Superstition Mountains Cougar Shadow: How and When To See It
The Superstition Mountain Cougar Shadow is an awesome, elusive event that occurs around the spring and fall equinoxes (March & September), when the sun’s angle casts a shadow of a leaping cougar on the western face of the Superstition Mountains. You need to see it at least once!
The Superstition Mountains Cougar Shadow only happens for a few days per year.
Does It Actually Look Like a Cougar?
See for yourself! I added a cougar on top of the photo below, haha. It’s not like when your friend says “oh look at this cloud doesn’t it look like a ___” when it never does. It does look like a leaping opened-mouth cougar jumping after its prey.
When Does the Cougar Shadow Appear?
No one can predict how many days the Superstition Mountains Cougar Shadow will last, but we can guess. The shadow happens around Spring and Fall Equinox (March and September). Usually it happens around the 3rd week of the month (14th-21st ish).
2024 FALL DATES: Fall Equinox is September 22nd. The Fall Harvest Moon is September 17th. The Cougar Shadow was first detected on September 13th, and id still happening as I write this.
Where Can I See the Cougar Shadow?
I recommend seeing the shadow at the corner of E Superstition Blvd and N Goldfield Rd. Some people also recommend the corner of 13th Ave and Goldfield Rd, which you will see the shadow, but the telephone poles also get in the way of the foreground. Either is fine, though. You need to be in this part of town to be looking northeast to see the shadow emerge.
What Time Can I See The Superstition Mountains Cougar Shadow?
Usually, you can see the shadow within a half hour of sunset time. For example, sunset was 6:32pm when I went on September 15th. I showed up at 5:50pm. The cougar showed up around 6:15pm. Use any weather app to get the estimated sunset time for that time of the year that you go. Keep in mind, if it’s cloudy (not often), you may not see the shadow. You need clear skies to see it.
Other Things to Do in the Superstition Mountains
For many of you, seeing the Cougar Shadow may be your introduction to the Superstition Mountains! The Supes (what locals call it) are my absolute favorite. They’re so rugged and unique and special, so here’s a few ideas for you.
Interested In More Hikes?
I created a 40+ page guide to the Superstition Mountains! This includes a master list of hikes within the Superstitions for ALL OCCASIONS- caves, waterfalls, easy hikes, hard hikes, etc. I show photo spots, hike details, and so much more!
Final Thoughts About The Superstition Mountains Cougar Shadow
Is it worth it? Definitely! It’s always cool to be able to see a natural feature that not everyone is able to see due to timing, weather, etc. And I thought it really looked realistic. Plus, sunset is beautiful regardless! Definitely recommend at least once :).
