Superior, Arizona – Small Town of the Week

Superior, Arizona

Superior is a town in Pinal County, Arizona, United States. Superior, which is in northern Pinal County, is the oldest town in that county. According to the 2020 census, the population of the town was 2,407. Superior was founded as a mining town for the Silver King and the later Magma mines; silver was mined at first, and then transitioned to copper. Currently, exploitation of the huge Resolution Copper deposit is being explored.

Like nearby Globe, Ray, and Clifton, Arizona, Superior was once part of a huge Apache reservation, but after silver and copper deposits were discovered, those areas were withdrawn from the reservation and returned to the public domain.

In 1872, at the height of the American Indian Wars, a band of raiding Apache horsemen were ambushed by a United States Cavalry force from Picket Post Mountain. After losing 50 men, the Apache retreated up the mountain later named “Apache Leap”. According to local legend, the remaining Apache accepted defeat and leapt to their death rather than being captured by the cavalry, thus giving the mountain its name.

Picketpost Mountain is located just outside the town of Superior, Arizona approximately 40 miles (64 km) east of the Phoenix Metro Area. The mountain is located in the southern desert region of Tonto National Forest near (but not within) the Superstition Mountains,[3] and is popular with hikers. The mountain is also well known for an oddly placed mailbox at the top of the mountain, which contains the log books for the Picketpost Mountain Trail.

The mountain’s unusual name stems from an early military camp established at the base of the mountain by General George Stoneman in 1870. The soldiers nicknamed the mountain “Picket Post” due to its usage as a sentinel point to guard their camp from attacks. This military camp eventually grew into the present day town of Superior

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the oldest and largest botanical garden in the state of Arizona. It is one of the oldest botanical institutions west of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1924 as a desert plant research facility and “living museum”, the arboretum is located in the Sonoran Desert on 392 acres (159 ha) along Queen Creek and beneath the towering volcanic remnant, Picketpost Mountain. Boyce Thompson Arboretum is on U.S. Highway 60, an hour’s drive east from Phoenix and 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Superior, Arizona.

The World’s Smallest Museum, Superior, Arizona
Located on Route 60, just outside of Phoenix, the museum houses a number of curiosities including a Beatles concert poster, a letter written by JFK and the world’s largest apache tear.

Queen Creek Canyon is a beautiful scenic drive between Superior and Globe, it is renowned for it’s rock climbing as well.

8 Legged Freaks was one of the many movies that have been filmed in Superior. Much of the downtown was spiffed up for the movie and has led to a revitalization for the area.

Living in Superior, AZ is an enjoyable experience. The sunny climate and unique landscape make a great backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, camping, and horseback riding. The town is small but has a variety of amenities such as restaurants, stores, and parks that add to the charm of living here. The friendly locals are warm and welcoming, making it easy to become part of the community. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an active lifestyle, Superior has something for everyone.