Moderate: Second Water and Hackberry Spring Loop
Details
## Moderate: Second Water and Hackberry Spring Loop
Hike Leader: Karl Zimmer (858-382-5291)
Hike Distance: 5.6 miles; AEG 597 feet
Trail Head Elevation: 2,287 feet
Driving Distance 78 miles R/T; Driver Fee $7
Hike Description:
This is a moderate hike, the first half travels through open desert and across a mesa. Much of this portion has recently burned; it is interesting to see the desert in recovery.
The trail then drops into a canyon with various colored lichen walls, then follows a riverbed past Hackberry Springs (the river and spring are currently dry). The final part of the hike follows the riverbed back towards the parking lot. Note that the canyon and river bed require stepping on and over small boulders and cobble stone, so hiking poles are highly recommended.
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”.
Approximately 5.2 miles, turn right onto First Water Road just past the entrance to Lost Dutchman State Park.
2.6 miles on the dirt road the Dutchman's Trailhead parking area, there is a pit bathroom at the trailhead.
Call Hike Leader Karl Zimmer (858-382-5291) if you need assistance.