December 24 - 27, 2014

The Superstition Mountains are about 100 miles to the north of Tucson, but are seemingly about 100 years in the past. Just the name is enough to awaken ancient fears. There is little to fear, however, in spending a long, lovely winter's weekend in the heart of this range. Please join me for this four-day, three-night trip to the Supes.

The Drive

We'll leave early on the Christmas Eve and drive about 130 miles to the Superstitions and the First Water Trailhead. We'll go through Florence and Apache Junction. From Apache Junction, drive northeast about 5 miles on Arizona 88. Between mileposts 201 and 202, turn east (right) on FS78 (First Water Road) and continue 2.6 miles to the end of the road and the First Water Trailhead. We'll leave our vehicles there pending our return on Saturday. There may be a $4.00 per night fee for parking.

The Plan

We'll begin the hike on the Dutchman's Trail (104), which leaves the east side of the parking lot heading east down an old dirt road. About a half-mile down the dirt road, the Second Water Trail (236) breaks off to the east, while our Dutchman's Trail turns southeast, looping through many interesting areas. Eventually, the trail will take us up over Parker Pass and into Marsh Valley. We'll check that out as a possible campsite, but may continue to Charlebois Spring if water or other conditions aren't adequate in Marsh Valley. (6.5 - 7.9 mi / 1200')

On Friday, we'll fill our water containers before we leave camp for a 10+ mile dayhike. We'll be hiking south on the Dutchman Trail (104). We'll turn right on the Bluff Spring Trail (235), take the Terrapin Trail (234) to the right at the junction, then pick up the Dutchman Trail (104) again to return to our campsite for another night. (10.3 mi / 1400')

On Saturday, we'll pack up our camp and head north on the Cavalry Trail (239) to the Boulder Canyon Trail (103). Making a right turn at the junction, we'll hike a couple of miles until we reach the Second Water Trail (236), where we'll turn left. Our campsite will be a bit down the trail near Second Water Spring. (6.7 mi / 400') There is some crazy plan for some people to possibly scramble up the Battleship that day, too. Some of us will stay in camp.

On Sunday morning, we'll pack up our camp one last time and continue to the west on the Second Water Trail (236) back to the trailhead and our vehicles. (3.2 / 400')

This trip is planned for a limited number of only six people, due to the small campsites available in the Superstitions.

You'll need food for three dinners, three breakfasts, and four lunches.

Water and Weather

Water is always "iffy" in the Superstitions, depending on the monsoon season and the early winter rains. There should be water available at White Rock Spring or Charlebois Spring for our first two nights in the wilderness, and again at Second Water Spring on our third day. Any other water sources are seasonal and chancy. Be prepared to carry extra water on each of the four days we'll be out there.

The weather may also be "iffy." But this is December in Arizona. Generally, you can count on high temperatures in the 60s and lows in the upper 30s. Be prepared. Our campsites range from a low elevation of about 2,300' to Fremont Saddle at 3,800 feet. It may be a bit cooler than Tucson by as much as 5 degrees. You will probably need a colder weather sleeping bag.

The Hike

day	miles	elev gain	destination
Wednesday	0.0 / 0.0	0 ft / 0 ft	First Water Trailhead
Wednesday	6.5 / 6.5	1000 ft / 1000 ft	Marsh Valley (1st campsite option) via Dutchman Trail (104)
Wednesday	1.4 / 7.9	200 ft / 1200 ft	Charlebois Spring (2nd campsite option) via Dutchman Trail (104)
Thursday	10.3 / 18.2	1400 ft / 2600 ft	Dutchman (104)/Bluff Spring (235)/Terrapin (234)/Dutchman (104) Loop
Friday	6.7 / 24.9	400 ft / 3000 ft	Second Water Spring via Cavalry (239) and Boulder Canyon (103) Trails
Saturday	3.2 / 28.1	400 ft / 3400 ft	Trailhead via Second Water Trail (236)