Photo by Mare Czinar Superstition Wilderness

HIKE OF THE MONTH.

Marked only by a dirt turnout along state Highway 88 near Canyon Lake, the Canyon Overlook “trailhead” is the gateway to a short but spectacular hike into First Water Canyon. To find the starting point from the parking area, walk over to the telephone pole nearest the road. With your back to the road and the pole immediately in front of you, head right and pick up the path that heads downhill into the ravine. From there, the route involves picking your way through a sandy wash flanked by walls of volcanic rock laced with taffy-like bands of red jasper. The route follows a maze of paths marked by occasional cairns and worn segments of footpaths. Once at the barbed wire fence that denotes the wilderness boundary, head left (north) and follow the creek bed. Veer left where the canyon splits near a pair of giant boulders. From here, follow the canyon to a finger cove of Canyon Lake.


Length: 1 mile round-trip
Rating: moderate
Elevation: 1,676-2,000 feet
Driving distance from Phoenix: 40 miles one way
Getting there: From Phoenix, take US 60 east to the Idaho Road exit. Go left at the light and follow State Highway 88 for 12 miles to the road turnout at milepost 208.
Information: Refer to the Superstition Wilderness topo map; call 602-225-5200 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/recreation/rec-hiking-index.shtml#superstition