

This is an uneven, rutted dirt trail with loose rocks, sand, erosion, and washes. There are potential water crossings up to 18 inches deep, mud holes, and obstacles up to 2 feet, including ledges and short, steep grades.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

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Jay & B Sandoval & Garza
Dec 27, 2025
Open
David Nagel
Nov 30, 2025
Open
Trevor Snedeker
Nov 16, 2025
Open
Did the west side of the trail off peralta rd. Pretty narrow trail and rocky, but overall not too bad. My buddy was in a stock Frontier Pro-4x and had no trouble.
David boels
Nov 08, 2025
Open
Accessed the trail from Peralta canyon, a well maintained dirt road. Fun begins when you jog right to pick up the trail. Definitely need a lifted rig for there are very many rocky parts and a few steep inclines / declines. A slow paced trail with lots of fun and amazing views.
Michael Lankford
Nov 05, 2025
Open
I just ran the loop and spurs on the North/West of Peralta Road. Everything was dry today and this section was pretty normal with just a couple ruts down into washes but didnt cause a problem. More pinstripes than anything.
Matt Greer
Oct 14, 2025
Open
Just rode this trail. The water crossing was full of water but passable. In between the two water crossing areas there is a section of the trail where one side has been washed away. It was deep enough to swallow one of my tires and I had to be pulled back out since I was resting on the axle. I imagine it will fill back in as more people try and drive over it and just regular settling as it dries hopefully. Of course I got pictures of everything but the giant rut that stopped me.
TallGuy TJ
Jun 07, 2025
Open
Very fun trail with lots to see! Deer, cows, hawks, saguaro cactus and more. Not too technical but some areas increase in difficulty. Definitely high clearance 4x4 required for most. This place would be so much fun in the rain. May be back in the fall.
Glen Z
May 02, 2025
Open
Pretty easy trail. Was able to do all of it in 2-wd. Great views of the Superstition range. Lots of cool cactus. Dont see those back home. Just be carefull. The utility company is dredging all along the road, for electric or some pipe work. The machine has left a double row dirt and stone. This is in front of both ends of the trail. Try not to get turtled when you cross it. I almost did. Had to put it in 4 low with front and rear lockers to power through it…..
Andrew J
Apr 13, 2025
Open
Took West route up to top and back, nice quick run, only two areas needed four wheel drive. Took different route on way back and joining trail was very steep, maybe 7 rating so watch some of those trails.
Chuck V
Feb 19, 2025
Open
Weekday evening just saw one side by side and two dirt bikes at the beginning. Stock 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 with KO2 tires. There are some deep drainage? ruts that look new running along the Peralta Trail. Beautiful day.
Jayden Rivera
Jan 08, 2025
Open
Loose rocks, great trail with scenery and we saw a couple bulls out and about
Matt Kerwin
Dec 08, 2024
Open
Overall not a bad trail. There were several places where pinstriping was unavoidable in a mid-full size truck. There was a good variety of ups and downs and a couple of technical areas. The most challenging could by bypassed and there are lots of offshoots for more spirited offroading. I saw a few side-by-sides but that was about it. Honestly, the roughest part was switching between roads because of higher than expected berms and deeper than expected trenches. Careful maneuvering and high clearance will do just fine. The late afternoon and early morning views were spectacular. We camped overnight east of the Peralta trailhead and it was mostly peaceful except for a small caravan of offroaders at night. I'd also highly recommend visiting the Wave Cave which has amazing views but is a fairly challenging hike.
Aaron Rubalcava
Nov 30, 2024
Open
Trail was smooth going. Make sure to download the trail map before starting. cell service is patchy in the canyon and rolling hills. Over all a great trail to run in any Jeep as me and my dad did it in our in 2 and 1/2 hours. We also went off on side trails as well. lots of people shooting and hunting in the area so ne ectra cautious. Super fun trail to do for beginners.
Steve Kennedy
Nov 11, 2024
Open
extremely fun day. Parts of the trail were a little rough, but nothing a stock Rubicon can't handle. We got a LOT of Arizona pinstripes though. While on the Superstition Loop, we took two spurs off the main trail to get closer to the Superstition Mountains, they were a little sketchier than the main trail but again, nothing the Rubicon couldn't handle.
Dennis Christensen
Sep 28, 2024
Open
Dusty and dry but in good shape and fun. They are grading the road off Camino Viejo so some of this is no longer trails.

Superstition Backroads Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance

Superstition Backroads Map

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