WINDMILL HIKE

WINDMILL HIKE
Superstition Wilderness

Free-form in nature and easy to access, this hike follows a casual maze of trails that meander among dilapidated, tin-roofed corrals, wooden fences and a windmill that lost its blades years ago. The ruins are surrounded by twisted barbed wire and stand as decadent sentries in an expansive desert canyon where herds of cattle once enjoyed the shade and fresh spring water that still feeds water holes scoured out of the area’s volcanic crags. The trail begins on an old dirt road that leads to the ruins. From there, narrow footpaths lead to many points of interest including a spectacular slot canyon where the songs of vociferous cardinals and canyon sparrows bounce off the cliffs and harmonize with the sound of rusty metal swaying in the breeze.

Length: 2 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 180 feet
Rating: easy

Getting there:
From Phoenix, take Highway 60 east to the Highway 88 (Idaho Road) exit. From there, go left at the intersection and continue on Highway 88 to the turn off for First Water Road (Forest Road 78). Follow FR-78 to the horse staging area and park in the adjacent lot. Hike back out onto FR-78 and continue for a short distance to an unmarked dirt road on the left. There’s a gate a few yard in from the road, which marks the beginning of the trail.