Hieroglyphic Trail

Hieroglyphic Trailhead
5.0
11 Reviews
Hieroglyphic Trail
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Details

Distance
2.9 miles
Elevation Gain
614 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Groups
Waterfall
Dog Friendly
Romantic
Family Friendly
River
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About this place

Added by Breanne McNitt

Hieroglyphic Trail is an easy hike to view Indian Petroglyphs and hang out next to seasonal pools located near Gold Canyon, Arizona.

This hike is a great beginner hike for those who want to experience the beauty of the Superstitions. I suggest going early in the morning because this trail gets very crowded later in the day (especially on weekends).

To get to the trailhead from US60, turn north onto Kings Ranch Road where you will begin the winding path through the neighborhoods.  From Kings Ranch Road, turn east on Baseline Ave, north on Mohican Road, west on Valley View Drive, north on Whitetail Road, and east on Cloudview Ave until it comes to a dead end at the trailhead parking lot.

Start off by entering through the gate and then follow the Hieroglyphic Trail at any intersections you come to.  You will pass through a few gates, so make sure to lock them behind you so no cattle accidentally escape.  The trail goes up a few switchbacks, and then heads into the canyon for about 1.5 miles.  You will then reach the water, and if you look across the pools, you will see the rock walls lined with petroglyphs.  (Yes, this trail is named hieroglyphic trail, but since hieroglyphs are Egyptian writings, the pictures found here are actually petroglyphs).

If you turn around to the direction you came from, you will also be rewarded with beautiful views of the valley bellow.

Spend some time by the water, and make sure to enjoy the petroglyphs from a distance (Leave No Trace!).  Once you've had your fill, head down the trail the direction you came, and after 1.5 miles you'll be back at your car again.

If you want a more challenging hike, check out the Peak 5057 via Hieroglyphic Trail

PARKING
If the parking lot is full, please do not park illegally or on private property. Please be respectful of the local community and residents of the Cloudview neighborhood.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Nate Davey
11/19/2025
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Ozzie AG
10/27/2024
Well Maintained
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Sir Boss
2/7/2022
Intro to Superstitions
This is a favorite hike for experiencing the desert without driving too far out of town. The end rewards you with a seasonal stream/waterfall ...
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James Robinson
10/28/2021
Spiritually Active Land
I would definitely recommend taking this hike and using the trail frequently if you're in the area. It’s amazing how someplace so gorgeous and ...
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Laura Hill
8/10/2020
Great hike, but sooo busy
If you haven’t trained in the heat, only go in the cooler months (AZ summers are brutal). But when it’s nice out, this ...
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Crystal Sibson
8/7/2020
Beautiful Hike with Seasonal Waterfall
The Hieroglyphic Trail is a popular hike within the Superstition Wilderness. The parking lot fills up quickly so be there early to grab ...
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Brittny Dwyer
10/22/2018
Love!
I love this trail, it’s one of my favorites. It’s not too hard but you definitely feel it work your muscles.
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Candi Culley
4/30/2018
Great Hike!
This is a perfect trail if you are wanting to just get out of the house and see something pretty without too much exertion. ...
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Jacob Schell
3/15/2018
Fun hike!
We had a blast! Very kid and dog friendly. If you can make The 1-1/2 mile trip up there then the trip down will be easy.
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Robert Mathers
2/14/2018
A must do.
I was there this morning February 14 2018 awesome trail.
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Erik Svans
4/18/2017
Perfect for the kids
We just did this hike last weekend and it was perfect with our 5 year old. Elevation rise/fall is just right, never too ...
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