Reavis Ranch via Reavis Trail

Trail Overview

The Reavis Ranch is one of the most unique destinations in Arizona's backcountry. The trail follows Reavis Creek through a narrow canyon to a hidden valley where George Reavis built a homestead in the 1890s. The ranch sits in a lush, green pocket of the Superstition Mountains - a startling contrast to the dry desert you hike through to reach it. Cottonwood trees line the creek, and the ruins of the stone cabin and barn still stand.

This is a long day hike or a comfortable overnight. The trail is well-maintained and follows a gentle grade along Reavis Creek for most of the way. The reward at the end is the ranch site itself - a piece of Old West history surrounded by towering cliffs and running water.

Reavis Creek provides reliable water at the ranch site and along much of the trail, making this one of the few Superstition routes where water is not the primary concern.

Trail Milestones

What It's Really Like

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from over 500 reviews, the Reavis Ranch is consistently called the most rewarding hike in the Superstitions. Reviewers love the combination of history, water, and the surprise of finding a green valley in the middle of the desert.

The first half follows Reavis Creek through a gradually narrowing canyon. The trail crosses the creek several times - you'll need to wade or rock-hop depending on water levels. The canyon walls close in as you progress, creating a cool, shaded corridor.

The reveal happens around Mile 8 when the canyon suddenly opens into a wide, green valley. Cottonwood trees line the creek, and you can see the stone ruins of the ranch ahead. It feels like stumbling onto a secret.

Insider tip: The ranch site is popular with day hikers and horseback riders. If you're camping, set up camp a half-mile past the ranch to have the place to yourself in the morning.

Water & Safety

Permits & Regulations

History & Lore

George Reavis was a colorful character who homesteaded this valley in the 1890s. He was a former Confederate soldier, land speculator, and con man who once claimed ownership of the entire Superstition Mountains based on a forged Spanish land grant. His scheme collapsed, but he retreated to this hidden valley and lived out his years as a rancher.

The stone cabin and barn still stand, though they're in various states of repair. The cottonwood trees Reavis planted are now massive, and the orchard he established still produces fruit in season. It's one of the most atmospheric historic sites in Arizona.

Reavis is buried in a small cemetery near the ranch, along with his wife and several children who died in the harsh frontier conditions.