Since Route 60 will take you right to and through Superior we wanted to give you a major reason to do a very long detour and exploration of this very special mountain town. We have listed out and linked up 60 things to do in and around Superior! You will be surprised by how much there is to do here. Check out the list and start making plans for your next Superior adventure!
#1 Hike all 5 segments of the Legends of Superior Trails
The Legends of Superior Trails (LOST) is a 11.65 mile long hiking, biking and equestrian recreational trail that travels through Superior, Arizona and the beautiful Sonoran Desert 60 miles east of the Phoenix metro area.
The trail creates a connection from the stunning Arizona National Scenic Trail, through Superior to the rugged Queen Creek Canyon. Along the way it passes through the riparian forest of the majestic Picketpost Mountain to the south and the Apache Leap to the east.
Complete all the LOST Segments!
The LOST is divided into five segments. Each with a slightly different character. All segments are open for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. Check all the segments off your list and share your experience with the hashtag #lostinsuperior
Arnett Canyon
Pinal City Panther
Miners and Ranchers
Superior Town Center
Queen Creek Canyon
#2 Explore desert plants from around the world at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Boyce Thompson Arboretum holds collections of desert plants from around the world. The collections include plants from the United States, Mexico, Australia, Madagascar, India, China, Japan, Israel, South America, the Middle East, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Peninsula. It's a world-class attraction that is not to be missed when visiting Superior.
# 3 Visit Besich Park in the center of Downtown Superior
Besich Park is the center of the action for many community events. You will find live music here during Superior's Second Fridays and fresh produce and food offerings at the adjacent food court during the Farm-to-Fantastic Farmer's Market. If you have a Tesla you can plug in and charge it while you enjoy the festivities as there are two chargers located in front of the park.
#4 Stop by the Caboose Visitor Center
The Highway 60 Caboose Park and Superior History Trail, featuring the Ore Cart Trail exhibit, play areas, a dog park, mining equipment displays and the Red Caboose Visitor Center is a must-see in Superior. Superior Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is located in the Red Caboose along with open air interpretive displays of Superior's mining past. Among the open air displays are some of the equipment once used in the Magma Mine including a 19th-century steam powered elevator and the replica of a mine shaft entrance.
Located at 830 US-60, Superior, AZ 85173
#5 Brush up on Superior history at the Bob Jones Museum
The Bob Jones Museum run by the Superior Historical Society is the former house of Bob Jones, AZ’s 6th governor, filled with local memorabilia that highlight life in an Arizona copper mining town.
#6 Taste local wine at Bruzzi Vineyard
Bruzzi Vineyard is located in scenic and historic Young, AZ. They are the first vineyard in Gila County. The grapes are expertly crafted into some of the finest wines in the state. Unwind at the Bruzzi Vineyard Tasting Room on Magma Avenue in Downtown Superior. Located in a beautiful historic building, the tasting room is the perfect place to relax. Not only will you find incredible wine, you can also shop for great gourmet gifts and handcrafted items. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday reservations are strongly recommended.
#7 Rock Climbing in Queen Creek Canyon
Queen Creek Canyon is an outdoor recreation area located four miles east of Superior. The landscape is absolutely gorgeous with towering spires of rock and endless fields of boulders. The Queen Creek area also includes the Oak Flat campground, Apache Leap, and Devils Canyon all located mostly in the Tonto National Forest. The Queen Creek area is a rock climber’s dream, with close to 1,000 routes and 2,000 boulders waiting to be explored.
#8 Hike to the Picketpost Mailbox
Picketpost Mountain Trail is approximately 4 miles, out and back, known for beautiful wildflower blooms and an out-of-place mailbox found at the top. This trail is rated as difficult and hiking equipment is highly encouraged. You won't get a better view of the Apache Leap ridge. How 'bout the superstitions! With Superstition Mountain to the West and Weavers Needle, Iron Mountain, and the surrounding Four Peaks; Picketpost Mountain has some of the best views in the region.
#9 Take a Superior Jeep Tour
For a one-of-a-kind off-road jeep tour with a friendly guide you can check out Superior Tour Company. They provide historical off-road and in town tours with either a lifted off-road jeep or a golf cart. Take in the sites and history of Superior and get up close and personal with the beauty of the landscape. Choose from one of many packages around Superior learning about the Silver King Mine, Picketpost Mountain, Oak Flat, or you can mix and match to see exactly what you want! Also available are night time tours to go ghost hunting or see celestial events or perhaps a whimsical, nostalgic, adventurous, quiet, peaceful, spontaneous, romantic, star gazing type of night tour.
#10 Pay your Respects at Pinal Cemetery
The Pinal Cemetery served the nearby mill town of Picketpost/Pinal (1876 to 1892), which processed the silver ore taken from the Silver King Mine. Resting here is a cross-section of people from the surrounding area: the first settlers, miners, mill workers, mothers and children, merchants and others. Unfortunately, because many of their markers did not survive over time, most are unknown. After the town of Pinal was abandoned, the cemetery continued to be used by the residents of nearby Superior until Fairview Cemetery was set aside for municipal use by the Forest Service in December 1916.
Please be respectful of all pioneers resting here. Leave the cemetery as you found it; don't add or remove anything from the graves, or rearrange rocks that could obscure the true historic pattern of the cemetery and its graves. This cemetery is located on lands administered by the Tonto National Forest and is protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 which specifically prohibits the removal, damage, alteration or defacement of any archaeological resources located on public lands. Thank you for your cooperation in helping preserve this part of Arizona's pioneer history.
Take a jeep tour to the cemetery or hike there via the LOST Pinal City Panther segment.
#11 Be inspired at an ART 145 class
Art 145 operates a public studio space, art classes for adults and children, and soon an artist-in-residence program. They promote a collaborative community, foster new work and intellectual exchange, and provide artists with exposure. They are a hub for creatives to experiment, learn new mediums, and improve their craft.
#12 Self-Guided Mural Tour in Downtown Superior
Spread throughout downtown there are a total of 27 outdoor murals, many of them completed in the past few years. Taking a stroll downtown searching for murals is a great way to explore the town on foot and take in the historic architecture. For bonus points document your mural tour on instagram with a fun jump photo!
# 13 Attend the Jackass Dash
Grab the whole family and come give a big ol’ Superior HEEHAW! The Jackass Dash promises to be an annual event you won’t want to miss. Daring donkeys and rowdy runners dash away toward the Tonto National Forest bright and early from Main Street. While they’re out on course blazing a trail through the desert you can stroll the festival and peruse all the charming shops, galleries, restaurants, food trucks, and vendors Superior has to offer while listening to live music at the Besich Park Main Stage.
#14 Superior Home Tour & Antique Show
Each January the quaint Town of Superior opens her doors to all who enjoy taking a peek into the homes of this small town making a big comeback. Tour unique homes, shop quality antiques, attend fascinating talks all while exploring historic downtown Superior.
#15 Apache Leap Mining Festival
Every March Superior's Chamber of Commerce hosts the Apache Leap Mining Festival. A fun-filled event that showcases Superior's rich history as a mining town. Join in family friendly activities including parades, carnivals, live entertainment, chihuahua races, and opportunities to learn about the history of Superior and the mining industry. This unique event is much-loved by locals and visitors each year.
#16 Second Fridays
Want to have a great time on the 2nd Friday of each month? Join us in Downtown Superior for an evening of fun, food, music in the park and more. Shops in downtown Superior are open until 8 pm.
#17 Attend a Car Show on Main Street
Come see the best Low-riders, Hot Rods, Classic Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, Bikes/Trikes and Peddle Cars every October in Superior at Superior Car Show & Fiesta. Enjoy food, games, music and entertainment and see which rides win best in show!
Also check out the Motor Madness Car Show every November!
#18 Grab a Snow Cone or Ice Cream at Felicia’s
There is so much more than meets the eye at Felicia’s Ice Cream Shop. With seasonal homemade flavors like Prickly Pear ice cream, this is definitely the place in town to stop to satisfy your sweet tooth. But, you’ll be surprised to find that Felicia’s also offers specialty menu items like shrimp cocktail, street tacos, and posole. Don’t be afraid to arrive with an appetite!
#19 Enjoy a coffee at Mountainside Coffee
Located in the heart of Superior on Main Street. Their small town barista will whip up delicious handcrafted drinks. Stop in for a refreshing iced coffee, tea, or Italian soda. Don't forget to pick up a treat from their certified bakers.
#20 Fantastic Farmer’s Market
A gathering place and marketplace for local healthy food supporters, backyard growers and farmers, cottage and commercial food producers who strive to fill their kitchens and community with quality, artisan foods.
#21 BBQ at Silverking Smokehouse
Newly opened in 2021 this smokehouse and saloon is serving up smoked meats, burgers, craft cocktails and locally brewed beers. Already creating quite the buzz, you will want to drop in and find out what it's all about!
#22 Karaoke at Porter's Saloon
There is always something going on at Porter’s. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Porter’s has been a keystone of downtown Historic Superior for years. If food isn’t what you seek, pop in for Thursday karaoke, live music nights, or a refreshing beverage from the full bar.
#23 Walk the bridge behind Porter’s
Check out Porter's new location right off the walkway bridge that takes you onto the Arizona Trail.
#24 Patio cocktails at the Barmacy
Located in historic downtown Superior, the Superior Barmacy had been a pharmacy/drug store since 1913, unfortunately falling into complete disrepair until a major renovation recently completed in Summer 2019. The Barmacy patio was the original location of the Superior theater, built in 1923, and still sits at a slope replicating the original pitch of the theater floor. Come in for dinner and drinks and enjoy a ‘new’ piece of Superior history.
#25 Pick up some hiking accessories at All Things Desert
All Things Desert is a way of life and also a mercantile of the desert. Offering artisanal hand crafted items, locally grown foods, fine art and hiking supplies. Stop in on your way to the great expanse of Arizona's wilderness.
#26 Pick up something fun at Random Boutique
Random Boutique is just that... Random!! They carry Juniors, Women's and Plus Sizes. Accessories are a must along with great trinkets and some home decor, you just never know what you are going to find!
#27 Picket Post Antiques
Kelli and Clint Elliott have transformed a renovated building from 1917 into an eclectic shop of antiques on Main Street. Inside, you will find an assortment of vintage and antique kitchen items, furniture, clothing, signs, along with items sold on consignment from over 20 local dealers who sell out of her store. All items are inspected to ensure that they have not been refinished or are new items made to look old. Both owners are passionate about local history, so make sure to save time to chat during your visit.
#28 Prickly Pear Festival
Every August in Superior come and take part in the delightful Prickly Pear Festival now run by local nonprofit, Regenerating Sonora. Designed to educate others on the diverse and incredible Edible Desert, sustainability, organics, homeopathic and local artisans. The festival celebrates all the edible wonders of the Sonoran Desert while showcasing the many products and health benefits of the Prickly Pear cactus. Along with the festival activities, many of the local restaurants and retail merchants will have special sales and prickly pear items for sale. Enjoy art, food, music, demos, foraging, cook-offs, and special entertainment.
#29 Visit the World's Smallest Museum
With an infamous roof crafted from 1800 beer cans, this museum with a footprint of a mere 134 square feet exceeds capacity beyond two people at a time. Housing the world’s largest Apache Tear, the museum’s collection of oddities ranges from presidential campaign materials, random collectables, pop-culture memorabilia, and outdated technology. Definitely worth the selfie as you journey through Superior!
#30 Grab a bite at Buckboard City Cafe
A great place to stop for breakfast or lunch, Buckboard City Cafe also hosts the World’s Smallest Museum on site. Try the biscuits and gravy and then you (and no more than one friend) can check out all that the museum has to offer!
#31 DeMarco’s Italian for pizza pie!
A local favorite, De Marco’s Italian restaurant serves up pasta, pizza, subs, Philly cheese steaks, and burgers with fresh breads prepared daily. Grab a glass of wine or ice cold beer and don’t miss the cannolis, cheese cake, or tiramisu for dessert!
#32 Take a stroll down Main Street
You must add to your bucket list a stroll along Superior's quaint Main Street. This is truly a mountain town and you will feel it as you are nestled in the surrounding landscape. Enjoy walking along and taking your time browsing through the boutique art galleries, antique stores, and specialty shops. Pick up something delicious to eat at one of the many dining establishments. Unwind and enjoy historic downtown Superior.
#33 Capture the Magic Hour
It's hard to pick a bad spot to spend that golden hour at. Just make sure your camera is charged and ready to take some beautiful sunset pics from just about anywhere in Superior. Bonus points for a beautiful mountain backdrop.
#34 Picnic in the Park
Get some takeout from one of the many delectable eateries in Superior or pack an old fashioned picnic basket and head over to Besich Park or perhaps one of the LOST Trail segments to picnic during a warm afternoon.
#35 Take the kids to the Superior Skate Park
The Superior Skate Park is a great location if you want to take your kids to ride their skateboards or even bikes. It is located right next to the town pool so if you get hot you can go for a swim in the summertime. It is also right next to a ramada with tables so you and the family can sit down and enjoy some lunch as well.
Located at 234 Golf Course Rd, Superior, AZ
#36 Take the fam on a UTV adventure
Your unforgettable adventure awaits! Superior UTV Rentals are all street legal which means you can ride straight from their shop to the trails, just minutes away. They will teach you step by step how to use the vehicles and provide all the necessary safety gear. Your rental will come equipped with a trail map for easy traveling. Let the adventure begin! No trailers needed. Rzr's can also be booked to a designated drop off location. 1-3 day rentals.
#37 Go Mountain Biking!
If you are into mountain biking then Superior is the mountain town for you! Use Superior as a launch point to this great loop ride on the Arizona Trail - Picketpost Trailhead to Red Mountain. 41.5 miles of well designed and maintained trail thrills.
From the trailhead the trail follows the AZT - Passage 17 - Alamo Canyon to the south, with Picketpost Mountain looming to the east. It's a steady climb with a few rocky and off-camber sections.
Leaving Alamo Canyon about 11.5 miles into this ride, you'll transition to AZT - Passage 16 - Gila River Canyons. On your way, you'll contour upwards amid the saguaros with some smooth sections. The trail is very well designed and maintained, so almost everything is rideable.
After crossing Telegraph Canyon and riding through tiny green oases, the trail ascends to two passes marking the high points of this section. From the end point, turn around to enjoy some more rolling terrain, back the way you came, to return to the trailhead.
#38 Go on a Birding Excursion
Arizona offers some of the best birding in America. Superior offers some prime spots for birders. Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a hummingbird haven. The multiple riparian habitats at the arboretum bring such sub-species of hummingbirds as the green-and-gray Anna's or the hunched Costa's while the wooded areas, lake and river attract species like wrens, sparrows and orioles. You'll also see Ladder-backed woodpeckers, Clark's nutcrackers, and Rufous-backed robins. The Legends of Superior Trail also offers excellent birding opportunities.
#39 Get Creative at Heartsong Galleria
At Heartsong Galleria, they believe that creativity belongs to everyone. Creativity strengthens community and community begins in the heart. Offering art classes, educational workshops, and meditation and yoga in a professional, art gallery studio setting. The classes are fun, engaging and relaxing. All ages are welcome.
#40 Get pampered at Superior Skincare
Helping people glow with spa services that include facials, waxing, dermaplaning, peels, and makeup. You will start the restoring process the moment you enter. The music, the lighting, even the snacks are all subtle reminders of loving who you are.
#41 Gift a loved one a Rose’s Roses Flowers arrangement
Rose’s Roses Flowers has been in business for 12 years. They are a loving and caring business for any of your floral events; birthdays, anniversary, thinking of you, get well, just because. They also handle formal weddings, quinceneras and sympathy funerals and memorials with love and a personal touch to make your occasion a memorable moment.
#42 Stay for a night or two at Magma Hotel
From a 109-year-old boarding house to a cozy boutique hotel, Hotel Magma sits in a truly historic building that has been everything from a pharmacy to a hair salon. It contains 21 very stylish bedrooms and features a beautifully landscaped courtyard, roof-top patio, and a second floor veranda. Come and relive a quieter moment in time, a boutique experience, a destination for relaxation.
#43 Grab a burger at Miners on Main
Miners on Main is a great place to get a novel experience with a nostalgic touch. The business owners visited Superior and fell in love with Main Street and were inspired to open up shop in this quaint community. The restaurant delivers the experience of the old diners you could find throughout small towns that served as places to gather and enjoy traditional meals.
#44 Sample authentic Sonoran fare at La Plaza Deli & Grill
Serving up Sonoran style dishes and deli items. Pictured above is Sonora enchiladas with rice and beans. Newly opened, they serve up specials every night of the week.
#45 Shop and Eat at Bella’s Marketplace Cafe
Bella's Marketplace and Cafe provides a delightful culinary experience, with daily specials and a mouthwatering menu. Serving local Lost Dutchman Coffee, a grand selection of hot and cold beverages and home-baked pastries too! While you wait for your order, shop their many vendor booths!
#46 Edwardo’s Pizza for a delicious pie
If you spend your time hunting for the best pizza hidden in secret places, Edwardo’s is everything you’ve been hoping to find. With a pizza selection that will make your mouth water, it may be easy to miss the salads and delicious subs also on the menu. Frankly, you may have to visit more than once to truly try all the amazing dishes Edwardo’s has to offer.
#47 Chow down at Jalapeños Restaurant
Delicious homemade Mexican food in the heart of Superior. With three locations around the region they know how to deliver on service and taste. They also offer impressive party trays for events big and small!
#48 Sample the hand crafted tortillas at Los Hermanos
Los Hermanos is known state-wide and beyond for their homemade tortillas, but beyond that this Superior staple is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Serving up cold beers and authentic Mexican cuisine, Los Hermanos is unassuming and delicious.
#49 Stock up at family-owned Save Money Market
Save Money Market has been a family-owned and operated local grocer and market in Superior since the 1920’s. Stop in to check out their famous meat selection and take home a box of the best rib-eyes you’d never expected to find in downtown Superior.
#50 Get inspired at La Paloma Fine Art
La Paloma Fine Art is a premier gallery in Superior. The proprietor is Charles Davison, a well-respected Arizona artist. If you go on the self-guided mural tour see if you can spot Charles' mural... hint: horses!
#51 Camp or park the RV at Box 8 Ranch
Box 8 Ranch is a well-groomed 25-acre campground and RV park with beautiful views of Picketpost Mountain and Apache Leap in the background. Bring your own tent, RV, or sleep directly under the stars! Spend the day poolside and enjoy access to multiple UTV and off-road vehicle trails, nature hikes, biking, equestrian trails, and more.
#52 Get a room at the Copper Mountain
Guests who stay at the Copper Mountain Motel enjoy its charming retro style, cleanliness, and standard amenities, such as microwaves, refrigerators, internet access, and satellite TV. And most of the rooms have a porch to enjoy the outdoor scenery.
#53 Retreat into the Tree House
The Tree House / Tiny House is a 200 sq. ft guest house, nestled in a private residence backyard. This little house has everything you'll need for a short stay. The couch turns into a double bed. Small Fridge, burner, microwave, coffee maker, private toilet, shower, and access to wifi, grill, hot tub and private parking. Walking distance from L.O.S.T. Trail which connects to the Arizona Trail. Also, walking distance to the bridge that leads to Main Street.
#54 Book a Cozy Bungalow with Mountain Views
Eclectic cozy Bungalow totally renovated 1930's detached garage designed for two guests. Sofa bed is an upgraded memory foam queen size mattress. Enjoy the mountain views on the private deck or take a two-block walk to Main Street where most local shops, restaurants, and bars are located. Come enjoy the simple life.
#55 Stay the night at Casita Azule
This neat bed and breakfast offers a comfortable and welcoming stay for visitors exploring the wonders of this quirky community. Enjoy a truly unique and welcoming stay with local artist hosts Charles and David.
Call or text them at 602-618-3055 for more information and to book your stay.
#56 Arb After Dark at BTA
June through August Boyce Thompson Arboretum hosts "Arb after Dark" from 5-7pm. Catch the sunset in this magical setting! Beat the heat during these special extended summer hours. BTA also offers many other special events all year long.
#57 Pick up a unique gift at Rolling Rock Gallery
Rolling Rock Gallery features unique gifts, toys, and art. Most of the art in their store is made by local artists. If you are visiting Superior make sure you stop by this store.
#58 Bring the extended family and stay at Casa De Gomez
Stay in this unique and spacious two-story home (upstairs ceilings are 6'4" in height). Nestled between the majestic mountains of Picketpost and Apache Leap, this comfortable vacation rental boasts 1-6 bedrooms according to your needs. It has a big open living room, kitchen, and dining room that is perfect for family and friend gatherings. The bottom floor has 2 bathrooms with one bathroom upstairs.
#59 Enjoy some rest at the Copper Cottage
Copper Cottage is nestled in the mountains of Tonto National Forest. Close to hiking and climbing trails and Boyce Thompson Arboretum, this cozy home is the perfect getaway from the busy city life. This 2 bedroom, 1 bath home has charm and relaxation written all over it. Beautiful windows to allow sunshine in. Carport and street parking is available.
#60 Celebrate the memory of lost loved ones at Superior Dia De Los Muertos
An annual traditional celebration of life in memory of lost loved ones. Typically on November 1st although the celebration happens on the closest weekend day. Enjoy a colorful festive scene with DJ, music, food, drinks, Folklorico dancers, vendors, art and more.
You made it to the end of the list but the fun never stops in Superior. Check out our calendar of events for more good reasons to start making plans to visit this adventurous little mountain town!
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