Backpacking the Superstition Mountains: Arizona Trail Passage 18 & 19

Backpacking the Superstition Mountains has been on my list for a long time, and finally, I got the chance to tackle Arizona Trail Passage 18 and Passage 19. This stretch runs from the Picketpost Trailhead all the way to Roosevelt Lake — about 50 rugged miles through some of the most surprising and beautiful terrain Arizona has to offer.

I’ve logged a lot of trail miles in different states and even hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, but this trip still caught me off guard in the best ways possible. The desert has a way of humbling you, surprising you, and then rewarding you when you least expect it.

Come along as I share what it was like, plus some tips to help you plan your own backpacking trip in the Superstitions.

Starting at Picketpost Trailhead

The journey kicked off at the Picketpost Trailhead, heading northbound on the Arizona Trail. My plan was to cover Passages 18 and 19 and finish at Roosevelt Lake in about two and a half days.

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect to see so much water this time of year. Within just six or seven miles, I’d already crossed more streams than I thought existed in this part of the desert. If you’re planning your own backpacking trip here, don’t underestimate the water sources in spring. It’s a welcome surprise.

Cold Nights and Frozen Shoes

My first night out was rough. I crawled into my 20-degree bag layered in every piece of cold-weather gear I had, and I still shivered through the night. When morning came, my shoes were soaked from all the stream crossings the day before — and they had literally frozen stiff.

Pro tip: wool socks are a lifesaver. I stuffed mine in my bag overnight so they’d at least be warm in the morning, and wool does what it’s supposed to — it kept my feet warm even when damp. If you’re heading out here, bring quality socks and be ready for cold desert nights, especially on exposed ridges.

Water Everywhere in the Desert

One of the biggest misconceptions about backpacking the Superstition Mountains is that water is impossible to find. Sure, in the middle of summer it’s scarce, but in spring I had more water sources than I did on some sections of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Multiple creek crossings, flowing streams, and even the occasional unexpected pool made filtering water easy. Carry a good filter, but don’t stress too much about running dry this time of year.

Losing the Trail in a Sea of Grass

Arizona has a way of throwing surprises at you. At one point, I found myself in an endless field of grass where every path looked like a trail. It all blended together, and I wandered off course without realizing it.

Thankfully, I had GPS to get me back on track. Lesson learned: always carry a navigation backup, and don’t assume the trail will be obvious, especially in the flatter grasslands. A paper map and compass are still solid insurance, but a GPS saved me from a much longer detour.

Long Days, Brutal Elevation, and Big Rewards

Every backpacker knows there are days that beat you down and days that build you back up. Hiking through the Superstitions gave me both.

The elevation gain and loss was no joke — I usually measure my progress by mileage, but this time the climbs and descents made every step count twice. By the time I set up camp on a windy ridgeline, I was wrecked. But the payoff came at sunset.

From my tent, I watched the sky light up over miles of rugged desert peaks. Then the next morning, I stayed put long enough to catch sunrise from the same spot. Cold? Absolutely. Worth it? One hundred percent.

The Home Stretch: Roosevelt Lake in Sight

The final miles into Roosevelt Lake felt almost easy compared to the days before. The trail spilled me out onto a road, and for once I didn’t mind the pavement. My legs needed the break, and the thought of a burger and a cold beer waiting at the marina kept me moving.

Seeing the water of Roosevelt Lake shining in the distance was the perfect ending to this stretch of trail. Two and a half days, countless creek crossings, frozen mornings, and some of the best desert views I’ve ever had — that’s what backpacking the Superstition Mountains delivered.

Tips for Backpacking the Superstition Mountains

If you’re planning to take on Arizona Trail Passage 18 and 19, here are a few lessons from my trip:

• Expect cold nights: Even with a solid sleeping bag, ridgeline camps can be brutal. Layer up and don’t skimp on insulation.
• Bring wool socks: They’ll keep your feet warm even when wet, and you’ll be crossing a lot of streams.
• Plan for water, but don’t over-carry: In spring, you’ll find plenty of sources. Still, always filter.
• Navigation is key: Some areas make it easy to lose the trail. GPS and backup maps are a must.
• Pace yourself: The mileage may not look intimidating, but the elevation gain and terrain will test your endurance.

Why I Love This Trail

Backpacking the Superstition Mountains showed me a side of Arizona I didn’t expect. It’s not just cacti and dust — it’s flowing streams, grassy plains, towering ridges, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks.

As tough as it was, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The Arizona Trail has a way of humbling you, teaching you, and giving back more than you put in. That’s what adventure is all about.

If you’re planning your own Arizona backpacking trip, the Superstitions are a rugged and unforgettable place to start. And if you want more desert inspiration, check out my Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim trip for another classic Arizona adventure.