Length: 3.4 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate

Wilderness Area: Superstition Wilderness Area

Journal: "Hoolie Crap"

From Apache Junction take SR 88 (Apache Trail) northwest for 23.8 miles to FR 213. Drive south 3.2 miles to the trailhead. FR 213 requires 4 wheel drive with the first quarter mile being the roughest part.

Trail Description:

From the trailhead take the JF Trail #106. There is no sign but the trail begins at the end of FR 213. The trail follows and old jeep road and begins to climb the ridge in front of you. After about three-quarters of a mile you will reach the top of the hill and the junction with the Hoolie Bacon Trail #111. Follow the Hoolie Bacon Trail as it drops down toward Tortilla Creek. The descent is moderate.

The trail drops to creek level and parallels Tortilla Creek for a tenth of a mile before crossing it for the first time. It this area the first of the catclaw mimosa that is so prevalent on the Hoolie Bacon Trail appears.

When you reach the first creek crossing (1.5 miles), turn right and follow the creek downstream. Tortilla Creek is quite easy to follow and no bushwhacking is required. In October 2001, the creek was dry and only one very small pothole had any water. After 1 mile of boulder hopping down the creek you will reach the unsigned crossing of the Peters Trail #105.

Turn right onto the Peters Trail and follow it .7 miles back to the windmill at the Tortilla Trailhead. From the windmill it is an easy .2 mile walk back up the road to your vehicle.