MODERATE: Hackberry Springs from Weaver’s Needle Vista Viewpoint

Moderate Hike: Hackberry Springs from Weavers Needle Vista Viewpoint
Trail Distance: 6.3 miles
AEG 700 feet
Weavers Needle Vista Viewpoint: 2100 feet
80 miles R/T; Driver Fee $7
Hike Leader - Scott Downey, 503-936-7239

Hackberry Springs Loop hike in the Superstitions is very scenic. The trailhead is paved and good sized, so parking will not be a problem. However, there are no restroom facilities available, so we will be stopping by the QT gas station as we drive through Apache Junction.

This is an moderate hike with some beautiful views. The prehike was done December 30th. The first 1.5 miles is a new area not previously part of this hike. Sections of the hike do show some burn damage that occurred summer of 2024, but those areas are recovering nicely. Other areas are pristine. This year it is exceptionally green and wildflowers are blooming

Hiking poles are needed because about 1/4 of the hike has us in riverbeds. Other parts of the trail has loose rocks too. Here is a link with some historical about Hackberry Springs and First Water ranch where we will take our break. Hackberry Springs | Jacob Emerick's Blog

About 1/3 of the hike will be through riverbeds so trekking poles are recommended. Drving time is about 50 to 60 minutes each way and hike time is around 3 1/2 hours. Expect to be back at the Cottonwood parking lot around 1:30pm or 2pm.

If using a GPS device for driving directions enter “Weavers Needle Vista Viewpoint” into your device.

Driving Directions:
Leave Cottonwood parking lot and turn right onto Riggs Road. Take a left turn at McQueen Road. Continue North then go right onto Loop 202 East.
Follow Loop 202 East to US-60 East (exit 30A) towards Apache Junction. From US-60 East take exit 196 for Hwy88 (Idaho Rd) in Apache Junction.
Turn left at the end of the off-ramp. Stay on Hwy 88. After apx. 2.4 miles, then turn right at the traffic light to stay on Hwy88. This section of Hwy88 is called “Apache Trail Road”.
***A restroom break will be done at the QT gas station which is at the SE corner of Idaho Road and Old West Hwy (it’s BEFORE the right turn onto Apache Trail Rd.
Drive on Apache Trail Road 7.2 miles and then turn right into the Weaver’s Needle Vista Viewpoint, which is marked with a sign and separate right turn lane.
80 miles R/T; Driver Fee $7
Call hike leader, Scott Downey, at 503-936-7239 if you need assistance.

Historical Information about First Water Ranch and Hackberry Springs:

First Water Ranch was one of the three ranches owned by the Barkley Cattle Company, operated by William Augustus “Tex” Barkley, a major figure in early Superstition Mountain ranching
Origins and Ownership:
The Barkley cattle operation began around 1876. Tex Barkley owned three ranches:

• Quarter Circle U Ranch – his main home
• First Water Ranch – home of his son, William T. “Bill” Barkley
• Three R’s Ranch

Role in the Superstition Mountains:
The Barkley ranches—including First Water—held grazing rights across much of the Superstition Mountains during the early 20th century. This meant:

• Cattle were run through the First Water area
• Ranch hands maintained water sources, including the spring-fed areas near today’s Hackberry Springs
• Trails like First Water Trail, Second Water Trail, and Dutchman Trail follow old ranch routes and cattle paths.