Twenty-Six hikers gathered at First Water trailhead in the Superstitions, on a cold but sunny morning, ready to hike off the calories from Thanksgiving dinner. After a brief description of the hike and introductions we split into two groups, one led by Michelle going clockwise on the loop and another led by Michael going counterclockwise. Michelle’s group left the trailhead first, hitting the trail about 8 AM. With all the rain in the week prior, it didn’t take long before we were rock hopping across washes. We had 3 or 4 water crossings in the first mile and a half.

We managed to stay dry and continued on, with a steady easy climb up to Garden Valley and to the Black Mesa Trail. As we walked through Garden Valley we could see Geronimo Head covered in snow. We stopped at the trail junction to shed some layers and take a group picture.

We continued on the Black Mesa Trail at a pretty good pace as we climbed up the side of the mountain. As we reached the top and the trail flattened out, the interior of the Superstitions begins to show its beauty. The trail through the next mile or two is pretty sloppy from all the rain we had in the past week. We manage our way through, enjoying the views all around us.

As we start our descent down towards Parker Pass we can see many streams of water below us. We wonder what type of water crossings we have ahead of us, especially as the closer we get we can hear the water flowing. When we reach the bottom we spread out looking for the best way to cross. We have to cross the wash twice to get to the other side. We all manage to cross without getting wet. It is here where we meet the other group. They are already wet and advise us they have had to cross ankle-deep streams to get to this point. We exchange pleasantries and both groups go about their way.

Once all the hikers were accounted for we went our separate ways with some of us going to Uncle Bears Grill and Tap for some food and brews.