For the best trail descriptions, maps, and history and legends of the area, get a copy of "The Hiker's Guide To The Superstition Wilderness" by Jack Carlson and Elizabeth Stewart.This hike starts a the First Water Trailhead and follows the Second Water Trail(236) past the site of what was once First Water Ranch, and across Garden Valley. There are some nice views of the back slopes of Superstition Mountain from the Garden Valley Area. Continue past the Black Mesa Trail junction, and an earthen cow tank, where the trail will begin to descend and turn rocky as you begin to enter the Boulder Canyon area. There is an old road that heads north to a cow tank. Don't take it! Just past that, and on the right, there is a trail marker that leads to Second Water Spring and on to the Boulder Canyon Trail Sign (103). Take the Boulder Canyon Trail south following the creek bed. This multi-armed saguaro lives there. The trail crosses the creek bed numerous times, so watch for cairns and continue to the signed junction of the Cavalry Trail(239). The Cavalry Trail rises quickly and is a little steep. Take your time and look back at the view before crossing the pass. Once over the pass, there is a nice view of the Red Hills and Bluff Spring Mountain. Soon the view of Malapais Mountain and Peter's Mesa are in front of you. The trail drops down into the LaBarge Drainage where we saw some specks of fools gold in the stream. Looking south, the view of Bluff Spring Mountain is awesome. Continue on to the signed junction of the Dutchman's Trail(104).
The group I was with opted to camp near Charlebois Spring. It is an easy 1 mile hike to Charlebois Spring area from the junction of the Cavalry Trail and the Dutchman's Trail. This is the heart of the wilderness. The view of Black Mountain in the morning was worth waking up to.
Hike the Dutchman's Trail past the junction of the Cavalry Trail, and In about 15 minutes you should reach the Bull Pass Trail sign. Head south, toward Weaver's Needle, past the Terrapin Trail sign and west over Upper Black Top Mesa Pass and then down into East Boulder Canyon. There are good views of Weaver's Needle here too. Follow the Dutchman's trail back to the First Water Trailhead. This was a 17.6 mile overnight hike with the side trip to Charlebois Spring.
From Apache Junction, take State Route 88 about five miles and between mileposts 201 and 202, turn east on FS78 and go 2.6 miles to the end of the road. There are no facilities at this trailhead.
For the best trail descriptions, maps, and history and legends of the area, get a copy of "The Hiker's Guide To The Superstition Wilderness" by Jack Carlson and Elizabeth Stewart.