We met at the First Water Trailhead at 7:30, hoping to get an early start before the weather turned warm. We handed out the radios, took our group photo and were on our way by 8:00. Those attending were: Tom and Jeannie Van Lew with our dog, Sandy, Kim Hackbarth, Anne Lewis, Larraine Mather, Kay Davis, Frank Carpenter, Stephen and Andrea Schauer, Jim Kranzberg, Michelle Pagano, Elaine Cobos and Bill Ruppert. Four others had headed out ahead of us led by Gail Roberts. We took the Second Water Trail, which headed east, and crossed First Water Creek – a rocky creek bed that was dry as usual. We continued east following Second Water Trail over to Garden Valley. Garden Valley is a very flat area covered with mesquite trees and chain fruit cholla cactus. We stopped at the junction with the Black Mesa Trial to try to find the pottery chards and Indian grinding stones I had been told were there. After looking on both knolls near that intersection and finding nothing, we proceeded on to the trail across Garden Valley.

Hackberry Spring Trail

From the saddle the trail headed north, then west over another low saddle before dropping down into First Water Creek just north of Hackberry Spring. We re-grouped near the large Cottonwood, taking advantage of the stop to grab snacks and quick drinks. We walked along the creek bed for a bit and as we neared Hackberry Spring we were greeted by another Motorolan who was heading a group from the Sierra Club [turned out to be Ted Tenny]. We stopped a few minutes at the spring to take a look; some of us were reminded of the campsite at Havasupai.

We continued up First Water Creek from Hackberry Spring a short distance and then turned to go up the wash. The terrain changed often along this portion of the trail. For a while we were in a canyon with sheer walls, but then the sides were lower and sloped more gently. Next we were in a narrow section were we where boulder hopping. Finally, the trail opened up to show us grand views of the Superstitions and Weavers Needle. We soon found ourselves in another cholla forest near the horse trailer parking lot. After a short hike up the road were again at the trailhead parking lot and it was only 10:30! Everyone seemed pleased that even after such a nice hike, we still had half a day left for chores or fun.