Hike Hackberry Spring Trail

Just beyond a trail sign, Four Peaks rose in the distance, perfectly framed by the desert landscape. It was the kind of view that makes you stop before you’ve really even started. And, as I quickly learned, this hike would give me plenty of reasons to keep stopping.


I explored the trail with hiking companions on an October morning near the Superstition Mountains. Our loop covered 3.68 miles according to my Apple Watch, and we spent about 3 hours exploring at a casual pace, with plenty of pauses for photos, snacks and simply taking it all in.

Coming from Mesa, we traveled past Lost Dutchman State Park and took the first right onto First Water Road. After roughly 2.5 miles of a bumpy gravel road, we reached a large parking area with signage directing us to the Hackberry Spring Trailhead and a vault restroom. From there, we stepped straight onto the trail and into the desert landscape.

The trail had a natural rhythm, gently rising and falling as we moved through ravines and varying desert terrain. I’d describe our route as moderate, with the distance and rocky footing contributing more to the challenge than any sustained, steep climb.

Some stretches were easygoing. Others involved rock hopping, light scrambling and choosing our footing carefully across loose or uneven surfaces. Occasionally, we offered each other a steady hand.

But even when I needed to watch my feet, the scenery kept pulling my attention in every direction.

As we walked deeper into the ravines, the rock walls grew taller beside us. At openings along the way, the landscape would continue to reveal another formation, another layer, another reason to pause.

One rock face was covered in bright green lichen, contrasted by dark streaks that seemed to marble their way down the stone.

Elsewhere, enormous boulders rested on the desert floor, leaving me wondering when they had broken loose and what those crashing moments must have sounded like however long ago.

A mesquite tree appeared to be growing right out of a boulder. I stood there trying to understand how it had found a way.

That was part of what made this hike so memorable. There was always something to notice, from the smallest movement along the trail to the massive formations towering above us, covered by the bluest sky above.

As we rounded corners, new views opened ahead. Meanwhile, the scenery behind us somehow kept getting better, too. I found myself repeatedly stopping to look both ways, unwilling to miss either perspective.

At one high clearing, I turned slowly with my camera, trying to capture the panorama. Neither photos or video clips could quite hold the depth or scale of what surrounded me.

Then a strong breeze rolled through at the perfect time to mask the heat of the day beginning to set in. I paused and let myself take it in: the warm air, the orchestra of desert sounds and those unending views stretching out on either side.

Before we started, I’d nearly worn my gym shoes, but just before we departed, something told me to swap them for proper hiking boots, and I was grateful I listened.

With all the uneven rock, scrambling and careful steps through creek beds, I appreciated the sturdy footing and support of my taller boots.

Tall socks earned their place, too. A few stretches had vegetation brushing close to the trail, and I was glad to have a little more coverage. I’m personally leery of what I might brush against out there, so consider this my enthusiastic endorsement of the tall sock.

There’s also plenty of direct sun exposure. I’d choose an early start on a cooler day and bring sunscreen, a hat and trail snacks. For a roughly 3-hour hike in cooler conditions, 2 liters of water per person is a safe reference. Bring more for warmer weather or additional time on the trail, including unexpected delays.

The uneven terrain and scrambling on our route make it unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Older kids accustomed to hiking may enjoy it, provided they’re comfortable with rocky footing and have the endurance for the distance.

Bring a downloaded trail map and confirm your intended route before starting, too. Our mileage reflects the loop we walked, and other routes through the Hackberry Spring area can be longer. Depending on the time of year and any recent rains, there can be various streams of flowing water to meander around that can extend the hike.

Most of all, plan to give yourself time to stop.

You’ll want to watch your footing, but you’ll also want to look up, look back, and take in everything around you. The Hackberry Spring Trail is sure to please those with an adventurous spirit and longing for breathtaking views.