Black Mesa Trail #241 • Hike • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Black Top Mesa

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 31 2026
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 897

Hiking	12.78 Miles	2,378 AEG

Hiking	12.78 Miles	7 Hrs 23 Mns	1.83 mph
	2,378 ft AEG	24 Mns Break

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Yellow Peak - Superstitions

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adilling

wallyfrack

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Got a crazy early pre-6am start because Andy is headed to the Phillipines the next day, so the first 2.5 miles were hiked in the dark. Just as well, I've done the Black Mesa loop enough times I can do it with my eyes closed as it is. Headed out on LDT, then up to Black Top Mesa. Lots of green out like everywhere. I concur with Andy's description of Green Top Mesa.

Andy and Wally took a detour to the west end of the mesa to look for the lesser known sunburst with the word "oro" under it. They couldn't find it so they headed over to the east end, where I had already arrived. They found the broken sunburst and I found The End. Wally and Andy pointed out the other petroglyph on the back of the broken sunburst, which I don't remember from my previous trip up there, 13 years earlier. Pictures were taken.

On the way down Wally and Andy went back to the east of the mesa find the other petroglyphs/century old graffiti and were successful on the second try. I headed back down and back to the parking lot. On the way down the Bull Pass Trail, a big group was headed up and to where we just left. In the midst of them was @ScottHika. I talked with him a bit and he was gone, trying to catch up with his group. Wally later told me that this group was led by @John10s. Everyone in that group was moving uphill faster than I was downhill.

Wally caught up with me towards the bottom of Bull Pass and we stopped and had lunch once we were on the Black Mesa Trail, at which point Andy was already catching us. the hike back from there was uneventful. Made my usual stop at the Indian ruins in Garden Valley and saw the rock where everyone puts more pottery sherds. No hikers at all on Black Mesa Trail, and then lots of traffic on First Water, as usual.

This area has healed up quite a bit from the fire in '24. Very green and a lot less of the charred vegetation is visible, but it's still there. Weather was absolutely perfect. May have been about 70 once we finished. Chilly to start, but sunny and clear all day.

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229113

Jan 31 2026

ScottHika

Guides 2
Routes 32
Photos 910
Triplogs 51

male

Joined Sep 19 2020
Phoenix

Yellow Peak - Superstitions

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 31 2026
		ScottHika • Triplogs 51

Hiking	15.26 Miles	3,361 AEG

Hiking	15.26 Miles
	3,361 ft AEG

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John10s

Yellow Black Black

Beautiful Saturday in the Superstition Mountains as January comes to close 15 miles 3600 AEG. Temperatures were low 60s to amazing 80s across the 7-hour day. Tackled 3 peaks with @John10s, well it was more like BEHIND John as he led the pack for the day. Respect. John was moving so fast I had to do high speed time lapse photography. Took Second Water Black Mesa and hit Yellow Peak 3061 first. If you’ve ever gone up, it’s pretty much just up over the rolly boulders to the top least resistance. Random pointless cairns here and there… The Superstition are super green with full wildflower explosion right now. Was trying to remember the last time it looked like this, this early for spring… Poppies lupines hyacinths globemallow brittlebush explosion and everything else…

Working with clear sky but a bit low visibility, signed the summit register and headed down. I’m ready for some more rain to keep things popping. Regrouped in Boulder Basin, which is making ongoing recovery after be desolated by the Sawtooth Fire. The fried Bull Pass sign has been replaced which was nice to see. Ran into a gang of cool kids coming down from a secret mission @wallyfrack @adilling @DarthStiller. It was mission accomplished I gather. Spent a little time at second destination Peak 3354 (aka Black Top Mesa) noshing and reading inscriptions scattered across the mesa. I usually find new ones here and there. The social trail to The End is pretty worked in now. A lot of the cactus forest that used to be up there is no longer. Pretty easy navigation to just about any place you want to get to now.

Back down Bull Pass reversed up Black Mesa trail for the final summit Peak 3097 aka Black Mesa. Also making good post-Sawtooth-fire recovery and a mild slope traverse to summit More scenic shots and group bonding before the descent. At this point everybody was racing back to end the day. Took my time and rode the caboose back to First Water TH. Was a steady day there with folks coming and going. These are all places I’ve been before but never on the same day. The overall was a bit faster than I usually hike so taxed me a bit, but cannot wait till my next trip… As the saying goes, “another great day in the mountains”.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cadastral Survey Marker

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Weavers Needle Yellow Peak

Wildflowers Observation Extreme

5 archives

229128

Jan 31 2026

John10s

Guides 30
Routes 433
Photos 6,852
Triplogs 398

41 male

Joined Mar 01 2018
Chandler, AZ

Yellow Peak - Black Top Mesa - Peak 3097, AZ

Hiking		Jan 31 2026
		John10s • Triplogs 398

Hiking	15.77 Miles	3,325 AEG

Hiking	15.77 Miles	6 Hrs 48 Mns	2.65 mph
	3,325 ft AEG	51 Mns Break

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Yellow Peak - Superstitions

[ checklist ] East Boulder Canyon Malapais Mountain Palomino Mountain Weavers Needle Yellow Peak

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ScottHika

I joined a MeetUp group that was going to hit three peaks (more like a peak and two mesas) in the western Superstitions, starting from First Water Trailhead. We set out with a group of 11 at ~7:20AM and took Second Water to Black Mesa Trail, then SE toward Yellow Peak. I hadn't been up there in a few years, and it was a short but steep approach to the summit, with even better views than I remembered.

After a few minutes regrouping at the top, we dropped back down to Black Mesa Trail and continued south toward Black Top Mesa. Going up, we passed @wallyfrack, @DarthStiller and his Steelers attire, and @adilling on their way down. Up on top, the group gathered around the sunburst and enjoyed the views and a snack break before heading back down for stop number three.

We hiked north on Black Mesa Trail back toward Yellow Peak, then left the trail and hiked up the grassy meadow to the southwest toward Peak 3097. The grade wasn't bad at all, though there were lots of rocks hidden in the tall grass. I hadn't been to 3097 before and wasn't sure what to expect for views from the mesa, but it was surprisingly nice--lots of healthy saguaros up there, and that spot is perched on a cliff edge overlooking Parker Pass and has great views of Weaver's Needle, Yellow Peak, Malapais, and the Goldfields.

We finished off the hike on Black Mesa/Second Water Trails again and were done a little after 2PM. Didn't see any interesting wildlife (as expected with a group that large), and though we didn't encounter much water, it was very green out there, with plenty of flowers blooming. Beautiful day to be outside--very warm for January, with temps pushing 80°. And nice to see @ScottHika again and meet some new people!

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Brittlebush

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

229139

Jan 22 2026

CannondaleKid

Guides 44
Routes 164
Photos 25,780
Triplogs 2,496

male

Joined May 04 2004
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 22 2026
		CannondaleKid • Triplogs 2,496

Hiking	9.40 Miles	1,226 AEG

Hiking	9.40 Miles	5 Hrs 7 Mns		1.90 mph
	1,226 ft AEG	10 Mns Break	20 LBS Pack

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[ checklist ] Black Top Mesa Malapais Mountain Palomino Mountain Weavers Needle Yellow Peak

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trixiec

Having done this hike in late November 2025, when it had been almost 4 years since the previous trip, I didn't expect to be doing this one again for quite some time.

However, Tracey had a chance to hike with a friend she had last backpacked with some 5(?) years ago (AZT in the Mazatzals) and this was the hike they came up with.

Still not quite sure how my knees would hold out on the rough downhill stuff descending from Black Mesa toward Dutchman, I prepared for the possibility of turning back around the 3-mile point by bringing my tablet. So if I turned back early I could catch up on my reading while waiting for their return.

As it turned out, we were on such a slow pace that by time I thought to take stock of how my knees felt, we were almost halfway, so I stuck with it. However, well before reaching the Dutchman Trail I was beginning to wish I turned back. It wasn't so much the knees as the lower back taking a beating on the steep, rocky and sometimes loose tread... yup, on my LEAST favorite part of this hike.

Upon reaching the Dutchman Trail we stopped for a short lunch break, before heading back on the Dutchman. This is usually the part of the trail I've been on so many times in the same direction that I detest it. The only way I could do it on this day was to get myself into a sort of trance, dropping my mind into cruise-control for the balance of the hike. Good thing my subconscious mind paid constant attention to the trail as there were plenty of rough and rocky spots which could easily have produced a hard fall.

In the end, I'm a bit surprised how many photos I took in the last few hours, because even now I hardly remember taking them.
Temps 51-67°

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

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CannondaleKid

228940

Jan 03 2026

LindaAnn

Guides 112
Routes 2,442
Photos 9,563
Triplogs 2,793

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Black Top Mesa

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 03 2026
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,793

Hiking	12.88 Miles	2,347 AEG

Hiking	12.88 Miles	6 Hrs 6 Mns	2.31 mph
	2,347 ft AEG	31 Mns Break

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RedChrisB

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Chris was in town while traveling between CA and NM, so we made plans to hike today. Got started from First Water around 0730. East on Second Water, then south across Black Mesa.

Ran into an acquaintance (Shea) as we got onto Dutchman. Chatted for a moment, then continued in opposite directions. Headed up Bull Pass, which has seen some erosion, then up Black Top Mesa. Humid on the climb. Took a break at the top, then headed back down. Took Dutchman all the way back to the trailhead. The clouds for the final few miles were nice.

Lots of green out there. Great to see Chris again!

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

228495

May 14 2025

Routes 93
Photos 8,310
Triplogs 1,766

65 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 14 2025
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,766

Hiking	6.30 Miles	687 AEG

Hiking	6.30 Miles	2 Hrs 1 Min	3.12 mph
	687 ft AEG

no routes

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A quick hike to look for a few petroglyphs on Black Mesa. I missed the rock in the photo. Next time I'll slow down a little. I was the only vehicle at the trailhead at 6:30am but there were two others at 8:30am.
I didn't see any other hikers. The breeze and cool morning air felt good. No critters other than cotton tails out.

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3 archives

223409

Feb 13 2025

Tortoise_Hiker

Guides 1
Routes 149
Photos 10,148
Triplogs 3,787

64 male

Joined Apr 02 2005
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 13 2025
		Tortoise_Hiker • Triplogs 3,787

Hiking	6.70 Miles	836 AEG

Hiking	6.70 Miles	2 Hrs 42 Mns	2.48 mph
	836 ft AEG

no routes

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wallyfrack

I talked Wally into hiking in the Supes!

He even drove.

I was up for about 6ish miles. Wally was still able to show me cool stuff in 6 miles . There were ruins and pot shards and maybe a broken Metate. An old mine , a battleship, a Weavers needle and a Mesa that was black! Ahh good times and good to be in the Supes! Thanks for the hike Wally and thanks for driving!
Like HAZ, you rock!

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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.

221299

Feb 13 2025

Routes 93
Photos 8,310
Triplogs 1,766

65 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 13 2025
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,766

Hiking	6.70 Miles	836 AEG

Hiking	6.70 Miles	2 Hrs 42 Mns	2.48 mph
	836 ft AEG

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Tortoise_Hiker

A quick hike with Denny to the top of Black Mesa. I usually just hike Black Mesa trail and skip the high point. It's worth checking out once in a while. There are still some nice saguaros up there and it's fun to look around and see what you may find. We also checked out the old prospect, looked at so pot sherds and cut through Garden Valley to so what was exposed by the burn. A good out and back hike before it warms up. Thanks for coming out Turtle.

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2 archives

221301

Sep 07 2024

Routes 93
Photos 8,310
Triplogs 1,766

65 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Sep 07 2024
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,766

Hiking	6.20 Miles	697 AEG

Hiking	6.20 Miles	1 Hour 57 Mns	3.18 mph
	697 ft AEG

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Started at 5:30am to avoid the sun. It was light enough to hike without a headlamp. Took Second Water trail then Black Mesa trail to the high point. The sun was just coming up so I turned around. I saw about 5 other hikers on trail. Still waiting for cooler weather to go long.

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1 archive

217760

Jul 13 2024

Routes 93
Photos 8,310
Triplogs 1,766

65 male

Joined Mar 11 2003
AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jul 13 2024
		wallyfrack • Triplogs 1,766

Hiking	6.20 Miles	697 AEG

Hiking	6.20 Miles	2 Hrs 3 Mns	3.02 mph
	697 ft AEG

no routes

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The plan was to complete the loop but somebody wasn't awake and didn't notice a bottle of water fell out out his pack on the drive and so the hydration supply was low. The morning was nice and the sun didn't come out until my turn around point. I decided to cut it short and just hike to the high point on Black Mesa trail. Not too many critter out besides the long-eared rodents. I only saw two hikers on trail but three other vehicles in the lot on my return. I did see a nice mule deer with felt covered antlers cross the road on the drive out.

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1 archive

216705

May 25 2024

adilling

Guides 2
Routes 284
Photos 10,346
Triplogs 424

63 male

Joined Dec 02 2014
Mesa, AZ

Superstition Wilderness - GET #1

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		May 25 2024
		adilling • Triplogs 424

Hiking	9.35 Miles	1,132 AEG

Hiking	9.35 Miles	4 Hrs 42 Mns	2.13 mph
	1,132 ft AEG	19 Mns Break

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Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

With the summer oven starting up soon, I thought I would sneak in one more loop in the Western Supes.

I arrived at the trailhead just before 6am. The lots was empty except for 1 car. I did the loop clockwise - heading up Second Water to Black Mesa and then back via the Dutchman.

The lack of rain lately is evident as I recall this area was as green as Ireland with the winter rains. Now, it's dried up and very, very grassy. All of the brittlebush and other blooms are gone with the exception of the now blooming saguaros. A few prickly pear holding on as well.

No snakes (bummer), tons of lizards and these interesting black/white bees that were buzzing all along the trail almost the entire hike.

The weather was very pleasant for most of the hike. It started feeling a little toasty towards the end, but still not hot.

I came across my first human as I was hiking up the last 1/4 mile to the trailhead. I also came across a horse rider heading out as well.

I very nice loop with plenty of solitude, beautiful scenery and fresh air.

The trail is in really good shape from start to finish.

_____________________

"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."

instagram: @andydilling

215722

Apr 17 2024

LindaAnn

Guides 112
Routes 2,442
Photos 9,563
Triplogs 2,793

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

Aylor's Arch

Aylor's Arch

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 17 2024
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,793

Hiking	11.18 Miles	1,780 AEG

Hiking	11.18 Miles	5 Hrs 19 Mns	2.24 mph
	1,780 ft AEG	19 Mns Break

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The_Eagle

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Opted for something reliable since I didn’t have a ton of time today. Met Bruce at the trailhead and we got started at 0630. We decided to do the loop counter-clockwise, so stayed on Dutchman to start. Tons of vegetation. Plenty of water. Saw one woman near Parker Pass. She seemed a little out of place, but was in good spirits when we greeted her. Saw one other hiker a ways offtrail shortly before we turned off for Palomino Mtn.

Lots of water in the creek on our way to Palomino. We ended up walking thru a lot of tall grass, hoping nothing would be hidden beneath our feet. After leaving the creek, the steep climb up to Palomino/Aylor’s was pretty much as expected. Steep. Loose rock on the route. Dense vegetation, mostly foxtails, obscured the path in a few places.

Once up top, we walked out on the rocks below the arch, then climbed up on the rocks south of the arch. After a few minutes of exploring, we carefully headed back down to complete the loop.

We were both excited to climb up the rocky, sunny section of Black Mesa Trail. It got even more exciting when we startled a dback, which in turn startled us as we received a noisy lecture about disturbing his morning sunbathing. Black Mesa is super green right now, and covered with brittlebush and globemallow. Kind of impressive.

Uneventful, and quick, hike out on Second Water. Temps were warming up, but there was an occasional breeze. Saw one horseback rider at the trailhead. Bruce thought the hike was wonderful, since I stated “I think you’re right” at least three, possibly four, times. He’s never been correct that many times in his life, much less in a five hour span. Definitely a fluke. Besides the dback, saw one cardinal, lots of lizards, and not much else. Good hike and even good to see Bruce again!

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Five Points of Contact

Wildflowers Observation Substantial
Globemallow, brittlebush were the two stars. A few poppies, lupine, marigolds, and more.

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Stop crying and just go do the hike.

214767

Apr 17 2024

The_Eagle

Guides 42
Routes 1,770
Photos 15,433
Triplogs 2,897

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Aylor's Arch

Aylor's Arch

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 17 2024
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,897

Hiking	11.52 Miles	1,737 AEG

Hiking	11.52 Miles	5 Hrs 18 Mns		2.23 mph
	1,737 ft AEG	8 Mns Break	8 LBS Pack

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East Boulder - Weavers Viewpoint

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LindaAnn

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

I met Linda to a beautiful, clear, 54 degree, 6:30 am start.

The Supes are incredibly green and colorful right now. The major color flora players (in order of qty) are Brittlebush, Globemallow, Phlox, Desert Marigold, Fairy Duster, Fleabane, Lupine, Owl Clover, Blackfoot Daisy, Desert Chicory, Poppy. I'm not a huge fan of Globemallow, but the sheer number of them contrasting with the green grasses were quite impressive.

We headed on a CCW loop, easily crossing the flowing First Water Creek a couple two or 3 times. On the turn up Little Boulder Canyon to the arch, the water as also flowing nicely. We were able to keep our feet dry all the way. I don't think I've ever hit the start of the bottom part of the route correctly. The climb is steep, loose and overgrown (grasses) in many spots.

Scurrying around the top of Palomino Mountain is my favorite portion of this hike. The views and geology are top notch. Especially with all the green and flowing water out there.

I'm not a huge fan of the Black Mesa Trail #241. It didn't seem as bad going up, but the windless heat was starting to build. There are fields of Globemallow on this track that just don't quit. Quite impressive. We both commented that it did not feel like we were in the Superstitions.

It's going to be hell out here in a few weeks. The Foxtail is mature and will start drying out very soon. There is a bumper crop this year that will make off trail travel a PITA. It was 86 degrees when we finished just before noon.

Good times as always hiking with Linda, especially with all the complements she through my way today. She must be softening up in her golden years.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Desert Globemallow Desert Marigold Desert Phlox

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Aylor's Arch

Medium flow

First Water Creek - Upper Turnoff

Light flow

Little Boulder Canyon Creek

Medium flow

West Boulder - Dutchman Crossing

Light flow

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry

214775

Apr 10 2024

trekkin_gecko

Guides 10
Routes 700
Photos 7,591
Triplogs 4,843

67 female

Joined Nov 17 2008
phoenix, az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 10 2024
		trekkin_gecko • Triplogs 4,843

Hiking	9.25 Miles	1,155 AEG

Hiking	9.25 Miles	3 Hrs 10 Mns	3.00 mph
	1,155 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

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johnlp

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

john suggested black mesa loop for today's hike
it's been five years since i've been on these trails

we got going at 0610
did the loop counterclockwise
quite a few water crossings
cool to start, nice temps the entire hike
lots of globemallow and brittlebush, others in smaller quantities
didn't see anyone until we hit second water trail
breakfast after at mickey d's - fun to find the local establishments
nice hike, nice to be out in the superstitions
thanks john, good times

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hazhole

1 archive

214585

Apr 10 2024

johnlp

Guides 1
Routes 15
Photos 7,285
Triplogs 5,261

68 male

Joined Mar 16 2008
chandler,az

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 10 2024
		johnlp • Triplogs 5,261

Hiking	9.25 Miles	1,155 AEG

Hiking	9.25 Miles	3 Hrs 10 Mns	3.00 mph
	1,155 ft AEG	5 Mns Break

no routes

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trekkin_gecko

I had never done this entire loop before, and since we had discussed doing this hike a couple months ago, I suggested it for this day.
Got started to nice seasonably cool temps which seems to always be the case in the Supes.
Lots of flowing water and wildflowers made for a picturesque hike.
Good day on the trails. Thanks Kelly.

Wildflowers Observation Substantial

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“Good people drink good beer.” Hunter S Thompson

214644

Mar 11 2024

Mike_Fels

Routes 17
Photos 485
Triplogs 515

77 male

Joined Jan 07 2010
Chandler, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 11 2024
		Mike_Fels • Triplogs 515

Hiking	13.47 Miles	1,769 AEG

Hiking	13.47 Miles	6 Hrs 1 Min	2.49 mph
	1,769 ft AEG	37 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

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Hackberry Spring Loop

Garden Valley Loop

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My object was to try to get 12 miles in today. So I left the 1st water trailhead at 6:50, out the Dutchman's and up Black Mesa. When I got around to Second Water I knew I was needing a few more miles so I took the Garden Valley trail. I don't know what the saddle's name is where the trail splits. There is a northern leg that loops around the north side of the hill 2430 on a topo and a southern leg. I took the southern leg down to the unknown named creek that joins into 1st water creek. Then up past Hackberry Spring to the northern leg of the Hackberry tail and back around to Second Water trail and to the 1st water trailhead. Well I beat my 12 mile goal.

Not a lot of people on the trail but I met 4 really nice people. A woman out for a few day backpack, we walked and talked until out paths separated. A couple in Garden Valley from Mesa. And joined a guy hiking from 1st Water Creek to just about Second Water trail. These made the day even more enjoyable.

South Mountain is into wildflowers more than the Supes are. But there were still some really nice blooms. A few patches of Desert Chicory, some beautiful Lupin, the Desert Paintbrush really stood out, and some huge fields of what I believe is Purple Mat.

Great weather, great people mixed with time to be alone and a couple cottontails. Oh yes, and one red-wing blackbird. A great way to spend most of a day!

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213798

Mar 02 2024

DarthStiller

Guides 27
Routes 713
Photos 12,657
Triplogs 897

56 male

Joined Jul 05 2006
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Mar 02 2024
		DarthStiller • Triplogs 897

Hiking	13.49 Miles	2,286 AEG

Hiking	13.49 Miles	7 Hrs 24 Mns	1.96 mph
	2,286 ft AEG	30 Mns Break

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Lost Black Top Mesa Trail

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I decided to make a trip to the Supes while the water is still there. At first I thought it was already gone because when I crossed First Water Creek along the Second Water Trail, it was dry there. But as you get deeper in, the streams are still running.

Started out with the Black Mesa loop, but this time I did it clockwise, taking the Black Mesa Trail first and heading east. To my memory, this was the first time i've ever hiked the Black Mesa Trail in that direction.

Once i got to the junction with the Dutchman, I headed further east on that and then took the Bull Pass Trail up, then took the Lost Black Mesa Trail further east until it hit the Dutchman Trail again. The Lost Black Mesa Trail is now very faint and overgrown in several spots. I hiked this once 11 years ago and I don't remember it being this bad. It's not a total bushwhack yet, but it's getting there. It was rather slow going along this spot of the hike.

From the Dutchman Trail, I headed north and then headed back on the Bull Pass Trail. Saw a backpacker taking a break at that junction, first hiker I saw for the day. Once I got back to the east end of the Black Mesa Loop, I took a lunch break. 2 horse riders went by. When they saw me, the first guy said, "We're on the right trail". then 10 minutes later they were doubling back asking how to get to the Black Mesa Trail. Turns out they were on the wrong trail.

Most of the foot traffic was on the way back on the Dutchman Trail. The first hikers I saw were an old couple, also asking about how to get to the Black Mesa Trail. they had accents and when they spoke to one another it was in a Slavic language. I asked if they were Serbs. They were Polish. I'm half Polish so we talked a bit about that. 5 min after we left I forgot the only phrase I know in Polish that means "how are you". This is the 2nd time this has happened to me while hiking, I need to work on that.

The last bit along the Dutchman Trail was a bit of a slog at the end. my minutes per mile was getting longer, but I felt like I was still moving pretty good. I looked at my GPS tracks and I did this same hike basically 11 years ago, but I added the summit to Black Top Mesa, which I couldn't imagine doing today for one hike. The Lost Black Top Mesa Trail was in better shape, but I was a decade younger too, so there's that.

A little chilly to start but it never got hot. Perfect weather, which will be gone soon enough until late October.

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213573

Feb 09 2024

pseudalpine

Guides 72
Routes 1,186
Photos 1,493
Triplogs 1,543

male

Joined Jan 01 2023
Arizona

Second Water - Black Mesa cut Loop

Second Water - Black Mesa cut Loop

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Feb 09 2024
		pseudalpine • Triplogs 1,543

Hiking	11.92 Miles	1,516 AEG

Hiking	11.92 Miles	5 Hrs 16 Mns	2.50 mph
	1,516 ft AEG	30 Mns Break

no routes

Linked

linked

Boulder Canyon Trail #103

Stoker Trail

Cholla Tank

Partners

none

no partners

apparently this member prefers to keep an air of mystery...

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Dog

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Trash Hauled Out

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Boulder Creek at #103 / #236 Jct Cholla Tank Four Peaks Four Peaks Wilderness Malapais Mountain Superstition Mountains - Ridgeline

3 archives

213015

Jan 12 2024

rayhuston

Guides 1
Routes 494
Photos 4,428
Triplogs 988

68 male

Joined Mar 09 2012
Gilbert, AZ

Garden Valley - Hackberry Loop

Needle Vista to Hackberry Spring

Garden Valley - Hackberry Loop

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 12 2024
		rayhuston • Triplogs 988

Hiking	11.87 Miles	1,524 AEG

Hiking	11.87 Miles	6 Hrs 5 Mns	2.15 mph
	1,524 ft AEG	33 Mns Break

Linked

7 linked trail guides

Second Water Canyon

Stoker Trail

Horse Lot Trailhead to First Water TH

Partners

none

no partners

Route recorded on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

1045 start. I queued up a nice easy loop hike from the Needle Vista lot to Hackberry Spring, up to Garden Valley and back via Second Water trail and the Horse Lot.

Then I got silly and added a second loop with an off trail trek across Black Mesa to Second Water Canyon, which pretty much negated the little saunter I had in mind.

The view east from the top of Black Mesa almost made it worth the effort. While in Second Water Canyon I came across some old pipes and a spring box that I didn’t expect to see.

It was chilly out with clear skies, just a wisp of breeze. Didn’t see many people today.

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Hackberry Spring Second Water Spring

First Water Creek at Second Water Trail #236

Dry

	Hackberry Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Nice clear pool at the spring

	Second Water Canyon	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	A couple of clear pools just below the spring.

	Second Water Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	The spring was full and clear, with clear pools just below the spring.

_____________________

212401

Jan 06 2024

rayhuston

Guides 1
Routes 494
Photos 4,428
Triplogs 988

68 male

Joined Mar 09 2012
Gilbert, AZ

Black Top Mesa Loop, AZ

Hiking		Jan 06 2024
		rayhuston • Triplogs 988

Hiking	12.21 Miles	2,214 AEG

Hiking	12.21 Miles	5 Hrs 21 Mns	2.55 mph
	2,214 ft AEG	34 Mns Break

Linked

7 linked trail guides