Red Tanks Trail #107

Red Tanks Trail #107 is a long-distance route in the Superstition Wilderness (Tonto National Forest) built for hikers who want a remote, desert canyon hike with plenty of route-finding work. It’s mapped as a two-member route using short segments of trail, so expect the line to wander through canyon bottoms rather than follow a single obvious corridor the whole way.

As you travel, the route spends significant time in steep, rugged canyons. One standout section is the upper La Barge Box, which is known for being steep and narrow compared with the wider desert stretches the trail also hits.

The usual travel form is long day hiking or backpacking, and it’s also used by horseback riders in places. When forming loops with connecting trails, plan on significant effort from the terrain rather than relying on an easy tread profile.

Length is about 7–8 miles one-way, with elevation gain on the order of ~1,246 ft and descent of ~1,220 ft. Overall elevations run roughly from ~2,600 ft up to ~3,650 ft, so you’ll feel it even on a relatively short-by-distance wilderness day.

For directionality and access, the route is commonly linked to Peralta Trailhead via Dutchman Trail #104 on one side, and to Rogers Trough Trailhead (end of Forest Road #17A) on the other side. Route junctions include connections like Coffee Flat Trail #108, where the trail system lets you build large multi-day loops.

For trip planning, the route sits entirely within the Superstition Wilderness and there can be big seasonal swings in heat and water availability typical of the area. If you’re going after a longer loop using Red Tanks Trail #107, bring enough navigation support to handle intermediate visibility and sustained difficulty through the canyon sections.

More information: Visitor information, Exploring the Superstition Wilderness - Discover Gila County, Fraser Canyon & Randolph Canyon - Kingsnake's Home Den