First Water – Canyon Lake Key Exchange (UI)

Date:					Destination:		First Water-Canyon Lake Key Exchange
Level:		Upper Intermediate (UI)			Area:		Superstition Mountains
Approx hike distance in miles:		8			Hike leader:
Low to high elevation gain:		N/A			Hike leader phone:
Accum elevation gain in feet:		1589			Hike leader email:
Departure time - Union Center parking lot:					Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in
Recommended gas donation:		$10
Unpaved miles:		3			Park entry fee per vehicle:		No
Road conditions:		Fair			Website for reference info:		http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=664
High clearance vehicle req'd:		Suggested			Trailhead GPS coordinates:		See below
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Maintained Trail:		Yes			Uneven Footing:		Yes
Steep Side Drop-offs:		No			Steep Trail:		Yes
Off Trail (scratchy):		No			Slippery Trail Surfaces:		No
Use of Hands Required:		No			Boulder Hopping:		No
Difficulty:		Moderate			Water Crossings:		No
Restrooms at Trailhead:		Yes			Gloves Required:		No

 

Special Instructions:

This hike is a key-exchange that goes by Garden Valley, Battleship Mtn and offers scenic views of Geronimo Head Mtn and Canyon Lake. Bring water, a snack, and lunch. 

Directions:

First Water TH: Felix Rd north, right on Arizona Farms Rd. Left on AZ 79 and left on Hwy 60 West, toward Phoenix. Turn right on Mountain View Road just past Silly Mountain. Continue 4.5 miles to Apache Trail (SR 88) and turn right. Go approx. 2 miles to First Water Trailhead rd. (just past Lost Dutchman State Park). Right on First Water Trailhead Rd until the end of the road. 

Canyon Lake TH: Felix Rd north, right on Arizona Farms Rd. Left on AZ 79 and left on Hwy 60 West, toward Phoenix. Turn right on Mountain View Road just past Silly Mountain. Continue 4.5 miles to Apache Trail (SR 88) and turn right. Go approx. 11 miles to Canyon Lake Marina parking lot. Park in the area of the parking lot closest to SR 88. The trailhead is across the road. The restrooms are close to the Marina Restaurant.