The Three Sisters formation is an iconic view of the south flank of the Superstition Mountains within the Superstition Wilderness. The gently sloping Gold Canyon is filled with an abundance of cacti of all types that provide a plethora of compositional opportunities ranging from macro photography to wide angle scenes, panoramic vistas that capture the entirety of the canyon and focus stacking to emphasize the remarkable depth of interesting subjects.

The compelling subjects also range from more distant views at the entrance of the canyon to more compressed views looking up at the formation as you wander deeper into the canyon. Also, take note of how the Three Sisters formation perspective alters as you approach. The further westward you hike the three rock pillars that comprise the sisters become more separated and distinct.

Photos and location summary by Don Metz

Trail Difficulty - EASY

I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The hike to this location is 1.7 miles (each way) that travels up an old dirt road and then a rocky trail. To get to the location of this shot, you will then hike up the hill toward the Three Sisters formation (less than 200' of elevation change).

NOTE: the dirt road leading to the trailhead becoming impassable following a rainstorm, particularly during the monsoon season.

GPS Coordinates & Elevation

33°23'43.7"N 111°22'32.3"W

2,642 Ft. Elevation

Download KMZ Trail File

Click Here to download the KMZ file for this location.

Photography Tips

The orientation of the Three Sisters formations enables good lighting at both sunrise and sunset, although sunset does provide more side lighting into the canyon and on the formation's cliff faces. The cacti offer numerous macro photography opportunities. Wide angle lenses (16-24 mm) enable capturing close-up images of cacti while including the Three Sisters formation and the sky. The further up the canyon you hike, the wider the lens focal length is needed. This is an excellent location for focus stacking and panoramic images.

Directions

CLICK HERE to get driving directions to the Three Sisters trailhead

From Phoenix - drive east and then south on US-60 /Superstition Fwy, In Apache Junction, turn east on Peralta Road, which quickly turns into a 2WD accessible well maintained dirt road. Follow this for for 5.6 miles then take the left fork onto East Peralta Road and drive for 0.5 miles to the Carney Springs trailhead (there is a small parking area that hold 5-10 vehicles) 33°23'08.3"N 111°21'46.8"W.

To get to the location of this shot - from the parking area hike north for 0.6 mi to a trail junction at the Superstition Wilderness boundary (33°23'36.0"N 111°22'03.8"W). Continue on the trail that heads left (west) for 0.6 miles following a barbed wire fence that marks the wilderness boundary to an old 4WD trail turnaround area (33°23'36.0"N 111°22'30.0"W). There are breaks in the fence that enable you to cross into the wilderness area This is an easy hike with less than 200' of elevation change

Trailhead

Trail junction - turn left (west)

Trail maker at the junction

trail splits, stay to the right and follow the fence line; both trails rejoin after a short distance, so either one will still get you to the objective

boundary gate between state land and the Superstition Wildernes

break in barbed wire fence that forms the boundary with the Superstition Wilderness; cross over here.

Google Earth

EXIF Data

Focal Length – 35 mm equivalent (multiple images for focus stacking and panoramic)
Exposure – 1 sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – June 19th
Time – 7:45pm

Best Time of Day to Shoot

This location has compelling compositions and lighting at all times of the day. It's orientation enables both sunrise and sunset opportunities.

Best Time of Year

There are compelling opportunities anytime of the year, taking advantage of different seasons and lighting angles at sunrise and sunset. The only challenge would be the extreme heat in the summertime warrants particular care to avoid the midday heat and bring plenty of water.

The above image was taken on April 19th

Lens(es) Needed

Wide angle (16-24mm), macro lenses for close-up images of cacti, 24-70mm / 24-105mm for most images and panoramic shots.

The above image was taken with a 35mm lens equivalent.

Birds-Eye View From Google Earth Pro

Permits

There is a sign posted at the start of the trail that states Arizona State Land Department Permit Required. CLICK to go to the application page.

Direction of the Shot

From this location, the shot is northwest about 320°.

Equipment Needed

I additional to a sturdy tripod and appropriate headgear, water and snacks - you might consider knee high leg gators or snake boots. Walking in this area will present many opportunities to brush up against or step on all forms of southwest cactus. Also, in the warm weather season, snakes will most likely be in this area.

Number of Other Photographers to Expect

Depends on the day of the week. During the week there were very few (less than 5). Weekends are more popular and c

Weather

Current Weather

Cell Service

I use Verizon, and the reception is spotty at this location. Cell service is better as you drive back toward Phoenix.

Lodging & Camping

There are plenty of lodging in the Phoenix area.

Camping - there are plenty of dispersed camping along the East Peralta Road

Area Guides and Workshops

None

Other Resources

Lost Dutchman State Park

Three Sisters Sunset