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Directions to Trailhead:
From Apache Junction, go NE on SR 88 approx 5.3 miles to FR 78 (just past Lost Dutchman State Park). Turn right and continue 2.6 miles to the end of the road. Lots of parking, but it can be crowded on weekends in the spring.
A
Tonto
Pass is required to park at the trailhead. Trailhead is accessible in a car.
Trail Description:
From the first water trailhead, hike southeast on the
Dutchman Trail #104. This well worn trail is very popular and you are likely to
encounter other hikers here. Approximately .2 miles form the trailhead, you will
reach the signed junction with the Second Water Trail #236. Take the right fork
and remain on the Dutchman Trail.
The Dutchman Trail follows First Water Creek and crosses it many times. At the
last crossing (the Sixth from the trailhead), the Dutchman trail turns hard
right, parallels the creek for about 200 yards and then turns left away form the
creek. This left hand turn is where you leave the trail and start walking up or
along First Water Creek.
Travel upstream either by boulder hopping in the creek or walking along the
banks. I found boulder hopping to be easier because of the dense vegetation on
both sides of the creek. Occasionally, I would leave the creek when I
encountered large pools or boulders. After about a mile, the creek turns south
an the canyon narrows. The creek climbs more dramatically now and there are
several large pools and some falls. According to Jack Carlson's Hikers Guide to
the Superstition Wilderness, there is usually water here even in the driest
months.
Continuing the climb to the south, the canyon widens and opens up at a meadowy
area on the north side of Superstition Mountain. You can see The Flatiron to the
west. Stay on the east side of First Water Canyon as you approach the meadow.
The creek forks and the West fork will take you the wrong direction. Once you
have entered the plain, head east about .5 miles and climb a small rise. Once
past the rise, you will see O'Grady Canyon.
Make your way North down to the O'Grady Canyon bottom. There is a faint trail
marked with Cairns, but it was so overgrown, I only used it at the end. In
general I followed the creek bottom. I picked up the trail where ever I could,
but mostly stayed in the creek until I reached the area after the junction to
Tim's Saddle. AT this point the trail be came better defined and I was able to
follow it as it climbed northeast away form the creek toward a small saddle near
Parker Pass. The trail is very rocky in this area.
After obtaining the summit, the trail descends for .4 miles to the Dutchman
Trail. Turn left here and follow the trail 1.1 miles back to where you left it
to begin the climb up First water Creek. From here it is an easy 1.4 miles back
to the First Water Trailhead. |
