Garden Valley Loop/Hackberry Springs

This is a great moderate loop hike along the northern side of the Superstition Mountains.  There are a few hills on this hike, but if you follow the route in the direction described, you will travel down the larger hills, rather than up. The trail is located off of First Water Road, which is a dirt road just past the entrance into Lost Dutchman State Park.  Detailed directions to the trailhead are posted at the end.  On Forest Road 78 turn right and travel approximately two miles until you see a large parking area with a restroom on your left.  Park at this spot.  There is no fee required.  Walk up the dirt road, heading east about 1/4 of a mile.  You will soon see a rough road heading off to your left and a gate.  This is the start of the trail.  Follow the road up the ridge and soon you will descend down a rocky hill.  Below you can see an old ranch, with a few buildings remaining and an old windmill.  When you reach this follow the path past the windmill towards the large rock outcropping straight ahead and to the left of you.  The trail will descend down into the creek bed.  You will shortly come across Hackberry Springs.  I hiked this in October and there was water trickling up out of the spring.  The trail soon enters a narrow canyon section.  This spot is a fun little spot.  Continue to follow the canyon down.  We saw a lot of small toads in the area and also a large tarantuala.

The trail will soon come out of the narrow section and turn to your right.  Continue to follow as the trail skirts along the creek bed.  At about mile 2 the trail will turn to your right and head up the hill. 

You will gradually climb up until you are on top of Hackberry Mesa.  Once on top continue to the follow the trail as it turns south.  You will soon come to a large open area known as Garden Valley.  Follow across the valley to a signed junction with the Black Mesa Trail #241.  Turn right at the junction and head west.  You will drop off another hill down into a ravine, with another short climb to follow.  You are about 1.5 miles from your car at this point.  Continue as you cross over another stream bed.  You will see a small trail head off to your right this will take you back to the old ranch area.  Keep on the main trail heading west and you will climb up another short hill.  At the top of the hill is the parking area for the Second Water Trail Head.  Follow the road about 1/2 mile to where you parked your car.  The loop described is 5.3 miles.  This is a great moderate hike.  It has a few hills but nothing strenuous.  The best part of the hike is short canyon section at the beginning.




Click below  for a map of the described route:

Garden Valley Loop/Hackberry Spring

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Length: 5.3 miles
Elevation Gain:  unknown, small hills
Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate
Season:  Fall through Spring
Time:  2 hours
Fee:  No fee
Kids: Kid friendly
Directions: From Apache Junction trail NorthEast on SR88 (The Apache Trail) for 5.3 miles.  Just past Lost Dutchmen State Park you will turn right on FR78 (dirt road and passenger vehicle friendly). Travel 2 miles to the large parking area on your left.  If you travel past this you will soon come to a dead end and the Second Water Parking Area.  (This is the spot where you will come up out of your hike).