Boulder Canyon Loop from First Water TH, AZ

Hike
This Hike was done as an overnight backpack training hike, or it can be done as a day hike. We started at the 1st water trailhead and followed Dutchman Trail #104 to Second Water Trail #236. We followed trail 236 past the Black Mesa Trail #241 and set up camp in Garden Valley(approx 2mi from the start). Second Water Trail follows a mesa for approx 1.5-2mi before descending to Boulder Canyon. Other than the lack of water, this was a decent place to camp. Large open spaces off the trail. You can see the glow of city lights though no lights themselves. Good stargazing. There is a seasonal water hole for animal watching.


The next day we continued along Second Water Trail #236 to Boulder Canyon. The descent to Boulder Canyon follows Second Water Creek. A side hike can be taken up Second Water Canyon to the spring. There are a few campsites along the creek. At Boulder Canyon, we went right on the Boulder Canyon Trail #103 to trail 104. This canyon follows a creek and requires many creek crossings and route finding to slow you down. It may have been easier to follow the creek. Again there are numerous campsites along the creek. At Trail #104, we headed right and climbed back up to the 1st Water Trailhead. You can take the Black Mesa Trail(241) back instead, it adds 0.6mi to the loop, but it looks shorter on the map. There are numerous shaded spots in Boulder Canyon for rest and lunch. The rest of the hike is exposed.Water
Second Water Creek and Spring, Boulder Canyon. Both locations would need to be filtered. We carried our own water for the trip.

Camping
Multiple sites in Garden Valley, along Second Water Creek, and in Boulder Canyon

2008-04-05 azpod98