HACKBERRY SPRINGS VIA FIRST WATER RANCH (S)
| Date: | Destination: | Tonto National Forest | |||||
| Level: | Short | Area: | First Water | ||||
| Approx hike distance in miles: | 3 | Hike leader: | |||||
| Low to high elevation gain: | Hike leader phone: | ||||||
| Accum elevation gain in feet: | 300 | Hike leader email: | |||||
| Departure time - Union Center parking lot: | 8:00 | Please arrive 10 minutes early to check in | |||||
| Recommended gas donation: | $10 | ||||||
| Unpaved miles: | 2.1 | Park entry fee per vehicle: | No | ||||
| Road conditions: | Fair | Website for reference info: | |||||
| High clearance vehicle req'd: | Suggested but not necessary | Trailhead GPS coordinates: | |||||
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| Maintained Trail: | Yes | Uneven Footing: | Yes, wear soles with grip | ||||
| Steep Side Drop-offs: | No | Steep Trail: | No | ||||
| Off Trail (scratchy): | No | Slippery Trail Surfaces: | Doubtful | ||||
| Use of Hands Required: | Possible | Boulder Hopping: | A few easy spots | ||||
| Difficulty : | Moderate | Water Crossings: | Possible | ||||
| Restrooms at Trailhead: | Yes | Gloves Required: | No, but hiking poles recommended | ||||
Special Instructions:
This is an out and back trail from First Water Ranch to Hackberry Springs via First Water Creek. Park at the horse trailer parking lot, then walk .15 mile further on First Water Road to a narrow road on the left leading to a gate. Walk around the gate, continue forward and down the hill to the old First Water Ranch. Continue straight between the ramada and the old windmill tower to reach First Water Creek. Walk through the creek canyon to the left, possibly using both sides of the canyon. Turn left again when you reach the end of the canyon and continue around the bend where you will be in the shadow of the large rock mountain. This is a nice place for a rest, especially if there’s water in the creek. Return the same way.
Directions:
Take Felix Rd north to Arizona Farms Rd, turn right. Turn left (north) on AZ 79. Turn left onto Hwy 60 West toward Phoenix. Exit at Mountain View Rd (just past Silly Mountain), and drive to the end. Turn right on Apache Trail. Drive approx 2 miles to the First Water turnoff. Then drive 2.1 miles to the horse trailer parking lot. If you reach the end of the road, you’ve gone too far.