5 Days in Superior, Arizona
Where You’ll Go
Start / End
Superior, Arizona
States Covered
AZ
#ThisIsMyRoute
Overview
Superior, Arizona, is conveniently located just far enough but not too far from major airports and metro areas. Phoenix is one hour west, Tucson is two hours south, and Flagstaff is three hours north. Enjoy your drive in from wherever you’re coming from, because once you arrive in Superior you’ll spend a minimal amount of time in the car.
Note: This itinerary is based on five days of activities, but you could combine it with a festival weekend for a full week’s worth of fun and frivolity in Superior!
Itinerary
LODGING
Superior offers a range of accommodation options, from hotels to inns to vacation rentals. There’s also a campground and RV park for the ultimate outdoor experience. Pick one that best suits your travel style, or mix it up with a few nights at each option.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SUPERIOR
As you arrive in Superior, the striking colors will immediately captivate you. From brightly colored shops to dazzling murals, Superior is like a cheerful paint spatter surrounded by a sea of muted desert colors. Get out of the car and stretch your legs while you explore Main Street and admire the public art. Snap a few photos and share them using #SuperiorElevated!
Grab some lunch at Buckboard City Cafe, serving up delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, omelets, and more. It’s also the site of the World’s Smallest Museum, so make time to see it before or after you grab some grub.
Keep the car parked and continue to explore via foot or bicycle along the many trails connected to downtown Superior. That’s right, Superior is one of the rare small towns where you can ditch the car and take advantage of an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails right at your doorstep.
Lastly, tuck in at the Silver King Smokehouse & Saloon, where smoked meats and locally-crafted beer make a perfect pairing to finish off your first day in Superior, Arizona.
DAY 2: HIT THE TRAILS
Start your second day in Superior with breakfast at Bella’s Marketplace and Cafe. Once you’ve sipped a few cups of their locally-brewed Lost Dutchman Coffee, pop in to Save Money Market—which has been family-owned and operated since the 1920s—to pick up a few items for a picnic-style lunch.
Next, head out for a day of exploration in and around Superior. The Historic Pinal Cemetery is a must-see, as well as the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona’s oldest and largest botanic garden. Continue your outdoor adventures with a hike along the Picketpost Trail or Legends of Superior Trail (LOST). The entire region is a popular birding spot, so keep your eyes peeled for sightings of everything from owls to falcons.
When you’re ready to call it a day, make your way back to town and enjoy an evening of well-earned frivolity at Barmacy. The large patio and relaxed vibes are perfect for a post-hike hangout, even if you come straight from the trails.
DAY 3: MIDWEEK TREATS
By midweek, you might need to catch up on some work. Mountainside Coffee is open bright and early to serve you a custom coffee creation while you clean out your inbox. Before you scoot out of town for a day of adventure, stop by Juan’s Central Bakery for some goods to get you through the day. Freshly baked breads, rolls, and their famous pink cookies will keep you fueled up all day long!
Today, you’ll take a short drive south to neighboring Oracle where you’ll find Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm. Wander the picturesque lavender fields while breathing in the refreshing scents carried by the breeze. The lavender farm’s hours can be limited, so be sure to check times before your visit so you can plan accordingly.
Later in the afternoon, pop over to Arizona Zipline Adventures, a locally-owned zipline park located in Oracle. Adventure options include sunset, moonlight and ecotours, all of which provide extraordinary views of the Sonoran Desert.
By now, you’ve probably eaten through your stash of goodies from Juan’s, so go ahead and carb load your plate with Italian-American favorites like pasta, pizza, and subs from DeMarco’s. After all, you’ll need your energy for tomorrow’s adventures!
DAY 4: INDIGENOUS HISTORY
Hit the road early for your fourth day in Superior—you have a lot of ground to cover.
First stop: Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park to explore the ancient ruins of the Indigenous Salado people. The museum of artifacts and ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who occupied the region almost 800 years ago. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, grab brunch or an early lunch in the nearby town of Globe at Nurdberger or the Copper Hen.
In the afternoon, hit the Arizona Trail, an 800-mile long non motorized trail stretching from Utah to Mexico. The trail is divided into sections known as “passages,” and Superior is conveniently located in the central passage. The area is dotted with various access points, allowing you to choose your own route.
Regardless of where you get on the Arizona Trail, be sure to get off at Porter’s Cafe, located at one of the trail access walkways in downtown Superior. Numerous Google reviews mention the unbeatable views, making this a great option for sunset.
As night falls, head back out onto the trail or—if your timing is just right—to Arb After Dark events at Boyce Thompson Arboretum for some spectacular stargazing. The remoteness of Superior, Arizona, means minimal light pollution, and spotting the Milky Way with the naked eye is not uncommon!
DAY 5: FLY HIGH
On your last day in Superior, embark on an unforgettable adventure over Superior. Schedule your flight with Superior Soaring in advance for an extraordinary morning. Specializing in non motorized glider tours over the desert landscape, this experience will leave you speechless. (If you’re prone to motion sickness, maybe skip breakfast this day.) Using a unique ground-launching mechanism, trained pilots guide the craft up to 1,000 feet into the air. The aircraft then rides thermal pockets and wind currents during this once-in-a-lifetime eco-friendly flight experience!
Once you’re back on the ground, reward your good courage with a delicious lunch at Edwardo’s Pizzeria.
Next, burn off your lunch with a climb at Queen Creek Canyon. This area is known as one of the best climbing and bouldering spots in the state, and the landscape alone is worth the visit. If you have time, explore further into the surrounding Tonto National Forest.
For your last evening in Superior, be sure to stop by Felicia’s Ice Cream Shop for both sweet and savory delights. Then, enjoy a few well-earned pours of locally-crafted wines at the Bruzzi Vineyard tasting room.
