Massacre Falls – Arizona Hikers Guide

by Cameron Jarman on May 23, 2015

This short but sweet trail leads hikers to natural waterfalls and is best if hiked right after a rainstorm.  Massacre Falls has been given it’s name from legends of murders between Apache and Mexican families that occupied the Superstition Mountain range in the 1800’s.

Length: 5.5 miles (round trip)

Elevation: 2100

Gain/Loss: +1120

Difficulty: 2

Rating: 2.5

Solitude: 3

Trail Description

History

Now, let’s get something straight.  There are dozens of stories about the Massacre Grounds in the Superstitions and few, if any, are reliable.  I speculate just as much as the next guy so take what I post with a grain of salt on this one.  Here is a nice write up about the mystery grounds from AZ Central;

During the middle years of the 19th century, the wealthy Peralta family of Mexico operated several mines in what is now Arizona. In the aftermath of the Mexican War and the Gadsden Purchase, which shifted the border far to the south, the Peraltas decided to extract as much ore as possible before their mines became U.S. territory.

That last expedition, laden with rich gold ore, was on its way back to Mexico when Apaches attacked, slaughtering the miners on the northwestern flanks of the Superstitions. Years later, the single survivor of the attack revealed the location of the family’s richest mine to a prospector who had saved another family member from harm.

That prospector, of course, was Jacob Waltz, the central character in the tales of the Lost Dutchman Mine.

Lending some credence to the story is a report that in 1912 a couple of prospectors found gold ore worth $18,000 in the area where the massacre allegedly took place.

Whether or not the stories are accurate just adds to the charm of the Superstitions.

Hike

The hike begins at the Crosscut Trailhead on the road to First Water Trailhead.  There used to be a road that took you directly to the fence line but has since been bulldozed over and returned to desert.  There are two trails at the trailhead, find the one that says Massacre Grounds Trail and continue on this trail until you meet the fence.  Go through the fence and begin heading southeast towards the mountains.

This stretch of the hike is exposed and has a gradual climb upwards.  As you climb, look towards the west to see a beautiful view of Praying Hands.  You will come to a spot in the trail where you no longer are hiking on dirt but rather solid rock.  This means you are getting close.  On your right be on the lookout for a dark stripe in a low saddle.  This is one of the falls.  It should be fairly obvious due to the overgrowth of green, lush trees and plants surrounding the cliff walls.

Once you locate the falls there are two options.  The first is to continue south which leads to a beautiful overhang with sheer cliffs and 360 degree views of the Massacre Grounds area.  I recommend doing that first as it is only a couple hundred yards away.  The second option is to make your way to the falls.  The trail will seem a bit misleading because it seems like you overshoot the falls which you do.  It will wrap back around and will quickly get you back towards the falls.  At this point the trail gets faint but don’t worry, all trails point to the falls straight ahead so just stick to the most defined trail.  When you get to the cliff face you will notice three falls.  Enjoy the natural beauty of the southwest, pick up your trash when you leave, and head back the same way you came.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this little hike in the Superstitions.  I hiked it right after two days of downpour and was expecting really good flow from the falls but was a little disappointed when I arrived.  The scenery is top notch, however, and the wildflowers are crazy in spring.  I recommend this hike to novice hikers who want a nice day hike with plenty to look at.

Map to Trailhead

Trail Signage

Parking Lot Fence Trail

Massacre Falls Gallery

by Cameron Jarman on April 28, 2015

Formerly known as “Squaw Peak”, Piestewa Peak is located in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve just… Read More

by Cameron Jarman on March 3, 2015

Bluff Springs Loop is a nice little loop hike in the popular Superstition Mountain range…. Read More

by Cameron Jarman on April 17, 2015

The Bright Angel Trail is the Grand Canyon National Park’s most popular and safest trail.   The… Read More

by Cameron Jarman on March 12, 2015

Havasupai is one of the most well known and photographed waterfall destinations in the world…. Read More

by Cameron Jarman on April 30, 2015

When you here people talk about “hiking Camelback”  Echo Canyon Summit Trail is typically the… Read More

by Cameron Jarman on May 17, 2015

The Verde Valley was home to hundreds, even thousands, of ancient inhabitants and the remains… Read More