MOTIVATED: La Barge Canyon, Superstitions Note: Early Start

MOTIVATED: La Barge Canyon Hike – Superstition Mountains
EARLY START: Meet up at 6:45 am to depart by 7:00 AM.

Trailhead: First Water Trailhead
Hike Distance: 11 miles
AEG: 1650 ft
Hike Leader: Ed Molieri, 602 980-2723; Bob Faulkner, 712 330-3410

Description: This hike takes us to an incredibly beautiful box canyon located in the Superstition Mountains just beyond Battleship Mountain. We will journey to it via First Water Trailhead. From First Water Trailhead we will take Dutchman Trail #104 for a short distance, then take Second Water Trail to Boulder Canyon Trail. At Boulder Canyon Trail we head east along the south side of Battleship Mountain, making 9 - 10 water crossings over Boulder Creek (stepping stones available) until we reach a distinct rock protrusion along the south side of the creek. There we will locate and take a trail up the east side of Battleship Mountain, then at the crest head down to LaBarge Creek and onto LaBarge Canyon. LaBarge is a delightful box canyon with flowing water and water pools that reflect the canyon walls and sky above. It’s a striking place not often reached by most visitors to the Superstition Mountains. Once there we will stop for a lunch break then journey back the way we came.

Driving Distance: 80 miles R/T
Driver's Fee: $7 plus $2 dirt road fee

Driving Directions:
• Right on Riggs Road to McQueen
• Left on McQueen to 202 East
• Right on 202 East to Hwy 60 East
• East on Hwy 60 to Idaho Avenue
• Left on Idaho to 88 towards Lost Dutchman State Park
• Right onto First Water Road to First Water Trailhead
• Bathrooms at the Trailhead