There are several routes to Hackberry Springs, several of my favorites are on this map. I find this best done as a loop hIke and can range from three to six miles depending on the route. I prefer the Garden Valley trail to a point just past the start of the Black Mesa trail, where the trail to Hackberry Springs heads off to the left. Today, however, we went up the easterly fork of the First Water creek, and returned by the route over the saddle between Hackberry Spring and Hackberry Mesa for a total of something less than 4 miles.
First Water Creek. Biggest part of today's effort was crossing the creek. Which we did about 25 times. I have never seen running water in this.
Near Hackberry Spring. We would have had to get wet to get to the actual spring.
Again near the Spring.
These pictures don't do the beauty of First Water Canyon any justice. The color of the lichen or moss on the rock today was a rich green.
This is the view from the saddle toward Four Peaks.
I think the rain encourages the Cholla pads to jump off the plant! Look how far that one jumped.
The Praying Hands are on the right.
© 2006 The Happy Hiking Buddy.
Although it didn't really rain on us during this hike it was drizzly at the outset and very humid throughout. Mosquitoes and no see-ums were alive and in a biting mood. I was literally drenched with sweat at the end of this hike because of the humidity.
Although I didn't think to take a picture of Weaver's Needle, there is a good view of it near the end of this loop.
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