Lost Goldmine Trailhead parking

Climb through a forest of saguaros into the Superstitions and hunt down a canyon covered with ancient rock writing — with seasonal desert pools thrown in when Arizona feels generous.

Despite the trail's name, you're hunting petroglyphs — designs carved into rock — not Egyptian-style hieroglyphics. The trail climbs roughly 1.5 miles through classic Sonoran Desert before reaching the rock-art area in Hieroglyphic Canyon.

THE EXPERIENCE

Leave the Cloudview Trailhead parking lot and climb toward the Superstition Mountains through saguaros, cholla and open Sonoran Desert. Shortly after starting, take the Hieroglyphic Trail when it splits from the Lost Goldmine Trail. Keep climbing as the route gets rockier entering the canyon. Your finish line is the actual petroglyph site carved into the dark rock around the canyon wash. Find the rock writing, admire it without touching it.

ONCE YOU’RE THERE

Navigation takes you to the Cloudview Trailhead parking lot at 11231 E Cloudview Ave. Park in the designated lot at the end of Cloudview Avenue. Pass through the trailhead gate and begin from the parking area. Shortly after starting, the trails split; take the Hieroglyphic Trail toward the canyon. Continue roughly 1.5 miles to the petroglyph-covered rocks around the canyon wash, then return to the same parking lot.

GOOD TO KNOW

Cloudview Trailhead parking is very limited and there is no legal overflow parking along the nearby streets. If it's full, don't invent a parking space.

FEES & ACCESS

No mandatory entrance, parking, access, permit, reservation, or similar fee is required to complete this Adventure as routed.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Check seasonal weather, access and land-manager advisories before departure.