The Magma Gardens: Desert Wandering and Rock Climbing Near Superior, Arizona
Reminders of the Resolution Mine are ever-present on the horizon.
The Draw of Wandering
Some places are hikes.
Some places have instructions, trails, and guides.
The Magma Gardens feel more like a suggestion.
In November 2025, I drove out solo with no strict plan. The weather was perfect. Cool enough in the morning to keep a long sleeve on. Warm enough by midday to sit on a rock and enjoy a sandwich. Arizona in November is unfair in the best way. My only goal was to practice mindful photography.
This area sits just outside Superior, Arizona, beside an active mine. You cannot miss it. The mine structure rises over the ridge and stays visible almost the entire time you are out there. It is industrial. Angular. Loud in shape even when it is quiet. The constant whirr of employees coming and going will eventually fade into the background.
There’s a lot of contention around this mine, but that’s for another post.
The view may be amazing, but always look at the desert details.
Location and Parking
Coordinates
33.30042863472741, -111.06678611541527
Parking is a simple pull-off on the side of the road just before the mine entrance gate. No formal lot. No bathrooms. No welcome sign.
Just park and then follow the climber’s trail from the side of the road.
There’s something impressive about the large mine machinery.
This Is Not a Traditional Hike
There is a dirt road you can follow. You’ll occasionally see mine workers driving by on the road.
There are faint paths and washes. But this is not a summit-focused, mileage-tracking, check-it-off-your-list kind of place.
This is a wander.
Walk the road for a bit. Then leave it. Climb a small rise. Drop into a wash. Follow whatever catches your eye.
Bring water. Bring a snack. Bring a small picnic and enjoy the sun.
The most fun thing you can do here is get off the obvious path.
That’s me! The climbing here is fantastic.
Rock Climbing at The Magma Gardens
Climbing is the real draw. There are several distinct areas here, including The Magma Gardens. Lower Looner Land is always a classic with a great mix of difficulties.
Short approaches. Interesting movement. Rock that demands attention. The texture bites back in a good way. Your hands know exactly what they are holding. It’s the same rock shared with The Mine and Atlantis, but with a fraction of the crowds.
I’ve climbed here several times with friends, and it’s always a good time. You can’t go wrong with Strawberry Razzle Tea (5.8 Sport) in Lower Looner Land.
There is something grounding about climbing in a place like this. The mine is right there over the ridge. A reminder that this land has been used, extracted, and reshaped.
And yet the climbing still feels wild.
If you plan to climb, review the routes and ratings on Mountain Project in advance. Cell service can be spotty depending on your carrier, so download what you need before you arrive.
A Note on Exploring
You do not have to be a climber to enjoy this area.
You can spend hours just walking between formations. Studying the shapes. Watching light move across the rock. Listening to the quiet that settles once you step away from the road.
This is one of those places that rewards curiosity.
No big payoff. No dramatic summit sign. Just textured desert and space to move at your own pace.
Sometimes that is more than enough.
If you go, let yourself explore. Pack more water than you think you need. Keep an eye on where you parked. The mine will always be your landmark.
And when you find a rock that feels like it was placed there just for you, sit on it for a while.
The desert does not mind if you stay (and climbers always enjoy an audience. It pushes us to climb harder!).
Check our other hiking guides for more hiking inspiration.
If you’re more interested in the images than the mileage, you can explore my Arizona landscape photography portfolio for more desert light and mountain textures.
