Black Mesa Loop

March is a really beautiful month in Arizona. It's the time of year that makes Arizonans so blissfully happy that they forget it'll be over 100 degrees in just a couple of months. Late February to early March is also the time of year when we occasionally have a dusting of snow on the Superstition Mountains above my house. That was the case last Sunday with this first gorgeous photo taken in the afternoon after the storms passed through. Unfortunately, the snow didn't check my work schedule first, and I had to wait for two days after the storm until I could get out to hike. So two days later, here's what was left of the snow, and this photo is of the north-facing slope. The good news is that the snow melt creates beautiful running creeks and washes so I could think of no better place to hike then out at the First Water Trailhead. This trailhead is accessed from metro Phoenix by US 60 east to Idaho Road and head north. At the intersection of Idaho Road and Highway 88, turn right and head northeast on Highway 88 towards Canyon Lake. After Lost Dutchman State Park, the First Water Trailhead, also known as Forest Road 78, will be on your right after milepost 201. The actual trailhead is about 2 miles down the dirt road, which is completely passable without 4-wheel drive, even after a rain/snow storm. As a plus, the usual dust factor along the road was minimal due to the recent storm.

The Black Mesa Loop is LONG. It is not a difficult hike, but it is a cross-country trek with lots of sights to see so you'll want to leave ample time to complete the hike, and also make sure you bring enough water, snacks, and bathroom supplies to see you out there for a while. The route is simple: First Water Trail to Second Water Trail then right on the Black Mesa Trail. You'll know that you're on the Black Mesa Trail because . . . drum roll . . . the mesa is lined with black rocks. You'll pass saguaros and a cholla forest as you descend into Boulder Canyon with views of Weaver's Needle and then Geronimo Head directly in front of you. We stopped for lunch at the intersection of the Black Mesa Trail and the Lost Dutchman Trail which is roughly the half-way mark. I'd say that it was equal numbers of horses and hikers that passed us on the trail, but the trail is in good condition, and it never felt crowded out there. After lunch, turn right at Lost Dutchman's Trail and follow it all the way back to the First Water Trailhead. My route does the loop in a clockwise direction; I have seen various descriptions with different ideas on whether to do this clockwise or counter-clockwise, but I feel that clockwise is the way to go because there is a steep section along the Black Mesa Trail as you descend into Boulder Canyon. The hike back along the Lost Dutchman Trail was my favorite part because we crossed pool after pool of water from the storm. There are some really great views looking out northward from this portion of the trail, too, and some interesting rock formations.

Length: 9 miles
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Time it took us: 6 hours with a lunch stop and photos
Dogs okay: Yes
Fees: none

Weaver's Needle

Geronimo Head

First Water Creek