GET Day 1: Superstition Wilderness

Daily Miles: 10.3, Total Miles: 10.3

Mrs. Haze, Ellie (our lab) and I drove up from Tucson and dropped off my first resupply box in Superior. We continued on to the Superstitions, arriving at the First Water TH about 11am.

What a nice, cool, clear day to start the trail! Mrs. Haze and Ellie accompanied me for the first few miles in the Superstition Wilderness. Have I ever mentioned I have the best, most supportive wife in the world?

Quite a few hikers returning from their day hikes and then things settled down as the trail entered a saguaro forest, colorful canyons and jagged volcanic peaks. Dramatic Weaver’s Needle was very prominent early on before the trail swung east and then south into LaBarge Canyon.

I had a quick look at Charlesbois Spring, an oasis in the desert and very picturesque with the rocky backdrop and Arizona sycamores. Continued on through the canyon to LaBarge Spring, a piped spring with a steady trickle at the base of one side of the canyon.

I found a nice, quiet campsite nearby as the lichen covered canyon walls glowed in the setting sun. The same as they had with my father, 46 years ago while hiking a loop around Weaver’s Needle. I’m sure Dad is smiling down on me!

I’m glad I only planned ten miles today. My feet held up well although I did catch a rolling ankle with my hiking poles a few times.

Only one snake and a stealthy coyote today, both quickly crossing the trail.