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| Hiking | 7.12 Miles |
337 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.12 Miles | 4 Hrs 40 Mns | | 1.94 mph |
| 337 ft AEG | 1 Hour Break | | | |
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| no partners | | My Brother-in-Law, Michael, is a newcomer to the valley and has wanted to go on a hike in the nearby Superstitions so I put this one together hoping that it would be a good shot for both of us. Last week while out with Grasshopper and Oregon Hiker in the Sierra Anchas , I twisted my knee just enough to make it really sore  . I have been a good boy and taking it easy on the knee noticing a bit of improvement daily.
So today was the test and everything worked out perfect  We began our hike from the Horse Trailer Lot by First Water TH heading down a little known wash that intersects with First Water Creek just before the creek passes through the narrow canyon. The day began with heavy cloud cover and a light breeze as we passed through the scenic wash. The gold colored rock on both sides of us was covered with a light coating of green lichen which added a touch of color to the vistas.
When we arrived at the junction with First Water Creek, I was amazed at how the flash flood from the last Monsoon had rearranged the landscape of the flowage. A lot of the low brush was tilted in the direction of flow while the remainder was plastered high into tree branches more than six feet above the rocks we were hiking on  Gone were the paths I had followed on previous hikes, now replaced by scoured patches of smooth base rock and new boulders to navigate around.
Every time I paused to check on Mike, he was glancing all around and thoroughly enjoying the scenery around him, I guess that's just how I must have looked the first time I hiked this route As we rounded the corner in the dry creek, I showed Mike where Hackberry Spring is located, now just a dribble of water coming out of the end of the pipe. The clear pool at the base of the cliff was full of frogs that splashed into the cold water to escape us as we approached.
We continued on through the camping oasis along the creek until the trail abruptly broke off heading up the hill towards Hackberry Mesa. Now the sun was finally beginning to make its presence and the breeze kicked up a bit still making it comfortable hiking on the incline. We paused at the intermediate saddle just long enough to take in a quick snack and remove a layer before making the ascent to Garden Valley.
I prefer making this hike in the Clockwise direction because most groups depart out of the Trail Head in a Counter Clockwise loop. We met only one group before reaching Garden Valley and up here, we had it all to ourselves. I showed Mike some Metate's and an ancient oven that are located in the walls on the Western side of the Garden. Then the scenic Western overlook with a view of the covered corral in the valley and, of course, the rock arch looming overhead. It's always a pleasure to break away from the trails and explore more of this amazing Garden Valley.
We finally began our descent following Second Water Trail leaving Garden Valley as we headed towards First Water TH. We met a few more hikers along this portion of the trail who asked if we were coming from Canyon Lake and how far was it to the Marina? I told them they still had about 6 miles to go and then the 8 mile return and it was nearing noon already. I think their optimism deflated 
We met a couple more groups before reaching the Trail Head then it was the short walk down the gravel road to the Horse Trailer Lot. Once back at the truck it was the traditional "have a cold one" while stowing the gear and discussing the highlights of the hike.
Garden Valley is always my best choice for first timers wanting to get the feel of hiking the Superstitions, if they have any problems with that one, they best stick to the sand box. Mike was more than satisfied with his first experience and wants to expand his hiking to include more of the magic that the Superstitions have to offer. I'm already planning on taking him up Peralta Trail to view Weavers Needle up close when he returns in February.
Yep, I got another convert.....now to get Mike signed up with HAZ  |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Light
Some color can be found along First Water Creek below Hackberry Spring. |
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Hackberry Spring |
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| | | A short but steady stream of water coming from the pipe and the pool is full of the cool, clear water. | | _____________________
| On every trip into the Superstitions, I find another Gold Mine. Today the mine was filled with Memories. I can not wait for the next trip. |
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