First Water Lower Creek Shuttle • Canyon Trip • Arizona • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Jan 27 2024
		rubywrangler • Triplogs 17

Hiking	12.00 Miles

Hiking	12.00 Miles

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Cholla Tank

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This corner of the Supes has intrigued me every time I drive by, but I hadn't explored it before. I hoped to hike up FWC from the horse lot and return by traversing the ridge west of the canyon, but then I stupidly wore shorts and was scared off of that plan by some previous reports of bushwhacking in this general area. Also got a later start than I wanted. So instead I settled for ridge recon and a loop around Hackberry mesa.

There are lots of pools in the upper part of lower FWC to Hackberry spring, then a mostly dry stretch for a couple miles, then more pools in the lower section. A little flow but not too much. I was expecting more after the torrential downpour I drove through earlier in the week en route to Tucson. The dry miles were not too exciting but below that it is a really lovely canyon. A little bit of easy but briefly exposed scrambling was required to bypass one large pool on the southwest side at the narrows.

I turned around at the large boulder marking the exit from FWC to Apache Trail and retraced my steps to the unnamed canyon that heads east to a saddle north of the twin summits ~2760 & 2720 (see "Hackberry Creeks n Peaks Super Loop"). Pokey things were largely avoidable; game trails were helpful when the canyon got brushy. After a break on 2720, I continued east down a decently steep and loose slope and then made my way up the canyon that goes to Cholla tank. There are a few cairns here and there. Around 1/2 or 1/4 mi from the tank the brush thickens. After getting slightly bloody I wised up and scrambled up to the ridge to the north, which was much nicer and quicker. Cholla tank was dry, but lots of animal tracks.

From Cholla tank it was all trails back to the car. The last couple miles were by headlamp so I guess I'll have to come back and climb Hackberry Mesa to see them in the daylight. Fun day!!

Dec 30 2023

adilling

Guides 2
Routes 267
Photos 9,816
Triplogs 402

62 male

Joined Dec 02 2014
Mesa, AZ

First Water Canyon from Horse Lot, AZ

Hiking		Dec 30 2023
		adilling • Triplogs 402

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

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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

Jan 17 2023

adilling

Guides 2
Routes 267
Photos 9,816
Triplogs 402

62 male

Joined Dec 02 2014
Mesa, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Canyoneering		Jan 17 2023
		adilling • Triplogs 402

Canyoneering	3.10 Miles	424 AEG

Canyoneering	3.10 Miles	2 Hrs 30 Mns	1.24 mph
	424 ft AEG

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With all the rain the past few days, I was itching to get out and see some water in the Superstitions. Two of my sons, #2 & #3, wanted to go out. It looked like the rain was not as significant as advertised the night before, plus we started later than expected, so I opted to take them down to First Water Canyon.

This little hike is short, but the payoff is big. We could hear the creek running as we made our way down the little side canyon off Hwy 88.

We came across a couple and their 2 doggos on the way down, but after that, we saw nobody else. Once we made it to the creek we went south. The water was flowing very strong. A couple of the "usual" paths were underwater. I attempted to boulder hop and keep my boots dry, but by the end, we all had soaked socks and boots.

It's hard to believe that places like this exist so close to civilization. This little canyon is so beautiful.

After I made my boys wait around while I did some long exposures, we hiked down to the confluence. That was a wet trip as well as the creek was really going strong into the lake.

A quick and easy hike, but so stunning. My sons really liked this place. It's always good to hike with your kids. I just need my oldest son to come down from Skull Valley and hike with us next time.

_____________________

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

instagram: @andydilling

Oct 16 2022

chumley

Guides 94
Routes 840
Photos 22,055
Triplogs 1,993

52 male

Joined Sep 18 2002
Tempe, AZ

1st Water Creek, AZ

Hiking		Oct 16 2022
		chumley • Triplogs 1,993

Hiking	9.86 Miles	700 AEG

Hiking	9.86 Miles	5 Hrs 26 Mns	2.08 mph
	700 ft AEG	42 Mns Break

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	John9L	KatClaw
	patrickakabird

With yesterday's solid rain and the coolest morning in five months, we opted to look for puddles in the desert. We considered setting up a shuttle, but decided that we weren't really motivated to swim the narrows, so we did an old-fashioned out n back. There were areas of light flow, but the inch plus of rain over the past 36 hours didn't result in much surface runoff. It did sprinkle a bit along the way and we encountered stronger flow and muddy water on the return.

Back at horse lot, we chatted with FS and MCSO who were out investigating a reported lost hiker

_____________________

I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies.

Aug 13 2022

ddgrunning

Guides 3
Routes 632
Photos 8,235
Triplogs 604

54 male

Joined Apr 13 2011
Gilbert, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Canyoneering		Aug 13 2022
		ddgrunning • Triplogs 604

Canyoneering	9.83 Miles	1,343 AEG

Canyoneering	9.83 Miles	5 Hrs 1 Min	2.11 mph
	1,343 ft AEG	22 Mns Break

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Started at the "end" of this hike on SR 88, compared to the hike description, and did it as an out-and-back, rather than a shuttle. Made it to Hackberry Spring before turning around.

The post-monsoon creek was still flowing with a fair amount of water, and the desert was soaking it all up with lots of greenery.

There is a 40-foot mandatory swimmer about .75 from my starting point, and not far past the turn up once arriving at the creek bed.

For a creekbed hike, this one was generally hike friendy--not a lot of big boulder jams to navigate around/through, and the creekbed itself is relatively solid (not tons of loose rock), with several slickrock areas and even a few sandy sections. For the most part, you can hike it a relatively normal hiking pace.

Other than the one swimmer, there were a few other optional swimmers, but with bypasses. With this much water in the creek, it's good to just embrace getting wet and enjoy the ride.

The cloud cover early on made for a spectacular sunrise and some great photo oppportunities.

Enjoyed this one immensely, and didn't see another human the entire time. I did see a fox, but wasn't quick enough on the draw to capture him in photo.

_____________________

Sep 02 2021

adilling

Guides 2
Routes 267
Photos 9,816
Triplogs 402

62 male

Joined Dec 02 2014
Mesa, AZ

First Water Canyon Arizona, AZ

Hiking		Sep 02 2021
		adilling • Triplogs 402

Hiking	2.47 Miles	736 AEG

Hiking	2.47 Miles
	736 ft AEG

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Needle Vista to Hackberry Spring

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I was watching how much rain fell over the past few days and decided to hike down to First Water Canyon from Hwy 88 to see if there was any flow along the creek or on the falls.

I have been down here before, following a route posted by @SonoranBob, so I parked at Milepost 208 and down I went. The first thing I noticed was the grass and over-grown foliage. The "trail" was faint the last time I was down there, this time, it has been reclaimed by the "jungle". The second thing I noticed was all of the little butterflies everywhere. I made it down sorta following the "trail", but also along the drainage.

I could tell as I got closer to the creek that there would be no flow. But, there was a day or two ago for sure. Lots of pools and muddy spots. I hiked down to the first little "falls" area. This is a such a cool little canyon, that is for sure. I will have to time it next time after a good soaking. I have yet to actually see the creek flow.

After exploring downstream a little, I made my way up to the confluence with Canyon Lake. The grass was high as I approached the lake. This is a cool area as well. The butterflies were crazy near the inlet.

The hike out was a mission to find an alternative route for the next time. There is a bunch of cairns west of the drainage. I tried to keep as high as possible moving up. There's a little ridge towards the parking area, so I opted to go above that. I had a few deadends, but I think I have found an alternative to get down there. Next time.

A little warm and I was soaked with sweat, but the canyon, the butterflies and the cool clouds made for an excellent couple hours in the desert.

_____________________

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

instagram: @andydilling

3 archives

Feb 01 2020

joebartels

Guides 264
Routes 2,797
Photos 14,494
Triplogs 5,894

55 male

Joined Nov 20 1996

Needle Vista - Hackberry - 2811 Lasso Loop, AZ

Hiking		Feb 01 2020
		joebartels • Triplogs 5,894

Hiking	14.57 Miles	2,502 AEG

Hiking	14.57 Miles	10 Hrs 59 Mns		1.56 mph
	2,502 ft AEG	1 Hour 39 Mns Break	18 LBS Pack

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Needle Vista to Hackberry Spring

Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

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The_Eagle

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Goldfields are sorta cool. First Water Creek Canyon options rank similar for myself. Neither are my favs, a trip is typically enjoyable.

Wanted to utilize Needle Vista's easy, paved and abundant parking. Check. The unofficial well used route to the tidy looking Hackberry system of trails is a fabulous option. Popular with horses but not destroyed like a historical SoMo trail that gets a bad rep.

FWC heading in exceeded my expectations. Almost 4 miles in we turned east/right to gain the blobbed ridge that separates FWC from a no name drainage with an upper origin near Cholla Tank dubbed Cholla Tank Canyon on Nov 07 2015 by Bruce. Anyhow we made adjustments to my planned route based on the terrain. Stumbled upon a pioneer if not decades sooner Oro and sun glyph overlooking Cholla Creek.

Still recovering from a slip 12 days ago on wet rock I made a crucial mistake on this hike. Brought my daypack instead of my fanny pack. Had to carry the cumbersome pack in various positions for the hike. Got a serious workout.

Four Peaks, Malpais and Canyon Lake views along with good luck route finding had our hike moving right along with smiles. As an ol' friend I haven't visited in 15 years neared I was full of anticipation. 2811 is a little gem destination. Sketchy footing and a slightly intimidating route keeps return trips to a minimum. Yellow litchen foreground with a lake and the Four Peaks views is a winner in my book. After a fab lunch we headed on down.

Bruce questioned my route and we switched it up. Bushwhacking beat the life out us. Bruce did ALL the work and I still struggled to keep up. The last tenth of a mile or so to FWC was a gift. Someone recently cut a path. A good fifteen foot tunnel at the end that would be a lot of work with anything less than a long blade chainsaw.

FWC was a welcome sight. I just wasn't finding a grove. After a while I requested a break. Felt better and moved on. Next we unexpectedly opened a can of whoopass. Needed to wade some water. No biggie, get'r over. Slippery and up to mid chest on Bruce I figured I got it. In I went. Yeah it's cold and slippery. Wait a minute, why is the water near my neck. Pack balanced on my head. A little bit of laughing. Perhaps some screaming.

Oh it gets better. Bruce lost a bag of pistachios now floating in the water. Joker suggests I pick it up on route with my mouth. The impossible happened. On the second attempt I somehow managed to throw that sucker and he caught it. I'm notoriously known for a bad throw. Either that or the forty degree swim zapped me back to life.

We almost made a bad route finding decision with daylight passing quick. A little in I pitched my plea again. For once I had a clue what I was talking about. We backed the train up and got on course to get out before the warm star said goodnight. The loop I put together didn't pan out but this was certainly memorable.

I would not bring a dog on this hike. Lots of cholla. Road was paved. Tread of hike sucked for large portions. A fit scout could knock this out easier. Some of the views will probably draw me back. Glad Denny didn't come, never would have heard the end of it. Shockingly only crossed paths with a couple in the final ten minutes of our hike.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Desert Hackberry Desert Wishbone Bush Tepary bean

Geology

Geology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Chalcedony

Wildflowers Observation Isolated
Leaves of red maids and dudleya no flowers
Lots of Brassica tournefortii in several areas, tiny flowers at best now
Lots of Canyon ragweed in the Hackberry spring vicinity for reference

_____________________

- joe

Feb 01 2020

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Needle Vista - Hackberry - 2811 Lasso Loop, AZ

Hiking		Feb 01 2020
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	14.74 Miles	2,704 AEG

Hiking	14.74 Miles	10 Hrs 59 Mns		1.54 mph
	2,704 ft AEG	1 Hour 25 Mns Break	13 LBS Pack

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Canyon Lake to Peak 2811

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joebartels

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This area of the Supes has always intrigued me driving by. I had started working on a loop in the area, the same week Joe proposed this loop. I was in.

I had never hiked from the Needle Vista TH. A paved lot and 300 yards of sidewalk yielded to a pleasant hiking path all the way to Hackberry Spring. We were shocked that there were no campers at the spring area

First Water Creek had pools of water the entire length. We started our off trail, up an unnamed canyon, looking for a route up to Peak 2811. Travel was slow because of the prickly flora. At the top of the canyon we stopped at a rock out cropping with some great views. [ youtube video ]

The geology up here is special up here. We continued to Peak 2811 and then to the real Peak 2811. [ youtube video ]
Here's where the excellent 360 views are. Looking off the NW side, it did not look like it was possible to get down, but it all worked out.

We followed a ridgeline down, before hopping into various small canyons on our way back to First Water Creek. There was one 50 yard section that was so thick with brush, I had my doubts. Then magically, we began to see where some kind soul had started to trim this unnamed canyon.

Where we got out of this canyon, was actually where Canyon Lake meets First Water Creek. There was a nice area to camp here.

Back to the trek down First Water Creek.

We got to one place where we took our shoes off to keep from getting them wet. No luck keeping them dry, as just around the corner was a 25' section of neck deep water that froze the nether regions.

After this is was just a matter of keeping up the pace to keep warm in the sunless canyon. Shockingly, there was still nobody camped at Hackberry Spring.

The views from around Peak 2811 were the highlight of this hike for me

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Bald Eagle

Wildflowers Observation Isolated

First Water Creek

Pools to trickle

Quart per minute

_____________________

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

1 archive

Mar 04 2018

Sonoranbob

Routes 15
Photos 643
Triplogs 18

75 male

Joined Jan 10 2018
Gilbert

Milepost 207 Hwy 88 First Water to Hackberry, AZ

Hiking		Mar 04 2018
		Sonoranbob • Triplogs 18

Hiking	6.20 Miles	1,099 AEG

Hiking	6.20 Miles	4 Hrs 11 Mns	1.51 mph
	1,099 ft AEG	4 Mns Break

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There is a fairly good trail going down into the First Water Canyon and then depending on the level of water it is an easy albeit stony walk down towards the First Water trailhead. The canyon is quite beautiful and well worth the effort.

1 archive

Feb 15 2018

AZLOT69

Guides 177
Routes 249
Photos 10,213
Triplogs 2,215

74 male

Joined Feb 12 2002
Gold Canyon, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Canyoneering		Feb 15 2018
		AZLOT69 • Triplogs 2,215

Canyoneering	5.75 Miles	300 AEG

Canyoneering	5.75 Miles
	300 ft AEG

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Thought today would be a good day to be in some rushing water, wrong, other than a couple puddles, the creek was dry, but always an interesting hike.

_____________________

It's best for a man to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open his mouth and remove all doubt.
--Mark Twain

Apr 29 2017

hikeaz

Guides 6
Photos 346
Triplogs 225

69 male

Joined May 13 2002
Tempe, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Canyoneering		Apr 29 2017
		hikeaz • Triplogs 225

Canyoneering	5.75 Miles	300 AEG

Canyoneering	5.75 Miles
	300 ft AEG

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Perfect day for this hike....mid 70's with a breeze and saw no one the whole way!
Note: Fox-tails are abundant - gaiters recommended.

Wildflowers Observation Light

Dripping

_____________________

"The censorship method ... is that of handing the job over to some frail and erring mortal man, and making him omnipotent on the assumption that his official status will make him infallible and omniscient."
George Bernard Shaw

Apr 08 2017

arizona_water

Guides 9
Routes 118
Photos 1,079
Triplogs 118

35 male

Joined Mar 06 2016
Salt River Valle

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 08 2017
		arizona_water • Triplogs 118

Hiking	4.64 Miles	460 AEG

Hiking	4.64 Miles	2 Hrs 4 Mns	2.25 mph
	460 ft AEG

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Ben and I put together an early-morning hike through Hackberry and down First Water Canyon. I was happy to see so much water still flowing upstream (and downstream) of the spring. I had never hiked in this area before, but the geology along First Water Canyon was beautiful. I feel like I've driven much further to see stuff like this in other parts of the state. But the portions of the surface flows here probably won't last long.

Cholla Tank

51-75% full

	First Water Creek	Medium flow	Medium flow
	Great surface flows between Hackberry Spring and the confluence with Canyon Lake

	Hackberry Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Lots of water, but moving slowly.

_____________________

- there's nothing like finding Water in the Desert -

3 archives

Mar 05 2016

snakemarks

Photos 2,699
Triplogs 240

female

Joined Oct 31 2007
Middle-of-Nowher

Phoenix, AZ

Canyoneering		Mar 05 2016
		snakemarks • Triplogs 240

Canyoneering	5.75 Miles	300 AEG

Canyoneering	5.75 Miles
	300 ft AEG

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Since I was taking my friend and fellow FS Volunteer this time, we were able to set up a shuttle, leaving my Jeep up by Canyon Lake and driving her truck back to First Water. Gearing up at the horse lot, we noticed a large group gathering to hike the same trail we were, so in a rush to get out ahead of them, I left my windbreaker behind in the truck. Wasn't too concerned. I probably wouldn't need it and if I did, I'd just have to tough it out. I need to be less of a wimp, anyway.

When we got to the creek, we were amazed at how long the water levels have been holding out there and still flowing. I was crossing my fingers that the waterfall spot near the end would be passable and we wouldn't have to turn around and hike all the way back, defeating the whole purpose of the shuttle. You can't really predict this in advance, so you just have to take your chances.

For the first half of the hike, there was plenty of water, but it diminished quickly after that and when we reached the waterfall it was bone dry. At the bottom of it, the water magically reappeared and continued down the canyon. This is where the scenery kicks it into high gear. After a short trek through a fantasy landscape, you reach the slot, where it's time to go for a swim. Water was C-O-L-D and over our heads. We put the packs in a big dry sack and took the plunge. Dry sack from Walmart gets an A+.

The trail going up out of the canyon is a bit sketchy at first, but it quickly improves. As we got near the top, my friend commented on how perfect everything went and I had to admit this was one of my better trips - weather was ideal, my route finding was spot on (rare), nobody was bleeding (also rare), the rattlesnake I nearly stepped on wasn't in the mood to engage (lucky), we got all the way through and made pretty good time. Instead of basking in the glory of my success, alarm bells were going off in my head and I could feel some kind of dread slowly rising. Smooth, incident-free adventures are just not how I roll (unfortunately) and we still weren't home yet. I knew something was going to go wrong and the only thing left was the Jeep ride back.

Reaching the top, I was relieved to see that the Jeep was still there. I was half expecting it to be gone. The dread is still building and I stood there just looking at the Jeep and waiting for the punchline... and then I got it. Before I even unzipped my pack, I knew my keys weren't in it. They were in the pocket of my windbreaker in my friends truck back at First Water. (Now, that's more like it!)

Time to hitch a ride. That should be a cinch, because who wouldn't want to pick up two quasi-damp, tough looking women with wet, sandy shoes? We didn't bother the snowbirds coming back from Tortilla Flat, but kept our eyes pealed for other hikers or a local with a pick-up truck we could jump into the back of. Within 10 minutes, we got our hiker... a college age guy recently from Texas. He had done some decent hikes in the Supes, so we all had a lot to talk about on the way back to First Water. He was working off a crummy map in a hiking guidebook, so my friend gifted him with a really good map of the Superstition Wilderness. We said he could drop us off at the beginning of the road, but he was kind enough to drive us down to the horse lot. Really nice kid. Thanks, man - you rock!

Wildflowers Observation Light

First Water Creek

Light flow

	Hackberry Spring	Dripping	Dripping
	Roots growing into a crack in the pipe are blocking the flow. We reamed it out last season, but it needs to be done again.

_____________________

I'm at home in the wilderness... it's civilization I have problems with!

Nov 07 2015

The_Eagle

Guides 41
Routes 1,626
Photos 14,983
Triplogs 2,760

69 male

Joined Jan 20 2009
Far NE Phoenix,

Hackberry Creeks n Peaks Super Loop, AZ

Hiking		Nov 07 2015
		The_Eagle • Triplogs 2,760

Hiking	14.77 Miles	2,750 AEG

Hiking	14.77 Miles	9 Hrs 31 Mns		1.79 mph
	2,750 ft AEG	1 Hour 15 Mns Break	13 LBS Pack

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Dutchman Trail #104

Garden Valley Loop

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joebartels

With the good weather, Joe put together a route in the western Superstitions, to cover some areas we hadn't been to before. Chilly and windy to start, I was shocked that there were so few cars in the First Water TH.

We made our way to the Overflow/horse lot and hopped the rail to get on an unofficial well used "Use" trail making it's way up to First Water Creek. It's an easy hike to get to Hackberry Spring. There are a few nice camp sites close to the spring that has a nice clear collection pool currently.

Continuing up First Water, travel was still easy and scenic. 4 miles in, we headed east up and unnamed canyon to gain the summit of one of the twin peaks to about 2730' We had a different perspective of the Wilderness from up here. The air was crisp, and clear making the views special. The wind was blowing around 30mph and in this video I actually had my thumb over the microphone.

:next:

https://youtube.com ... 7WJU

Down the east side of the peaks, then SE into what I'm calling Cholla Tank Canyon. When travel got thick in this canyon, we hopped out to the NE.

It was here, when Joe and I were walking about 8' apart, that he stopped dead in his tracks. On the edge of the volcanic scree was a Backpack, waist pack, and shirt. These had all been sitting here for sometime. Based on the decay, we were guessing 3 - 5 years. We went through the packs looking for some Id. A Swiss army knife, sun screen, sandals, shirt, sweeter, jacket, tent w/ poles, inflatable sleeping pad, and a recreational glass pipe. Absent were any electronics, sleeping bag, and any identification. We did a cursory walk around the area for any other signs, with nothing found. When I got home, i gave the location and info to SAR. They said they were going to send a crew out to check it out and let me know what else they found.

We checked out Cholla Tank, then made our way to the top of Hackberry Mesa for some views and lunch. Hackberry Butte was the next little climb on the list. This would take us above the area where we passed Hackberry Spring earlier.

After this point Joe promised stuff that never materialized. An enjoyable day in some new areas of the Supes for me.

Flora

Flora [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Staghorn Cholla

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Cholla Tank Hackberry Mesa Hackberry Spring

	Cholla Tank	1-25% full	1-25% full
	Plenty of animal traffic to this tank

	Hackberry Spring	Quart per minute	Quart per minute
	Beautiful cool water pool

_____________________

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

Feb 27 2015

snakemarks

Photos 2,699
Triplogs 240

female

Joined Oct 31 2007
Middle-of-Nowher

Phoenix, AZ

Canyoneering		Feb 27 2015
		snakemarks • Triplogs 240

Canyoneering	6.60 Miles	300 AEG

Canyoneering	6.60 Miles
	300 ft AEG

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_____________________

I'm at home in the wilderness... it's civilization I have problems with!

Jul 07 2014

CannondaleKid

Guides 44
Routes 162
Photos 24,766
Triplogs 2,411

75 male

Joined May 04 2004
Mesa, AZ

Lower First Water Creek, AZ

Hiking		Jul 07 2014
		CannondaleKid • Triplogs 2,411

Hiking	2.50 Miles	656 AEG

Hiking	2.50 Miles	2 Hrs 9 Mns		1.21 mph
	656 ft AEG	5 Mns Break	10 LBS Pack

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After spending a few lazy days recovering from our sweat-bath hike on Friday I was getting restless so humidity and ailing knee or not, I had to get out for at least a few hours, but what to do?

Tracey, about to head off to work, said You have a pass, just go to Usery and hike one of the trails there but no, I wanted something different, something new-to-me. I got to thinking about the Jeep tours I lead along Apache Trail so I fired up Route Manager, started scanning for ideas and quickly came up with the idea of exploring along Lower First Water Creek down to Canyon Lake.

Knowing it would be even more humid than our early morning hike on Friday, I decided to go with my lightweight convertible pants and Tevas. I waited just a little bit for the sun to burn some of the humidity off and hit the trail from the last wide turn-out on Apache Trail before the Canyon Lake Overlook.

Taking a look across the canyon it didn't take a moment after noticing a number of vehicles sprinkled down the slope below a sharp turn on Apache Trail before I already began a detour from my plan, which is par for the course.

As I wandered up the slope past each wreck I tried to identify as many of the vehicles and parts as I could. The latest-model items were just the front bumpers of a Dodge Durango and a Nissan Frontier pickup, so I'm guessing those vehicles were winched back up. Of the vehicles still resting on the slope the newest was an 80's Dodge Omni, with the oldest probably from the late 30's. After a quick perusal of the remains I set off on the descent to First Water Creek.

On the way down the trail was reasonably easy-to-follow and it wasn't long before I was at the creek. On the way down I spotted something shiny across the creek so I set off to find it a short distance on the other side of the creek... it was a Mylar balloon, the second one in two hikes. This one was a TMNT (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from those of you not familiar with the term) while the previous was a new Congratulations Grad! balloon. Off to a great start... littering already!
:bdh:

Ok, I'm in the creek, which way do I go? Southward to locate the point where Tracey and I were stopped by a deep pool back in March, or northward toward Canyon Lake. I knew it wouldn't be very far south so I opted to head toward Canyon Lake first. I had some great views along the short distance to where water was backed up into the creek from Canyon Lake. With the sip-off pant-legs and Tevas I could have gone a little farther but it was slimy and appeared to drop over waist-deep so I just turned around.

I went the other direction until I climbed the pour-off and took a quick energy-bar break where I thought we had turned around in March. I thought of continuing but again being thoroughly drenched in sweat from head-to-ankles (the Tevas allowed my feet to be semi-dry) and the knee throbbing again I headed back.

When I got home and compared GPS tracks I realized we had been stopped maybe a few hundred feet farther up-stream. But at the time the creek appeared to continue pretty open and flat, so I guess I'll have to check it out again.

The return leg was uneventful but not fun with the heat and humidity... I must be getting old fast or something. Lately even these short hikes with high humidity are taking a lot more out of me than a year or two ago. Back then I was bagging three separate peaks in a day, the first in oppressive humidity and 80°, the second with slightly lower humidity in the 90's and the last with low humidity (the sun having burned it off by then) and around 105° and never got dehydrated so fat. In fact back then I never lost more than a pound on a hike, but even on this barely two-hour hike when I was drinking almost constantly I lost almost 3 pounds.
:sweat:

At this rate maybe I should check into getting a goat to carry extra water for me. Either that or wait for cooler/drier days or drive to cooler climes.

I took a bunch of photos, posting most here on HAZ and as usual, the full set on my web site, but again no video... I really didn't feel like having something strapped on my chest today.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Automobile Remains/Wreckage Inscriptions

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] First Water Creek

_____________________

CannondaleKid

Dec 28 2013

AZLumberjack

Guides 4
Routes 20
Photos 4,109
Triplogs 494

84 male

Joined Feb 17 2010
Apache Junction,

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Dec 28 2013
		AZLumberjack • Triplogs 494

Hiking	6.35 Miles	300 AEG

Hiking	6.35 Miles	4 Hrs 30 Mns	1.41 mph
	300 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

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none

no partners

This hike hit me in a flash last night so I didn't have time to set up a shuttle and made it just a down & back type. Got a bright and early start and it was a bit chilly at 0700 so glad I had a light jacket on for the first part of the trip.

Left from the Horse Trailer parking lot on First Water Road, only a couple of vehicles in the big lot at this hour but had the trails all to myself. There were some high clouds so I was hoping for some good sunrise photos but although there was good color, there wasn't much detail, oh well that's the way it goes.

Once in the Hackberry Spring area I came across several teens and an adult that had spent the night and were warming up by a campfire, said they had a great night. I continued on through the camping areas then down to the creek where the water was flowing at a low rate, but it still sounds good as you're walking through the rocks.

Still some autumn color along the creek but it won't last much longer as the light breeze was taking the leaves off the trees and blowing them around. Found lots of large pools filled to capacity and flowing as I made my way down the creek, had to jump across on the boulders but never got my feet wet

Wanted to make it to Canyon Lake then turn around but at the 3-1/2 mile mark I heard a lot really a lot of gunfire from somewhere up ahead. Someone was shooting the heck out of a semi-auto and wasting ammo like it was a war zone :scared:

so I thought this was a good time to turn around and make my return trip. Once back in the Hackberry Spring area it was like someone opened the doors and let everyone in all at once, the place was crowded and they were still coming.

Had a good time today in spite of the shooters and the crowds, the flash floods of Sept knocked down a lot of the brush and made for a good trail without getting tangled up in the catsclaw. Gotta try this one again but with a shuttle and hopefully not shooters

Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated

	First Water Creek	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	Water's flowing along portions of the creek making for pleasant sounds along the way.

Quart per minute

_____________________

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.

Apr 22 2013

BEEBEE

Guides 13
Routes 100
Photos 1,794
Triplogs 372

51 male

Joined Jul 27 2011
Mesa AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Canyoneering		Apr 22 2013
		BEEBEE • Triplogs 372

Canyoneering	5.75 Miles	300 AEG

Canyoneering	5.75 Miles	5 Hrs 30 Mns		1.64 mph
	300 ft AEG	2 Hrs Break	18 LBS Pack

Canyon Hiking - Non-technical; no rope; easy scrambling; occasional hand use

B - Up to light current; wading/swimming; possible wet/dry suit

II - Normally requires a half day

no routes

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no linked trail guides

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partners

outdoor_lover

I had a great time with Pam on this hike not as much water as we hoped for but plenty of great things to see and good company to enjoy it with.

First Water Creek

Pools to trickle

Quart per minute

_____________________

"I hope we have once again reminded people that man is not free unless government is limited. There's a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: as government expands, liberty contracts."

Apr 22 2013

outdoor_lover

Guides 7
Routes 72
Photos 14,456
Triplogs 627

62 female

Joined Aug 19 2011
Scottsdale, AZ

Phoenix, AZ

Hiking		Apr 22 2013
		outdoor_lover • Triplogs 627

Hiking	5.75 Miles	300 AEG

Hiking	5.75 Miles	6 Hrs 30 Mns		1.15 mph
	300 ft AEG	1 Hour 30 Mns Break	15 LBS Pack

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

partners

BEEBEE

Brian had a rare day off and wanted to Hike. Since my Hike yesterday got cancelled, I set up a plan. Been wanting to do this one for awhile, and since there were two of us, we could actually go ahead and set up the Shuttle...

Besides, with the heat, we were hoping to find a good swimming hole...

Well....

We got the Shuttle set up and took off from the Horse Lot. Got down to First Water Creek in good time and found quite a bit of Water still. It was just a Trickle, but lots of nice, clear Pools. Got around to the Spring and took a small break, just enjoying the morning and the deep shade. Continued on basically following the Garden Valley Loop Trail until it was time to hit the Creek full time. In this upper section there was lots of cool Slick Rock areas with trickling Water Flows.

And then the Boulder Hopping began in earnest, but we still made good time. Started getting pretty warm out and then the Water basically disappeared. Encountered a few deeper Pools from time to time, but they were pretty green and stagnant. As the Canyon started to narrow, we were hoping to find a little more Water, but basically it just didn't happen. Then the Canyon tightened up some more and the Boulders got much bigger and we had to slow down some and find a way around some spots. Took a Lunch Break under a huge Boulder Overhang with some nice shade. By now, it was getting really warm. That was going to change.... :sweat:

Finally hit THE SPOT.... :sweat:

You either turn around here and go back the way you came, or you get wet. We weren't turning around after being almost 5 miles in. Brian went first (can you say "Guinea Pig"? :sl:

) The Water was chest high on him, so I was beginning to wonder if I was literally going to have to swim... :sweat:

Waterproofed the Camera as best I could, and Brian came back and stuck my pack over his head, as he could "wade" through. The deepest spot was just about Neck high on me... :sweat:

The Water was a little chilly, but felt pretty good actually. It was not a "prime swimming hole" by any means, but the Water wasn't green and nasty either, so it was good!

After regrouping a bit, we continued on, going around, up and over more large Boulders and then it opened up a little and we hit the bailout point. It's a pretty nice little Trail going up that Canyon to the vehicle...

Got to Brian's car and went back to the Horse Lot and got mine. Then it was time for Margaritas and Mexican at La Casita in AJ.

It was a good Hike, but probably won't do this one so late in the season again. It was too late. This would have been much better with more Water Flow throughout, we missed it probably by a month. You just have to time it right to where there's good Water, but since you're going to get wet, you don't freeze your :pk:

off. This was probably awesome in March, first part of April....

Will keep this one in mind for the future, even if it's just an out and back part of the way...

Fauna

Fauna [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Canyon Tree Frog

Wildflowers Observation Light

	First Water Creek	Pools to trickle	Pools to trickle
	From First Water Ranch to 1/2 Mile from Canyon Lake. Pools to Trickle from Ranch for about 2 miles down the Canyon, then mostly dry with just a few green stagnant pools, some of which could still be filterable if needed. More, clearer pools with no flow, show up towards the bailout point 1/2 mile from Canyon Lake.

Quart per minute

_____________________

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming, "Wow What a Ride!"

Mar 19 2013

snakemarks

Photos 2,699
Triplogs 240

female

Joined Oct 31 2007
Middle-of-Nowher

Phoenix, AZ

Canyoneering		Mar 19 2013
		snakemarks • Triplogs 240

Canyoneering	10.30 Miles	675 AEG

Canyoneering	10.30 Miles
	675 ft AEG

no routes

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no partners

I didn't have a shuttle, so I hiked this out and back.

This route has been seeing a lot more travel than it used to, as evidenced by the beaten path with many footprints, which gradually disappeared as I went farther down the creek until mine were the only ones visible. I was prepared to swim through the narrows, but I turned around at the boulder choked bend just ahead of that. My way around this would have sent me through a good stretch of tall grasses and heavy vegetation and I was reluctant to do that with the snakes out and about. I noticed a cave-like feature in the rock above, so I climbed up to investigate. It turned out to be a tunnel, of sorts, with a big (man-sized) gap to look down at (or fall into :scared:

) the creek far below and a bigger opening up ahead looking out the other side and over a cliff. It was easy enough to get up there, but once inside, it was not for the squeamish. Very cool.

There was plenty of water most of the way with some pools deep enough to dunk yourself, if you wanted or, in my case, even if you didn't want. Wading through some deep water, a misstep on the slippery rocks resulted in a splashdown on my butt... with my camera in my back pocket. :pk:

I was thinking... Well, OK, this one lasted 4 whole years, but I was happy to discover that its claim to be waterproof was actually true (at least to the depth of 1 foot for 3 seconds). :GB:

In spite of how busy it's become out there, I didn't see a single person ALL DAY until I got back to the truck. :y:

Wildflowers Observation Moderate