Superstition Mountains

The southwest deserts are notorious for dramatic rock sculptures and it does not take trekkers long to wonder how such wild formations were formed. As it turns out, heat, water and wind have done their work over time, and continue to weather and shape the land today.

When most of us think of volcanoes, we imagine exotic places like Hawaii or the doomed ancient city of Pompeii. Rarely do we associate volcanic activity with the deserts, but much of Arizona was forged by volcanic activity.  Rising from the eastern edge of the Valley of the Sun stand the majestic rocky wonders known as Four Peaks Wilderness and the Superstition Mountains.

The Superstition Mountains are the remains of a volcanic caldera*, which is a bowl-like formation caused by a major collapse at the very heart of the molten volcano.  As the volcano emptied its contents outward, it created a huge underground cavity. As the weight above the cavity increased, it eventually collapsed back into the hollow cavity. The cooled remnant is what we see today.

Tracking wonder in the Superstitions is an awe-inspiring workout.  To think that you are climbing among the treasures of an old sunken "ship" is wondrous enough, but the unusual, time-weathered rocks provide instant objects of curiosity and wonder. Hoodoos and PBRs (precariously balanced rocks) line the canyons. How did they come to rest where they are, stacked up like a child's blocks just begging to be toppled?

There are many trails in the Superstitions. The Siphon Draw Trail is a popular, yet challenging trek. The trail is rocky and rugged, so wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction.  Cross the relatively flat area leading up to the mountain and into the draw. If you are able, climb as far as the smooth rock basin where water flows off the steep walls during rain. It makes a good destination for a picnic and provides good views of the rocky wonders above. Climbing beyond the basin is very strenuous and tricky, not recommended for inexperienced hikers.  While there, fire up your imagination with tales of the ancient geological and historical secrets contained in the steep walls. Descending in the light of a setting sun is magical, a wonder long remembered.

* In geographic terms, a caldera is a formation in which the outline of the volcanic collapse is presently visible.  Cauldron is the term given to a caldera whose borders are no longer seen.  Crater Lake in Oregon is actually a good example of a well defined caldera.

Wonder Questions

• How did the rock in the basin become so smooth?
• What colors do you see in the rock?
• Make up a story about the origin of the hoodoos.
• Why are the canyon walls so steep?
• When you study a rock, what elements and forces do you think can change it? Heat? Water? Wind? Pressure? 

References and Resources

Arizona State Parks
Arizona State Parks - Legend of the Lost Dutchman
Gemland - Caldera Complex
Science Daily - Caldera Formation

Images - Sharon Pegany