This is an easy and scenic hike near the Superstition Mountains. Not your traditional hike through-the-desert like you find at the Salt River portion of Tonto National Forest, this trail offers a variety of flora, not just cactus. There are riverbeds, which after a rain will create refreshing wading pools and small rock-framed waterfalls. Great mountain views and rock formations. The hike starts at First Water Trailhead and keeps to the right at a fork (don't worry there's a sign). It continues on and is a one-way trip to the Peralta Trailhead, total of about 17.6 miles one way. Don't worry, you don't have to do the whole trail! If you go far enough you'll get great views of the 1,000 ft rock formation Weaver's Needle, a landmark to the Superstitions that legends claim will show its shadow in the direction of the long-lost Dutchman's gold. Do be careful, for there are many side trails so make sure you know which way you came from!
Directions from ASDOH:Head east on Baseline and turn left on Power Rd. Get on the 60 East and continue to Idaho Rd exit. Turn left onto Idaho Rd and continue until you see the sign to Canyon Lake, turn right. Stay on this road until you see the Tonto National Forest sign for First Water Trailhead (this is a dirt road directly AFTER Dutchman State Park), turn right onto this road. The road is a bit bumpy and it's best if you have a truck or SUV, however a car can easily make it going slow. Follow this road to the very end, about 2.5 miles. There is a large parking lot but on weekends it gets quite crowded. There is a sign for overflow parking.
Pictures compliments of Viet.
