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The trailhead for this loop begins at the First Water Trailhead, which is the point of origin for a number of routes into the Superstition Mountains.  There is a use fee at the trail head - it was $4 per car per day in Feb. 2002.  

The loop as shown on the TOPO map is an easy hike which can be traveled in either direction.  Portions of three trails are combined to make up the loop.  Leaving the trailhead, hike approximately 1/4 mile down to the first junction, stay to the right at the junction to take the Dutchman's trail over gentle Parker Pass and down to Boulder Canyon where it joins the Black Mesa trial.  From that junction, follow the Black Mesa trail to the left and up an easy climb to an interesting plateau which is covered by a "forest" of jumping Cholla and Mesquite.  The Black Mesa trail then proceeds down to the South Eastern corner of the Garden Valley basin were it joins the Garden Valley and Second Water trails.  At this junction, turn left to follow the Garden Valley trail back down to complete the loop with the Dutchman's trail at the first junction.  At the junction, turn right to climb back to the parking area. 

First Water Trailhead is a popular access to the Superstition Mountain for equestrians as well as for hikers.  Expect to see a number of horseback riders along the way.  The route is through desert terrain which offers rich vistas of the Superstition mountains and presents a wide variety of desert plants.  The silhouette of Weaver's needle is the dominate land feature but the dense forest of Cholla cactus on Black Mesa alone made the trip worthwhile.  There is no available water along the course of this hike so bring plenty of drinking water with you.  In the summertime expect extremely high temperatures (this hike should probably be avoided in the summer) and as always, keep a sharp eye out for rattlesnakes.

Enjoy

Trekker