February 18, Hackberry Springs via First Water Approximately 6 miles. (Two groups, a moderate and fast)

Group pictures at First water Trailhead

Moderate speed hiking group

Faster Speed Hiking Group 

Hackberry Springs via First Water Trail is a good loop hike and I believe it is a little different than the one we have taken in the past. It is an easy to moderate hike.  Easy, because there is very little elevation gain, yet moderate in that there is a very short area where one must scramble over some boulders and large rocks. The scenery changes constantly as you hike through different landscapes and terrains. The rock formations are scenic and unique with many of the cliffs covered in green and yellow lichen. It has some old ruins, a natural spring, a windmill and an old corral area. 

Directions: (GPS: Hackberry Springs Trail) 

Caravan, following the lead vehicle with sweep vehicle at the end, by using back roads to Florence Junction. Go west on HWY 60 just past mile marker 200 to Mountain View Rd and turn right. Proceed on Mountain View to Hwy 88 and turn right. Continue past the entrance to the Lost Dutchman State Park, which is about a mile down the road, to a signed road about another half-mile on, to the First Water Trailhead. Turn right on this dirt road and proceed 2 1/2 miles to the trailhead parking area. There is a staging and parking area for horses and trailers on the left as you proceed but continue on past this to the end of the road. Restrooms and parking are available at the trailhead. It is 66 miles from Palm Creek to this point and took 1:25.

Upcoming Hike: February 25, 2022 

Sabino; Bear Canyon to Seven Falls (Both Medium Hike 7.3 miles and Long Hike 9.2 miles)

Parking is $8.00 unless you have an America the Beautiful pass displayed. 

Medium Hikers need to purchase a ticket for the 25th as soon as possible, $4.00, from https://sabinocanyoncrawler.com, for any time slot that day since we are only using the return shuttle.

Jerry's Cell

307-630-0252

John's Cell

207-446-0650

Click on the link below to check out Nancy's blog spots;

www.palmcreekhikers3.blogspot.com and www.palmcreekhikers4.blogspot.com for some good hiker information and pictures from our December and January hikes!