Dutchman's Trail – Black Mesa Loop – Arizona Hikers Guide Dutchman's Trail – Black Mesa Loop – Arizona Hikers Guide

by Cameron Jarman on January 4, 2015

The Dutchman’s Trail – Black Mesa loop is an easy/moderate hike in the western part of the Superstitions.  It’s main attractions are views of the famous Weaver’s needle, seasonal water sources, and an easily accessible and enjoyable loop hike.

Length: 9.3 miles round trip

Elevation: 2275

Difficulty: 2.5

Rating: 3

Solitude: 2

Trail Description:

The Dutchman’s Trail – Black Mesa Loop hike begins at the wildly popular and often overcrowded First Water Trailhead in the Superstition Mountains.  Make sure to get there early to secure a parking spot (even though there are probably 50 spots available).  The First Water Trailhead is the western entrance into the range and has two trails branching from it’s entrance; Second Water and Dutchman’s Trail which split .3 miles up the trail.  At .3 miles from the trailhead you will come to a sign (left for Second Water and right for Dutchman’s Trail).  Go right.  At around 2.5 miles you will approach the first saddle called Parker Pass.  This spot offers, in my opinion, some of the best views of Weaver’s Needle and the vast Superstitions range.  This would be a good spot to turn around if you are not going to continue the entire loop.

From Parker Pass the trail drops and opens into Boulder Canyon.  This would be a nice little spot to have lunch or even stay the night.  From here you will see another sign pointing you in the right direction (which is actually the left direction). This is where Dutchman’s Trail connects with the Black Mesa trail which is at approximately 4.4 miles.  After turning left, the trail will take you through two washes and then ascend rapidly out of the canyon floor until finally taking you to the high point of this trip of 2,748 at the 6.2 mile mark.  Somewhere between the canyon floor and the high point is where I typically will stop to take photos of the beautiful overlooks or camp for the night.

The trail from here is very mild and gradual all the way until you reach the third sign which is in a clearing at the opening of Garden Valley at around 7.5 miles.  Go left here.  This will take you on Second Water Trail until you reach the end of the loop and back to the trailhead.

My Thoughts:

I had a blast doing this little hike.  Instead of completing this as a day hike like most people do, I decided to make this a fun and casual solo overnight trip.  I completed this hike in January and it was freezing (about 40 degrees in the day and below freezing at night).  I camped in a beautiful spot with an amazing view of Weaver’s Needle which you can see in the gallery.  The hike seemed much shorter to me than 9 miles and was enjoyable for the most part.  The only real downside to this hike is how crowded it can get especially on the weekends.

Map to Trailhead:

Trail Signage:

Dutchman’s Trail – Black Mesa Loop Gallery:

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