|
| | | First Water Canyon from Horse Lot, AZ | | | |
|
|
First Water Canyon from Horse Lot, AZ
| | |
| |
|
| Hiking | 11.02 Miles |
1,022 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.02 Miles | 5 Hrs 12 Mns | | 2.20 mph |
| 1,022 ft AEG | 11 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | I have hiked down from Canyon Lake down to Hackberry Springs in the past, but it’s been many moons since the last time. Usually, I wait for some sustained rains and visit the narrow sections near the lake for the amazing views with running water through the narrows.
This time around, I started from the Horse Lot off First Water Road and hiked up. Lots of people out and about early on, but I didn’t see another soul after I went past Hackberry Springs.
The canyon is a wider and nothing special until about a mile or two past the spring. Once you get near Little Four Peaks, the views really get wonderful. The crazy/streaky clouds make it even more special. I encountered a few pools here and there, but for the most part, it was dry wash hiking amongst the river stones and formations.
The closer you get the lake the better the views. The canyon narrows and the geology takes over with some pretty amazing formations in the wash and the cliffs beside the creek.
I made it to the narrows and contemplated wading/swimming the short distance to the end, but I already had 5.5 mile in and the water was pretty cold. I didn’t think hiking back with either soggy boots or wet pants was a wise decision.
When I made it back to Hackberry Springs, there were 5-6 groups hanging out and I came across a group of horse riders near the split of the creek. The closer I got to the TH, the more people I saw as well. High season in Supes.
I will wait for some running water next time I do this and embrace “the suck” (or come prepared) and get wet. It becomes a different place when the water is running for sure. Either way, this was a nice hike. Some distance, a little elevation and solitude (mostly). Definitely a Saturday well spent for sure. |
| _____________________
"Jobs fill your pockets, adventures fill your soul."
instagram: @andydilling |
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
From the summit altar you can see Four Peaks, which is hidden to much of the valley. Obviously the canyon walls are higher and much can be seen from the perimeter areas. Also the sight line from the Stone Alter to Four Peaks coincidentally passes through the alleged Stone Idol.
