The Wave Cave

The Wave Cave gets five stars easy. Yeah, it is a little busy, but not in the irritating shoulder-to-shoulder kind of way. More like just enough people to remind you society still exists without ruining your day. The hike itself is short, quick, and easy. Nothing crazy, just a steady uphill stroll with a solid payoff at the end. Great if you want something fun without burning out your legs or needing to pack enough snacks to survive a backcountry expedition. The cave is awesome. Cool inside, both in temperature and vibes. Plenty of space to chill out and soak it in. And if you are even remotely into taking photos, this place delivers. Natural light, that wave-shaped rock, all the angles. You could easily spend half an hour just messing around getting the perfect shot. Solid trail, fun experience, totally worth it. Get there early, bring water, and enjoy the fact that something this cool is such a chill hike to reach.

3.3 mile hike, climb elevation is under a 1000 feet. Since you are parking on state land and not Tonto National Forest you are required to have a state parking pass , sold online. Most people don’t get one and usually don’t have an issue. The trail parking is about a quarter mile pass Peralta Regional Park. Living less than a mile from Hieroglyphic / Lost Goldmine trailheads my usually weekly exercise is to Wedding Cake or Turks Head which both are easier. I am really surprised by some of the reviews stating the quick easy hike. Last month a 33 year old died and many people have been helped down by the Superstition Fire dept due to the heat, just google hiker dies in Superstition Mountains. It seems people egos get in the way of describing it as easy. This area is known for snakes, but not common to see. Please remember if you are hiking and temps are close to a hundred or above, very normal till end of Oct. if you are half way thru your water this is a goodtime to turn around. The trail can vary as you get closer to the cave entrance, on ALLTRAILS hiking app, one person spent the night and had to be rescued. The heat is the common factor with these rescues, this is not an easy hike for people who do not know what they are doing or are out of shape. Not trying to scare people, the hike is rewarding and plenty of great views and pictures, just be smart and pay attention, you will be grateful you went ! It is a 3 hour in and out on average with plenty of time to take pictures and grab some shade. Best time to go is morning, good start time is definitely before 8pm. Again know you limitations and enjoy the area, it is absolutely beautiful with well over 30 hiking trails in a couple mile radius, most connect from Lost Goldmine.

Great hike! Steady Incline all the way up the trail. Large rocks and boulders to maneuver around. Be careful of slick sandy spots! Would recommend having hiking boots or shoes with great tread. Trail is roughly 1.7 miles from the parking lot to cave, 3.4 round trip! Took my family around 2 hours and 15 minutes with 20 minutes of time spent at the cave. The decline was challenging in some spots but overall it was worth every second! The wave cave and adjacent cave were awesome!

The hike is about 3 miles round-trip, with an elevation gain of about 869 feet. The initial portion is relatively flat through classic Sonoran Desert terrain dotted with saguaros. The trail gradually gets steeper and more challenging climb leading up to the cave. The final stretch to the Wave Cave is where the real challenge lies. The path becomes much steeper, with loose rocks and sections that may require the use of hands for balance. While this part demands more effort, it's relatively short, and the promise of the cave's shade and views make it well worth the push

You will be driving on primitive/dirt road for 3 miles once you are off highway 60. The trail is 3 miles out and back. Located in AZ State Trust Land that requires permit per individual. I see parents bringing their little kids with them. There are dogs on trail. Honestly, I thought the trail was difficult for me to hike. You will be Sun exposed the entire time. You will feel like 90+ even though the weather is in the 70s during the Winter time. It is flat from the start for about half a mile then it starts inclining. It gets a bit steep when you are close to the entrance of the cave. The trail features loose rocks and boulders about half a mile toward the cave. The cave is huge and beautiful. It is worth the hike.