Cities

Superior

Visit a historic mining community surrounded by rugged mountains and open-pit mines.

Located 45 miles outside of the Phoenix metro’s East Valley, Superior is surrounded by Tonto National Forest. This historic mining town is a gateway to lakes along the Salt River, hikes in the Apache Leap Mountains and Queen Creek Canyon, and scenic drives through Salt River Canyon — Arizona’s “other Grand Canyon.” Magma Copper Company, the largest underground copper mine in Arizona, continues to operate in this area of saguaro-studded hills and valleys where the Superstition Mountains meet Arizona’s Copper Corridor.

Stroll Main Street

Highway 60 cuts through the middle of town, but to discover the true character of Superior, head a couple blocks north to Main Street. Find Hotel Magma, a former boarding house converted into a boutique hotel. From there, set off in all directions to visit mom-and-pop eateries, character-rich saloons and local shops inside historic storefronts that once served miners and their families. All the nostalgia is within walking distance in the charming historic districts of Superior, now lined with colorful art galleries and plenty of spots to mingle with locals.

Hit the LOST Trails

The Legends of Superior Trails connect to two segments of the Arizona Trail that meet near the area’s signature hike — the Picketpost Trail. Queen Creek flows through town and is viewable along the LOST trails. Head to the top of Picketpost Mountain on a difficult 4-mile out-and-back hike that reaches viewpoints overlooking the historic city and the area’s legendary botanical garden with the Superstition Mountains looming in the background. Hike, bike or ride horses on the 12-mile network of LOST trails that connect Superior to the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Visitors find one of Arizona’s most popular attractions just outside of Superior. At the base of Picketpost Mountain, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona’s largest and oldest botanical garden, dating back to 1924. Today, the gardens showcase some 20,000 desert plants from around the world. As is typically the case, giant saguaros steal the show. Queen Creek flows through the arboretum, attracting native wildlife. Early birds arrive at 6 a.m. for self-guided tours during the hotter months. Most of the year, the gardens open at 8 a.m. and offer guided tours or let visitors explore the park’s 5 miles of trails at their own pace.

Visit Destination Website