There are no toilets at the trailhead.
Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Massacre Grounds to Praying Hands Loop
when Febuary 25, 2023 Saturday
  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.
    Due to the recent snows in the Superstions there maybe snow on the mountains making for a great photo’s There may be snow beside the trail, so bring dry shoes and socks for after the hike.
    After reaching the Massacre Grounds, we will back track a little and then head west on a social trail to Massacre Falls which may be running.
    After reaching the Massacre Falls, we will back track a little and then head west on a social trail to Split Rock and Praying Hands. Some persons can just go back to the cars from here. If the snow looks too heavy on the socal trail, we all will just go back to the cars. 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 2 liters of water
•  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses
Recommended:
•  Hiking poles
•  Camera
distance 6 or 9 miles
time 4-6 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 "C or B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
cost The club allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather Apache Junction
leader   You can email the leader to confirm.  Please include your cell phone number in case I need to contact you on the day of the hike. Or you can just show up at Home Depot.
meet 7:30 AM, at Home Depot in Mesa on the southeast corner of Power and US 60.
Due to limited parking at Jacob’s Crosscut Trailhead please car pool.
drive Take US 60 east to Idaho Rd, turn left
At the signs for Canyon Lake, turn right
Continue just past the Lost Dutchman State Park
Turn right onto First Water. The dirt road is O.K. for cars.
Park in the Jacob’s Crosscut Trailhead.
There are no toilets at the trailhead.

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updated Febuary 23, 2023 © Copyright 2023, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.