Garden Loop - Supers

[Desertboots]

Has anyone done the "Garden Loop" trail from First Water Trailhead in the Supers? I was thinking about going out there on Feb 8, unless this crappy weather keeps up.

When are we going to get a Trail Index??? Huh??? Huh????


-=db=-

[jmzblond]

Boots, here is the scoop on the Loop!! Which isnt really a "loop", but an out and back. There are other options for returning via a loop like the faint horse trail that loops around Hackberry Spring for something like 7.4 miles R/T, but I advise having your maps, compass, GPS or what-have-you for that loop. I did that once, and I was thankful I wasnt alone. We didnt have maps and werent really prepared... not fun when you arent sure of where you are going or where you will end up!! We got lucky. Or, there is the Black Mesa trail that will take you into Boulder Basin where you can pick up the Dutchmans trail again back to the First Water T/H. That is about 9.5 miles R/T.

Just doing the Garden Valley "Loop", it is approximately 5.4 miles R/T out and back the same way. From the First Water T/H, walk about 0.4 on the Dutchmans trail to the Second Water trail junction. Head east on the S.W. trail. You will cross First Water creek that is more than likely dry, and continue on an easy, well-defined trail. Garden Valley is fairly easy to recognize because the area is flat and covered w/ mesquite trees and chain fruit chollas. You will know for sure that you are in Garden Valley when you reach the intersection w/ the Black Mesa trail. Just past the B/M trail sign is what appears to be a mound of dirt and rocks overgrown w/ grass and palo verde trees. This is actually prehistoric ruins of a stone house, and where you might be able to find some pottery shards and grinding stones. At one time, the ''mound'' was said to have been estimated at three-stories w/ a stone-paved court in the center. If you are lucky enough to find some pottery shards they will be identified w/ a worn red colored glaze on one side and black sand color on the other. And I have heard there are at least 3 grinding holes, but I have yet to find them myself.

Let me know if you need any other info!! Enjoy, have fun, and be safe.
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Blond, James Blond... double "O", uh oh!!

"The romantic lifestyle of goats leaves a lot of time for digesting books" Charlotte La Chevre, (taken from "Conversations With A Goat" by Robert Shekter)

[cactuscat]

[Shawn]

Yup, saw them today. Did the Hackberry Springs loop. Are you sure its 7 mile? I thought about 5. Does anyone know for certain where Hackberry Springs is? I found the fence remains on the east side of the canyon where the map says it is, and looked ever so carefully along the base of that rock wall, but have yet to find it.

I've done this route 4 or 5 times, and have yet to take the same route back to the First Water Trail from that canyon, always seem to get off on some other braided trail. Nice little adventure for when you don't want to be gone all day.
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

[Desertboots]

I looked this up in my Guide to the Superstition Wilderness. There seem to be alot of choices out there. I was wanting to do theis with Sierra SIngles, whom I hike with sometimes, but the hike was full. They can only take so many people. I'm glad I can explore it on my own sometime.

[snowchickaz]

I've done it before. It's so pretty out there, and if I can do that trail, you can do it. It's just so amazing.

[Nighthiker]

You can head out from the corral from First Water, from the site of First Water Ranch, First Water Creek or from the Arizona 88 near mile post 204.5 and hike to Hackberry Springs, thence over to Garden Valley which you will enter into the NW area of Garden Valley follow the trail to the intersection of the Second Water Trail and the Black Mesa Trail and then exist to the First Water Trailhead. Great Nighthike to.