The Wave Cave: My Favorite Cave in the Superstition Mountains
Arizona is known for its cave hikes. I totally get why, you want your hike to end at something cool, whether its a summit, a water hole, or a cave like this one! There are many cave hikes in Arizona, the most concentrated being in Sedona and in the Superstition Mountains. Wave Cave is one of my favorites, if not my absolute favorite!
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Where Is the Wave Cave?
The Wave Cave is 45 miles EAST of Downtown Phoenix. It takes about an hour to get there. I’m lucky enough to live near the Superstition Mountains, and it takes me less than a half hour. The last 6 miles of this drive is on a dirt road. It’s wide and generally well-maintained but there are some washes that can become bumpy or impassable for small cars after rain so keep this in mind.
Time of the Year to do This Hike
The Wave Cave is NOT a summer hike. The only way it could be is well before sunrise, like starting at 430-5am. If you’re not from here, our summer heat KILLS. So many people need to be rescued each summer, and we are trying to limit that as it also puts the rescuers in danger and it uses unnecessary resources.
The best time to do the Wave Cave hike is from November-May. I personally don’t hike if the temperature is going to be over 88. That might still be too hot for some of you, if you’re not used to it. Be smart!
The Wave Cave is NOT a summer hike.
Parking & Fees
The hike is within Superstition Wilderness and Tonto National Forest, but the trailhead is on Arizona State Trust Land. The sign at the beginning of the dirt road on Peralta Road says you need a permit for all activities that is $15 online- use the link here. I’ll be honest, I don’t know anyone who has purchased it and no one checks, but you decide on your own.
The parking lot fits maybe 15-20 cars. It’s not huge, but usually it’s not hard to get a spot.
READ MORE: Broadway Cave in the Superstitions
What To Bring to The Wave Cave
I have been trying to be minimal, but safe, with what I bring hiking. I don’t want to carry too much extra weight. I like to be fast, and feel light. Let me show you what I bring! I’ll also include my “hiking essentials” locker below!
My Outfit Above
Above, I’m wearing a visor- been in a mooooood for visors lately. I love that you can wear a high pony with it! I’m wearing a hiking tank with my HYDRATION VEST. I’m not wearing it here, but I’m also loving the REI Sahara Sun Hoodie. It comes in many different colors and it’s less than $50- a steal. And you don’t have to wear sunscreen on your top half- love that haha. Shorts wise, I am loving Alphalete and Beyond Yoga. I wore my Senita Madeline Shorts in the feature photo above. I’m really picky about my shorts- they need to fit my curvy girl body, they need to NOT ride up, have compression but not too much, and obviously be comfortable. I wore my light Altra Trail Runners on this hike with fun smiley face socks I’ll show below! My mom is wearing Hoka trail runners in this photo. Gotta be fun and colorful!
If you’re bringing your adventure doggie, you NEED this Ruffwear Leash– this is the only one I use. I mainly extend the top to my waist so I can be hands-free. It is also bungee which gives your pup some slack.
cute smiley face sock link HERE.
Cute Summer Outfits for Women
I have been having so much fun wearing colorful outfits and contrasting with the environment. Check out my BLOG POST here!
Hiking Pack to Bring
In general, I have been loving the REI Flash Packs. So affordable, light, and colorful. When I hiked this, I wore my Osprey Running Vest. It’s super light and minimal. It has pockets for a snack, my key, my phone, and my camera (even a small tripod if I wanted to). I use this for hikes 4 miles and under.
I would suggest bringing at least 1 liter of water for this hike. Everyone is different, and the more you hike, the more you will learn what you need.
Wave Cave Hike Stats
Wave Cave Hike Stats
This parking lot for the Wave Cave in the Superstition Mountains isn’t the biggest, but I’ve never had troubles finding a spot. This is a great hike for visitors, beginners, and even adolescents, in my opinion. It starts out pretty flat and then you slowly incline. At the very end, the incine is steep, but it is short!
Wildflowers
There are beautiful wildflowers in this area in the Spring. Wildflowers come at different times in Phoenix every year, but it typically happens March-mid April. This photo was taken on April 7, 2024. In 2023, wildflower were present from Early February to Late April (2023 Superbloom).
Want to Check Out a Few Other Hikes in Area?
This area is full of beautiful hikes.
How to Spend Your Spring Break in Arizona
More Hiking: Best Hikes in Phoenix
Weaver’s Needle: One of the Best Hikes in the Superstitions
The Wave Cave- The Incline
Below I’m showing a photo on the incline to wave cave (left- you can see the cave in the background) and the decline just leaving the cave (right). It’s definitely steep, but not too long at all. Wear comfortable and grippy shoes, not sandals. Take it slow, take some breaths. You’ll do great!
The Wave Cave- The Destination
OK- Here’s the destination. The reason you chose this hike! The cave actually does look like you’re riding the crest of the wave, which is awesome. The views of the mountains looking out are pretty too. This cave is VERY LARGE. PLEASE be respectful. When I was there last, a family took up the photo spot for 15 minutes when we were standing waiting- not cool. Let people take their photos and move on!
Final Thoughts About The Wave Cave in the Superstition Mountains
This hike is fantastic. It’s not too long- about 90 minutes. It’s not too hard, but still has a good challenge. It’s OK for older children and animals and visitors. It’s a great intro to the Superstition Mountains.
