Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Massacre Grounds to Praying Hands Loop
when Trip Report : March 14, 2021
  Trip Report : February 23, 2019
  Trip Report : February 3, 2018
  Trip Report : March 29, 2014
  Trip Report : March 19, 2011
  Trip Report : February 14, 2009
  Trip Report : April 2, 2005
  Trip Report : December 9, 2000
where Superstition Mountains
the hike     History and legend come alive as we hike from Jacob’s Crosscut Trailhead to the historic and highly scenic Massacre Grounds at the base of the Superstition Mountains! On the way we’ll enjoy the spectacular rock formations, vivacious Sonoran vegetation and wildlife north of the Superstition Mountains.
    After reaching the Massacre Grounds, we’ll back track a little and then head west on a social trail to Split Rock and Praying Hands. From there, we’ll continue northwest on the Treasure Loop and Jacob’s Crosscut Trails back to our cars.
    ... “Oh, no! We’re cliffed out in every direction but west, and renegade warriors are attacking us from the west! If we can’t hold out, the mules carrying our saddlebags of gold will be lost! What are we going to do, Capitán?”
    Fast-forward to the 21st century. The Massacre Grounds are peaceful now. They offer awesome views of the wilderness northeast of the Superstition Mountains. You can see the Massacre Grounds from the Apache Trail highway: a tilted mesa nestled up against the east side of the towering Superstitions. The way looks deceptively smooth, as if you could just casually walk up to the Massacre Grounds, or so they thought.
Required:
•  Sturdy hiking boots
•  At least 3 liters of water
•  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Recommended:
•  Hiking poles
•  Camera
distance 8 miles
time 5-6 hours
EC +-1800' elevation change
elevations 2117' (Crosscut Trailhead) to 3082' (Massacre Grounds)
type loop
starting at
Jacob’s Crosscut Trailhead 33° 28.276' N,  111° 28.118' W  [NAD27]
on trail 100% — Massacre, “social”, Treasure Loop, Crosscut Trails
dogs? no
rating "B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
cost The club allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather Apache Junction
meet 7:30 AM at Jacob’s Crosscut Trailhead on First Water Road.
There are no toilets at the trailhead.
drive Directions from the Red Mountain Freeway (Loop 202):
•  Exit 26 (Brown Road); go east.
• Continue east on Brown 7 miles to the Apache Trail Highway (AZ 88). It crosses diagonally by Dash In.
• Turn left on the Apache Trail Highway and drive northeast 3 miles, past Lost Dutchman State Park to First Water Road, between mileposts 201 and 202.
• Turn right and go east on First Water Road 0.6 miles to Jacob’s Crosscut Trailhead, which is marked with a sign on the right.
• Paste into Google Maps these coordinates: FGCJ+GG Apache Junction, Arizona.
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updated March 23, 2021 © Copyright 2021, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.