| when? | Sunday, December 14, 2014 | ||
| Trip Report : March 17, 2012 | |||
| where? | Superstition Wilderness | ||
| the hike |
This loop will provide panoramic views of the western part of the Superstitions.
We will stop often for the views of the beautiful rock formations.
There are a few short slot canyons on the loop, so if it has rained in the
near past you may get your feet wet.
The hike will start at the First water trailhead. We hike the First Water Trail to reach the Second Water Trail. Turn left on Second Water Trail and hike until we get to Garden Valley. At this point we go off trail and long pants are a good idea. We will be going through a cholla forest, so we will have to watch our steps. All hikers must stay together and wait for the group as we make our way over to the tunnel and arch. The tunnel is a slot canyon that is so small at the top, that only in a few spots can you see blue sky. A flashlight in the tunnel helps, but is not required. The arch is just around the corner from the tunnel, so we will have lunch/snack at the arch. The is the edge of the mesa that makes up Garden Valley, the views to the south and west just go on and on. We will then pick up part of the old military trail down to the trail that connects Garden Valley and Hackberry. If some of the group wants to cut the hike short there is a path here that leads back to the trailhead. We will continue down to Hackberry Spring, one of the few permanent water sources in the Superstitions. This part of the trail is in cottonwood and sycamores. They may be changing colors, because the low desert changes late. We will then go though a few slot canyons and back to the First Water Trailhead. Required: • Sturdy hiking boots • At least 3 liters of water • Rain poncho • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: • Lunch or snacks • Camera |
||
| distance | 7 miles | ||
| time | 4-5 hours | ||
| EC | +-700' elevation change | ||
| elevations | 2,500' at Trailhead, 2,800' at Garden Valley | ||
| type | Loop | ||
| starting at |
|
||
| on trail | 60% — Dutchman’s, Second Water, Military, and Hackberry Spring Trails | ||
| rating | "C" Rate yourself as a hiker. | ||
| dogs allowed | no | ||
| cost | Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. |
||
| weather | Apache Junction | ||
| meet |
8:00 AM at
Home Depot in Mesa on the southeast corner of Power and US 60.
We’ll arrange car-pooling from there.
Directions from Phoenix: • Go east on the Superstition Freeway (US 60) to Superstition Springs Blvd., exit 187. • Take that exit, turn right and go 1/2 mile east, across Power Road. • Then turn left, toward Home Depot. • Park in the southwest corner of the Home Depot lot, behind Burger King. |
||
| drive | From Phoenix, go east on US-60 to Idaho Rd. Then north to Apache Trail (Arizona 88), continue on past the Lost Dutchman State Park. The next right turn is First Water. Take this dirt road to the end and park at the trailhead. Cars can easily drive this road. |
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| updated December 11, 2014 | © Copyright 2014, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |