Superstition Icon Loop - My First Solo Multi-Day Backpacking Trip

Описание: I spent 2 nights, 3 days in the beautiful and rugged Superstition Mountains completing the "Superstition Icon Loop" originally created by Jerry Arizona. This was also my first solo overnight backpacking trip, and fourth backpacking trip total.

Jerry Arizona's Icon Loop Videos:
   • I created the most iconic and difficult lo...  
   • Completing the Icon Loop - 3 days Backpack...  

I live nearby and day hike in the Superstitions regularly. When I first heard about this loop, I just knew it was something I wanted to do and immediately put it on my wishlist. With the recent rain that we've had, I decided that this was the perfect window to give it a go.

This loop proved to be quite the challenge! I have hiked to all of these "icons" before, but just as day hikes - not as one big hike. Between the terrain, limited daylight hours, and just me being a backpacking newbie I was put to the test! It was probably the most difficult thing I have ever done physically, but I loved every minute I spent out there and the accomplishment I felt at the end was indescribable.

Here's the breakdown:
Day 1 - I started at Lost Dutchman State Park and hiked up to Flat Iron. From there, I hiked up to the nearby Peak 5024 then continued on the Superstition ridgeline to Peak 5057. I skipped Three Sisters, as I was running out of daylight, and made my way to the big bunny rock formation near Robber's Roost to camp for the night.

Day 2 - I enjoyed a leisurely morning and some breakfast at camp before packing up and heading to Robber's Roost. I then made my way down to Fremont Saddle and around Weaver's Needle to Battleship Mountain. I summited Battleship and camped at a lower part of the mountain - not exactly where I originally wanted to camp, but (as you'll see in the video) I had trouble getting my pack up the first scramble. It still turned out to be a beautiful spot though!

Day 3 - Instead of hiking straight out to First Water TH, I hiked back on the Boulder Trail to link up with a friend and climb Black Top Mesa together. I found "THE END" on top of Black Top Mesa and thought it was the perfect way to end my epic 3-day trip.

My total mileage ended up being 34.5, and my total elevation 9,126ft.

Also check out these other Icon Loop Adventures:
MoonjuiceHikes:
   • The Superstition Icon Loop - 3 Day Solo Ba...  
   • The Hardest Day Hike in Arizona? Super Ico...  

Walking with a Wookie:
   • Superstition Mountains, Icon Loop (the who...  

0:00 The Journey Begins
2:49 Icon 1 - Flat iron
3:25 Icon 2 - Peak 5024
5:16 Icon 3 - Superstition Ridgeline
5:57 Icon 4 - Peak 5057
6:32 Campsite 1
7:26 Day 2 Morning
9:19 Icon 5 - Robber's Roost
10:02 Icon 6 - Fremont Saddle
12:18 Icon 7 - Battleship
12:53 Campsite 2
14:28 Day 3 Morning
15:56 Icon 8 Blacktop Mesa