The Superstition Mountains at sunset. The Superstitions are the largest of the mountain ranges surrounding Phoenix, visible from many miles away. They rise steeply above the flat desert to a high point of 5,024 feet, and are characterized by sheer-sided, jagged, volcanic peaks and ridges separated by boulder-filled canyons, flourishing with saguaro at low elevations, with other cacti and bushes higher up. Trees are found only at scattered locations, at springs or beside streams. Early settlers named the hills on account of the many myths and stories told by the local Pima/Apache Indians about the mountains, and tales such as the fabled Lost Dutchman gold mine. Most of the mountains are within the Tonto National Forest, and a large part is further protected as the Superstition Wilderness, the closest large pristine area to Phoenix and so a very popular hiking destination, though there are relatively few easy trails - most routes are quite long and strenuous, especially during the hot weather months of the year.
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