Superstition Books

Superstition Books sits where the suburban sprawl of the East Valley gives way to the wild, cactus-studded foothills of the Superstition Mountains, making it the last stop for hikers, off-roaders, and treasure hunters heading into some of Arizona's most rugged terrain. The store was founded in 2011 by a retired search-and-rescue volunteer who wanted to share his love of the mountains and their legends with a wider audience. The Lost Dutchman Mine section alone is worth the visit, featuring dozens of titles on the famous gold legend along with historical maps and photographs. Trail guides for the Superstition Wilderness, Tonto National Forest, and the Arizona Trail are meticulously organized by difficulty and season. Mining artifacts displayed throughout the store, including pickaxes, ore samples, and original claim stakes, give the space a museum-like quality. The cafe serves trailhead coffee and energy bars, catering to early-morning adventurers heading up the Apache Trail.