Second Water Trail #236 – Arizona Hikers Guide Second Water Trail #236 – Arizona Hikers Guide
by Cameron Jarman on April 26, 2015
The Second Water Trail is a brisk, mostly flat hike to a reliable water source in the Superstition Mountains. During the hike you will see typical Sonoran Desert flora and fauna. The Second Water Trail is a nice wide trail that gets a lot of use during the peak season from visitors looking for a great introduction hike. This is a pleasant, short day hike with desert scenery and water to greet you at the end!
Length: 3.2 miles (one way)
Elevation: 2250
Gain/Loss: -350
Difficulty: 2
Rating: 2.5
Solitude: 2
Trail Description
The Second Water Trail begins at the western most entrance of the Superstitions at First Water Trailhead. There is a parking lot with facilities at the trailhead and as an added bonus there is no day fee required. From the trailhead you will begin on the Dutchman’s Trail #104 for about 1/4 mile. You will come to the Second Water Trail junction and will stay left. From this point the trail will pass two dry and rocky river beds. The trail will become nice and wide as you pass through Garden Valley which is incredibly flat and filled with mesquite trees and chain fruit cholla cactus.
1st Sign Nice, wide trail on Second Water
From Garden Valley you will see an intersection that leads either straight towards Second Water or right (east) towards Black Mesa Trail. Continue straight. Exiting Garden Valley, the trail will turn rocky. At around 2.5 miles into the hike the trail begins to descend out of Garden Valley and joins Second Water Canyon. Continue forward until you meet up with Boulder Canyon Trail which is right at the 3.5 mile mark. Enjoy the weather, hopefully the water, and come back the way you started.
Garden Valley Sign Weaver’s silhouette Teddy Bear Cholla forest Mature Saguaro
Tips:
- I recommend making a longer day hike out of this by taking the Black Mesa Trail or even taking Boulder Canyon Trail north until you reach Canyon Lake.
My Thoughts
I love the desert. I love the cactus, the possibility of seeing an oasis in the desert, the beauty of wildflowers. This trail is all desert and a great hike for old and young alike. I recommend this hike to beginner hikers and families because it offers the beauty of the Superstitions, a wide and flat trail, and the possibility to find water flowing out of the desert!
Map To Trailhead
Trail Signage
Second Water Trail #236 Gallery
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