Black Mesa Loop

gpsjoe · Joined: 01 Feb 2004 Posts: 535 Location: Mesa AZ

Did the easy 9.3 mile loop of the 2nd Water, Black Mesa and Dutchman's trail this morning. Just wanted to note that there is a lot of water in the streams along the trails especially in the last half mile of the Black Mesa trail approaching the Dutchman's and along the Dutchman's trail as well. In fact we had to rock hop acrooss at least a dozen stream crossings.

This is only the second time in 10 years that I have seen so much water there. The water was a pleasant surprise and the cool temps made this a nice hike. One camper had a tent near one of the streams there but there are hundreds of places along streams where one could camp. I do believe the water will easily last through this weekend.

Shawn · Posted: 12/14/2007, 2:54 pm Post subject:

My first trip to the Superstitions was in 1997 or so. We heard Boulder Canyon before we saw it.
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

wrongway · Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 44 Location: Mesa, AZ

Thanks for the update. I was planning on hiking Second Water to Boulder Canyon tomorrow anyway. Now, I can't wait!

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

I remember a GHOTM a few years ago that sounds very familiar to this. It was after a few days of rain, and it's amazing how many washes were running that you normally just prance through when dry. It was really fun rock hopping the streams on that route that day.

Trishness · Posted: 12/14/2007, 7:11 pm Post subject:

I remember that GHOTM from a few years ago!! All that running water was almost disorientating once we got into Boulder Basin. I'm too used to seeing it dry as a bone.

Might have to get out there on Sunday to check it out.

Mr. Green

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~~~Trish~~~

"Eastward the dawn rose, ridge behind ridge into the morning, and vanished out of eyesight into guess; it was no more than a glimmer blending with the hem of the sky, but it spoke to them, out of the memory and old tales, of the high and distant mountains." � J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of The Rings.

Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

Take me, take me!

Shawn · Posted: 12/14/2007, 8:01 pm Post subject:

A post-party hike in the works?
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The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.

Trishness · Posted: 12/14/2007, 8:27 pm Post subject:

threedogz · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 668 Location: Chandler

Sounds fun. I'm thinking I'll go hike Boulder Canyon on Tuesday or something in the vicinity.
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Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

We'll go through Cholla City right? (aka garden valley) I'll have to see if I can find her some heavy duty booties....I can't pick this pup up...she's getting HEAVY!

mick · Joined: 04 Mar 2004 Posts: 40

Was out there last Thursday searching for Spanish gold on Black Top Mesa. Great day. The wash crossings were adventurous. MCSO was out searching for overdue backpackers. Helicopter buzzed me three times. They found who they were looking for at 5pm.

Trishness · Posted: 12/15/2007, 9:29 pm Post subject:

If any of you have recovered from the "Peppermint Patty's" and that delicious Starbucks coffee concoction that Suz had............I'll be at the FW TH at 9AM ready to hike the 9.5 miles on Black Mesa Loop.

Hike off your hangover.

Mr. Green

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~~~Trish~~~

"Eastward the dawn rose, ridge behind ridge into the morning, and vanished out of eyesight into guess; it was no more than a glimmer blending with the hem of the sky, but it spoke to them, out of the memory and old tales, of the high and distant mountains." � J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of The Rings.

Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

Suz · Joined: 27 Nov 2005 Posts: 3186

Trish, Shawn, Sadie and I were treated to cold, wet, soggy, muddy feet in the Superstitions today. It's amazing to hear and see running water in our desert. We had an equally fabulous sunset on the drive out. Such a rare and beautiful day in the Superstitions!

oliverr99 · Joined: 04 Jul 2006 Posts: 632 Location: Glendale

Is that area good are to go backpacking in Dec.? I have two weeks off from school coming up and I need something to do overnight, possibly.
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Anne
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" -- Dr. Seuss