Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
If you're a new backpacker in Arizona, or you want to backpack in Arizona, Reavis Ranch is one of the best places to test your new trail legs. At 7 miles, with just under 1,000' of elevation gain, backpackers make their way from the Rogers Trough Trailhead on the Arizona Trail, to a pine tree forest - tucked in the rugged hills of the Superstition Wilderness. This oasis features a perennial creek with dozens of places to pitch tents. A favorite with the locals, an apple tree grove still produces apples every fall (though this years harvest was particularly small due to lack of rain).
I met up with buddies Troy Dixon and Steve Faulker along with Troy's dog and adventure pal Edie Bark-ell (a nod to Edie Brickell & New Bohemians) who hiked via the standard route, while I chose a more Moonjuice style approach from the Picketpost Trailhead outside of Superior. This 26 mile approach has over 5,600' of accumulated elevation gain (AEG), but a couple of water sources along the way allows for a light and fast hike for the first 19 miles to the Rogers Trough Trailhead.
The Superstition Wilderness always provides rugged trails, incredible desert scenery and the opportunity to test yourself in every way.
Let's Go!
If you're a new backpacker in Arizona, or you want to backpack in Arizona, Reavis Ranch is one of the best places to test your new trail legs. At 7 miles, with just under 1,000' of elevation gain, backpackers make their way from the Rogers Trough Trailhead on the Arizona Trail, to a pine tree forest - tucked in the rugged hills of the Superstition Wilderness. This oasis features a perennial creek with dozens of places to pitch tents. A favorite with the locals, an apple tree grove still produces apples every fall (though this years harvest was particularly small due to lack of rain).
I met up with buddies Troy Dixon and Steve Faulker along with Troy's dog and adventure pal Edie Bark-ell (a nod to Edie Brickell & New Bohemians) who hiked via the standard route, while I chose a more Moonjuice style approach from the Picketpost Trailhead outside of Superior. This 26 mile approach has over 5,600' of accumulated elevation gain (AEG), but a couple of water sources along the way allows for a light and fast hike for the first 19 miles to the Rogers Trough Trailhead.
The Superstition Wilderness always provides rugged trails, incredible desert scenery and the opportunity to test yourself in every way.
Let's Go!
