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    Massacre Falls via Dutchman’s Trailhead

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3-4.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    12.6 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    367 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead

    As the legends of the Superstition Wilderness say, a rich Mexican family came to this area to mine gold in the 1840s. Cornered and killed by the Apache, Massacre Falls and Massacre Falls Trail got their names from this bloody past. Don’t let the moniker deter you, though. This is a great hike with lots of pleasant scenery and not as much violence these days. Massacre Falls are seasonal, so you’ll want to plan to visit when there’s been some recent rain. This route originates from Dutchman’s Trailhead.

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    Route Description for Massacre Falls via Dutchman’s Trailhead

    Back in the 1840s, the Peralta family came from Northern Mexico to mine the gold-rich Superstition Wilderness. In 1848, they were preparing to head back to Mexico with their spoils when they were cornered and attacked by the Apache. All but a few members of the family were killed. After the attack, the Apache covered the entrance to the mine and hid the gold.

    The approach from Dutchman’s Trailhead is longer and a bit more strenuous, so bring lots of water and prepare to have little shade. From the trailhead, you’ll want to backtrack along the road to the second restroom and take the route that heads south into the desert. Take a left to head into the mountains when you reach Massacre Falls Trail.

    There’s a trail split before the falls. Stay right to hike along the bottom of the cliff ahead in the direction of the mountains. Going left will lead you to a cliff which has great views but isn’t your destination. Look for the falls to the west. The falls are often fairly weak, so try to time your trip post-monsoon. When you’re done admiring the falls, you’ll return to the trailhead the same way you came in.

    Getting to the Massacre Falls via Dutchman’s Trailhead Trailhead

    The trailhead for Massacre Falls via Dutchman’s Trailhead is off Forest Road 78.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      October-June

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Low

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Massacre Falls via Dutchman’s Trailhead Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

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    Massacre Falls via Dutchman’s Trailhead Reviews

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