Praying Bear Falls w/side trip to Paradox Arch - Superstition Wilderness

What's in a name?

Back in 2010, prior to the rise of "Alltrails", and prior to our making its location public, we dubbed this one Praying Bear Falls (Subsequently, a fellow hiker we showed the area to, started leading the hike for another meetup group, and renaming it Canyon of the Waterfalls. Also, a great name). Anyway, we'd like to share it with the group once again, and we'll throw in Paradox Arch (as dubbed by a fellow 3Her a year or two back). The area waterfalls have been flowing recently, but we wouldn't think there would be much more than a trickle at this time.

Keep in mind this is the longer, more scenic route, starting at the first parking lot (on the left) as you enter First Water Road. More on this in a moment.

This hike, along the less traveled eastern slopes of the famed Superstition Mountains, features awesome views of the Praying Hands formation (from which the hike's name partially originated), as well as Little Four Peaks, Four Peaks, Massacre Grounds, Black Mesa, the Goldfields, and so much more. We'll show the Bear Rock formation for which this hike is partly named (which was later renamed by a former 3H Assistant Organizer who preferred calling it Teddy Bear Rock).

There is some exposure on this hike, so if you have a fear of heights, please understand you may have trouble in one or two spots along the route. However, it is brief, and one of the hike leaders (who once shared that fear) will assist.

Although this route is largely unsigned, there are many cairns to test your route finding skills. Still, it would be easy to get misdirected or miss a turn on this loop, so let's stay together if we can, as there is much to see, and plenty of photo ops along the way.

We will break for lunch/snacks deep in the heart of the mountains surrounded by massive hoodoos in a secluded canyon that hides the cascading waterfalls.

THIS IS NOT A FITNESS HIKE, so we will not be going overly fast (we like to keep a 2 mph pace for group hikes). We will stop on occasion to enjoy the views and each others company. Please keep this in mind when deciding if you want to enjoy this hike with your fellow 3Hers.

Distance: This hike is around 6.5-7.5 miles.

Accumulated Elevation Gain (Approx.): 1600 feet

Please understand, these areas are not well documented, and we, ourselves, use no instrumentation on our hikes. Everything here is our best estimates based on years of hiking these mountains. YMMV.

Difficulty: Moderately Difficult (due to elevation gain, route finding, and distance). If you have no issues with elevation gains, route finding, and distance, you may find this easier than what we have noted here. For others, this hike may be considered difficult. However, for those hikers we have encountered over the years, this would be considered moderately difficult for the reasons noted. Only you can properly assess whether this hike is for you. Sticks/poles are useful in spots, but not required. There are some slippery, rocky sections, so make sure your shoes have good treads.

Due to recent rains, we will likely make this an out and back route, skipping the low lying areas traveled during a loop hike.

If you are unsure of your ability, and have taken the time to put in your profile some of the places you have hiked, or if you've hiked with us before, we can help you determine if this hike is right for you. Just ask!

Hike Time: This hike should take 4 to 5 hours depending on the group.

Directions to the trailhead: Take U.S. 60 to Idaho Road (exit 196) and go north for 2.25 miles to SR88, the Apache Trail. Turn NE (slight right) on SR88 and continue about 6 miles or so to First Water Rd. (just BEYOND the entrance to the Lost Dutchman State Park). Turn right at First Water Rd. and then left at the first set of parking spaces just about 50 yards into the road. Please note this is a dirt road but this beginning section is easily traveled by any passenger car.

For those coming down the 101 to the 202, it is suggested that you exit at Brown Road (rather than going down to US 60) and take it east about 5 miles to AZ 88. From there, turn left, and head to the First Water Rd. turnoff just beyond the Lost Dutchman State Park.

There is no fee to park along First Water Rd., and there are no facilities available, so plan accordingly.

Carpooling: Parking is limited, so please carpool if you can. There is no formal carpool spot, but the Fry's in AJ at no later than 6:15 am is a good recommendation for those making such plans. Other carpool arrangements and spots can be made by agreement. Just use the "Comments" section to make a suggestion to your fellow hikers!

IMPORTANT NOTE: There is no guarantee that anyone will be at the proposed carpool location. If no one has indicated they will be at the carpool spot, please consider proceeding to the trailhead.

As always, bring lots of water (we'd recommend at least 2-3 liters), nutritious snacks, hat, sturdy footwear, sunscreen, camera, and your sense of adventure!

Group size is limited by Superstition Wilderness rules. As always, hiking has its dangers and you assume all responsibility in this regard.