Rogers Canyon Hike

April 26th arrived with a beautiful sun glowing orange, and the anticipation of an adventurous day in the wonderful Supes. A trip to the Rogers Canyon area and a hike into the cliff dwellings was in the offing. I met Sid and Cathy Bacon and the adventure began.

The trip into Rogers Trough entails 1.5 hours of vehicular travel through very fine country. The Sonoran desert is in full form after the 9+ inches of rain we have received this year. The mountains, natural bridges, and running creeks are “eye candy” to all who make the trip.

Upon arriving at the trailhead, the Superstition Wilderness Adventures greeting committee, 3 Coues whitetail deer, flashed their large tails to start the hike out on a high note. The scenery, fabulous to say the least, made us anxious to hit the trail.

The hike drops downhill around 1200 ft. in 4.3 miles making the hike in pretty easy. Of course there is no escalator so the climb back is +1200 ft. Because of the distance the hike is not real bad but hey, it is still 1200 ft. The eastern Superstitions are 180 degrees different that the western end. The first 1.7 miles of the trail is fairly open with lots of scrub oak and manzanita. The last 3 miles are mostly canopied with trees, lots of running water, and red rock views. Just after the Reavis-Rogers trail intersect, we were greeted by the largest Blacktail Rattlesnake that I have seen in many moons. Beautifully colored, thick bodied, and in a really pissy mood. I would guess around 40 inches in length. Cathy declined to hold it while I measured. Probably a good move on her part. After removing it from our path, we continued down to the cliff dwelling.

After 2.5 hours of hiking we arrived at the “caverna con casa”. As always it is a stunning sight, even after seeing it many times. The skill of the craftsmen is present wherever you look. The many handprints still obvious in the adobe walls, the hand hewn timbers to support the roof. You can still see the reeds they used as roofing material. Then the view, what a front yard they chose. Easy to defend, but better to enjoy. Rogers Canyon stretching out in front of you with the green trees, water course, and the sheer beauty of the colors in the canyon walls. Surely the abrupt departure of the ancient inhabitants had to do with a dramatic event, be it climatic change or encroachment of ancestral enemies. I will ask Al Gore next time I see him for his opinion on this. Sharing this with Sid and Cathy was pure enjoyment. Lots of questions and terrific banter added to the experience.

The real work then begins. The hike back is uphill, all the way. The pleasure from the adventure makes it a bit easier. The scenery, well, that you have to experience. It makes the climb out very palatable. The last 1.7 miles out are the steepest and most exposed of the whole trip. With temperatures in the 80’s it really wasn’t bad. Usually bugs can be a problem but on this perfect hiking day the minimal breeze even kept them at bay.

On arrival at the trailhead we ran into the Goldfield Ghost Riders. A great bunch of horsemen and horsewomen who had ridden up from Queen Creek, a ride of around 14 miles. They were in the midst of lunch and “refreshment”. We were in the same mode as we shared stories and tales of adventure. What a way to end a glorious hike. Thanks to Sid and Cathy, the Ghost Riders, and my new found friend with rattles for a memorable trip into the Supes.

See ya on the trails,

larry

For more information on how you can plan your custom hike into the Superstitions, visit the Superstition Wilderness Adventures homepage.