Hike | Reavis Ranch – Arizona Hikers Guide

  • Length:  14.4 miles round trip
  • Trailhead Elevation:  4,830 ft.
  • Gain/Loss:  +450 ft.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Rating: 8/10
  • Solitude: Moderate
  • Season: Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

Reavis Ranch is one of the premier hikes in the Eastern Superstitions and is one of my personal favorites.  There are three trails leading to the old homestead; this one being the shortest yet most difficult.  I recommend this hike to anyone who is physically fit and wishes to complete this hike as an overnight visit.

History: “The central feature of the eastern Superstitions is Reavis Ranch, a remote, secluded valley named for Elisha Reavis, the recluse whose unkempt beard and ever-present rifle earned him a reputation as an eccentric to be avoided. Some folks said he only pretended to be insane so that people would leave him alone and was, in fact, well-educated and a generous host. In the 1870s, he built a farm and orchard along the creek that runs through the valley, and sold vegetables and fruit to nearby towns and mining camps. His grave stands just a few yards off one of the main trails into the area.” Excerpt taken from AZCentral

The Hike: The Reavis Ranch trail starts at Roger’s Trough Trailhead in the southeastern part of the Superstitions.  The trailhead is a beast to get to.  The dirt road from Queen Valley takes FOREVER and is very rough.  A high clearance vehicle is a must and 4WD would be best.  Once you get to the trailhead, however, the trail is very pleasant and is my favorite way to get to Reavis Ranch.

The trail will begin heading downhill into Rogers Canyon.  The first intersection you encounter is West Pinto Trail about 1/4 of a mile into the hike.  Continue further and you meet Rogers Canyon Trail at the 1 1/2 mile area.  Make sure you stay to the right here.  You will know if you are on the right path if you start climbing in elevation towards Reavis Saddle which after a series of switchbacks is over at mile three.

From here, you will take a nice and gentle descent into Reavis Canyon which leads to the ranch.  This is my favorite part of the hike because you pass pine trees, meadows, and a creek to refill your water/wash your face.

Finally, at around mile 6 you encounter Fire Line Trail intersection.  Stay on the current trail and follow it into the open meadow where you will find the concrete slab, apple orchards, and a small stream.  The orchards are incredible.  Who would have guessed there would be apple orchards in the heart of the Superstition Mountains!?  The orchards are very overgrown but still produce many apples that you are free to enjoy.  Find one of the many campsites and hunker down for the night before heading back the way you came.

Directions: From Phoenix, take U.S. 60 east about 40 miles to Florence Junction. Two miles past the junction, between mile markers 214 and 215, turn north onto Queen Valley Road. Go 1.7 miles to Hewitt Station Road (Forest Road 357). Turn right and go 3 miles to FR 172, then north 9.2 miles to the sign where the road splits to the Rogers Trough and Woodbury trailheads. Take FR 172A almost 4 miles to the Rogers Trough Trailhead. A high-clearance vehicle is required, four-wheel drive IS highly recommended.

This is by far one of my favorite hikes.  There is so much to see and enjoy.  I love the history behind the ranch, the mystery, and the beauty of the meadows.  I also love the apples!  I will be back every year!

  • High clearance vehicle is a must
  • Take your time. Try and find the very faint trail that leads to the Reavis gravesite
  • Autumn time brings apples which did produce the last time I was down there (2014)
  • There is a spring in the meadow where you can fill up your water bottles
  • Plan for an overnight trip, a day hike doesn’t do this place justice

Let me know in the comments below and I will do my best to do a personal write up about it! Your comments and feedback are appreciated and taken seriously.