Battleship Mountain: A Difficult but Epic Hike in the Superstition Mountains
photo credit: kara grimes, karabou adventures
If you’re looking for new challenge that’ll push your body and mind to the limit, this is for you! Battleship Mountain is one of the Superstition Mountain’s greatest challenges, located 30-40 minutes East of Downtown Phoenix. This hike will take you deep into the backcountry and up the spine of a rugged, steep mountain. Ready for the challenge? Keep reading.
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WHY SHOULD I HIKE BATTLESHIP MOUNTAIN?
You should hike Battleship Mountain if you have a FULL DAY to spend hiking, and you’re looking for a physical challenge. It’s also great if you’re looking to avoid crowds (however I DON’T recommend going alone). You should hike it if you love the ruggedness of the desert mountains. You should NOT do it if you’re looking for something quick, family-friendly, or you’re a beginner. I DO NOT recommend this hike to people that aren’t from the area. If this sounds like a good fit for you, keep reading.
WHERE IS BATTLESHIP MOUNTAIN?
Brins Mesa Trail is only a few miles West of Uptown Sedona. If you’re visiting from out of state, the red rock paradise of Sedona is located about 2 hours north of Phoenix, Arizona. Because Brins Mesa Trail is so close to everything in Sedona, it’s a popular area. It also shares trails with Soldiers Pass, one of the most popular hiking and OHV trails.
GETTING TO THE TRAIL
You do need to drive to the trailhead. I recommend a high-clearance vehicle, as First Water Road (the last few miles) is bumpy and you will drive through washes. I’ve ever had to use 4WD on this road, but you potentially could if you went after a storm. You can drive a normal sedan to the trail, but you’ll have to go VERY slow. I wouldn’t do it!
Parking at First Water Trailhead is plentiful and FREE, yay. Not many things are free anymore.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE BATTLESHIP MOUNTAIN??
PLEASE LISTEN UP- this is important advice. There are specific times that I suggest hiking this trail. Do NOT hike this trail in the summer (May-October). Arizona is HOT. Whether you’re from here or not, I don’t recommend it. This trail is very exposed to the elements. I like this trail the colder the better. I first hiked it in late november, and by the end it was even a bit too hot! Sometime between November and March are ideal.
Becuase of the time it takes to hike this trail and temperatures, I recommend starting before sunrise. We started around 6:30am when sunrise was about 7, and finished around 2.
The best time to hike battleship mountain is between November and March, starting at sunrise.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING ON YOUR HIKE?
On any hike you do, you need to be prepared. Knowing and having THE TEN ESSENTIALS has the potential to save a life. The TEN ESSENTIALS include navigation, lighting, sun protection, insulation, first aid kit, fire supplies, food, water, shelter, and a repair kit.
This hike is in the BACKCOUNTRY with limited service.
For navigation, I suggest having a Garmin InReach Mini 2 (or other similar versions). This allows you to text and communicate without service and call SOS if need be.
For protection, especially as a female, I recommend a gun (you do not need a permit to carry in Arizona), pepper spray, and a knife.
For hydration, I suggest 4 liters minimum of water, some of which I would add hydration.
Garmin In Reach Mini 2 pictured above, attached to backpack strap
BATTLESHIP MOUNTAIN- THE HIKE
BATTLESHIP MOUNTAIN TRAIL STATS
The hike to Battleship Mountain starts at First Water Trailhead. We started out at dark so we could finish earlier in the day and so we could experience sunrise from within the mountains. It was really cool hiking early in the morning and seeing where cute families had chosen to pitch a tent the night before. We stopped at this pretty area to take a few photos to enjoy golden hour!
outfit details: sweater: loft, pants: winter garden leggings, senita (use DANIELLEOUTDOORS_ for 15% off), shoes: danner mountain boots
THE EASY PART- HIKING TO THE BASE OF BATTLESHIP MOUNTAIN
The first 4.5-5 miles of this hike are no big deal at all. You have decline and a lot of flat trail through a wash. If you hike in the morning, you’ll get to enjoy first light on the stunning saguaro landscape. I feel so greateful to live in an area with such beautiful plant life. Enjoy the relaxing hike while it lasts!
While you’re hiking in the wash, know that there are many correct ways to go. There should be cairns to guide you. At last resort, you can literally go up the wash until you hit the trail as it climbs up Battleship Mountain.
the climb!
Once you finish hiking the wash, it’s time to GO UP. You only have about a mile left at this point, but it’s a LONG mile, haha. To be honest, many people decide to stop about 1/4 of the way up at the first steep climb. If that is you, that is OK. Safety first. If you don’t feel well about continuing, don’t. I highly recommend having a group on this hike- it will make it SO much more enjoyable.
Take a look at the video above and photos below for an idea of what I mean by “climbing.” Virtually, it’s rock climbing without gear, just not quite as tall. It can be dangerous. You need to move slowly. I injured my forearm and ankle on this hike. It’s not for the weak or inexperienced. You can do it, but you need to be realistic, need to be prepared, and need to know what you’re getting into when hiking Battleship Mountain.
AllTrails does help guide you, but isn’t 100% specific jusst because of the terrain. Generally, stay on higher ground. You know you’re getting close to the end when you start to wrap around the left side of the mountain. This is the final stretch to getting to the summit. You get to see views of Canyon Lake which is pretty too.
the summit
If you made it this far, congrats! I don’t know about you, but I like to enjoy a nice 30 minute break at the summit. Some people just rush up and rush down, but how many minutes of our lives do we actually get to spend at the summit of a mountain? Enjoy it!
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT BATTLESHIP MOUNTAIN
Loved this trail. It’s hard, and exhausting, but 100% worth it. Be prepared. Have enough fluids and pack emergency supplies. It is definitely doable for most!
WANT TO CHECK OUT A FEW OTHER HIKES IN THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS?
The supes are full of beautiful hikes, check out a few more!
Another Hard Hike: Flatiron- How to Hike
Want Something Longer?: Black Top Mesa
A Superstition Classic: Weaver’s Needle
