Superstition Wilderness Photo BY MARE CZINAR

Although there’s no “official” trail leading to Hackberry Spring, intrepid hikers with a good pair of boots will have no trouble locating this favorite hideaway in the Superstition Mountains. The hike begins on an old dirt road that meanders through an abandoned corral and windmill site before dropping into the bed of First Water Creek. From there, the off-trail route weaves among boulders, tiny stands of trees and reeds full of vociferous, bright red cardinals. Water is sporadic in the canyon, so some creek hopping may be necessary. Evidence of the area’s volcanic origins as well as the landscape-shaping effects of running water is showcased in the soaring canyon walls, shallow caves scoured out of lava rock and pot-hole-shaped water tanks.

Length: 3 miles roundtrip
Rating: moderate; some route-finding skills needed
Elevation: 1,900 to 2,450 feet
Getting there: From Phoenix, take US 60 east to the Idaho Road exit (Highway 88). Continue on Highway 88 past the Lost Dutchman State Park entrance and turn right onto First Water Road (Forest Road 78). Follow FR78 just over 2 miles, park in the horse parking lot, then hike up FR78 for one-tenth of a mile to an unmarked dirt road on the left and pass the closed gate. 
Hike directions: Head down into First Water Canyon and the corral area. Then hike east (straight ahead) along the informal paths to First Water Creek. The path intersects a bare-rock slot canyon; head north (left) from there and follow the creek bed. Hackberry Spring is 1.1 miles from the gate.
Information: 480-610-3300 or fs.fed.-us/r3/tonto/recreation/rec-hiking-index.-shtml#superstition