Mainstem Black River, South Fork Trail #97, Bear Wallow Wilderness, KP Creek, Grant Creek, West Baldy Trail, East Baldy Trail--all are up here in the cool country and all of these hikes follow creeks. For the South Fork #97 be sure to start at the lower end by the campground and follow the creek. Don't go up to Mexican Hay Lake at all, just keep following the creek. For Mainstem Black River, start at Wildcat Crossing bridge, and go either up or downstream, and be sure to wear old tennis shoes--you will be crossing the river a lot! For Grant Creek follow the directions here:
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=341
Mt. Elden has no water! No place around Flag has any significant running water! It's a desert with pine trees! You want creeks, and lots of surface water, go to the White Mtns. and the Blue Range. Hannagan Meadow. Black River. Greer. Baldy. Big Lake.