Tonto National Forest- Dutchman Trail #104

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.

Welcome to the Trail

So we know you’re busy, but take the time to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL OUTDOORS of Arizona! This blog is designed to share ideas of fun activities to do here and near the valley. Follow the Red Rock and share your own adventures...

Kaimana and Landon

Salt River in Tonto National Park

The salt river's not only a place for tubing. There are numerous walks along the river and did you know that they stock the river with rainbow trout? The red rock mountain is beautiful, especially in the late fall when the leaves are changing. If you're lucky you might even run into some wild mustang horses (don't worry, though wild, they're not going to trample you...). The water level goes down in the winter, but it's risen again so all those with tail-wagging little ones that love to swim- bring them down (Kai and Mosso love it). Remember a tonto day pass is required for parking which can be bought at any service station, costing around $5. They also accept the annual national parks pass (allows you into all national parks around the country, $80/year) which is good to have if you plan on going there often, to the Grand Canyon, or Sedona.
Directions from ASDOH:
Turn East on Baseline and head down to Power Rd. Turn left on Power and follow all the way until the road turns into one lane (this is now called Bush Hwy). Bush Hwy travels along the salt river and there are many parking lots to stop at. I recommend passing the four way intersection and finding a path along the river. Hope you have fun exploring!