Jacob's Crosscut/Treasure Loop

by Chris 3/31/2001

This fine Saturday morning we teamed up with the Stick and Boots hiking club to check out the Superstition Mountains in all their spring glory. We met up at the apartment of one of S&B's co-leaders, Pete, then all drove out to the First Water Trailhead Road at the base of the Superstitions. Once on First Water Trailhead Road, the trailhead for Jacob's Crosscut is 1/2 mile down the road, well before the First Water Trailhead itself.

A total of nine people had ventured out for this morning's hike, so after final introductions (including Larry, Pete's partner in crime) were made, the merit of digital vs. 35mm cameras was debated, and - after a two minute scramble up a riverbed - Pete yelled out "That's not the trail!", we made our way to Jacob's Crosscut Trail and hiked across the base of the mountains.

Many of us were excited to see the wildflowers that have been sprouting forth across Arizona in rare form this spring. And while the flowers were beautiful, we were awestruck by the timeless beauty of the Sonoran desert that we enjoy year-round. Especially remarkable were the chain fruit cholla cacti, as well as old favorites like the saguaros and ocotillos. We also encountered several lizards and two horny toads.

After nearly a mile across the pleasant grade of Jacob's Crosscut, the allure of the mountains themselves proved too strong and we detoured east up Treasure Loop trail. This trail had a significantly steeper incline but provided near instant gratification as it wound up and through various rock formations and provided a terrific view of the Valley and, yes, the wildflowers below.

This area of trails is maintained by the Girl's Ranch and the Soroptimists, both of whom perform a lovely job and were both represented on the trails this morning equipped with shovels, rakes, bags, and large gloves. The Soroptomists were even lifting heavy-looking rocks and arranging them to reduce wear and tear on the trails. They have done an impressive job of encouraging public use of the trails while preserving the natural environment.

Eventually Treasure Loop wove its way back down to Jacob's Crosscut. While the rest of the club continued further south, the two of us headed back for the cars and home for a day of work. Hey, Phoenix's two hottest businesses don't run themselves.

Getting There: Take AZ-88 east from US-60 through Apache Junction, past Goldfield to the Lost Dutchman State Park. Just beyond the Park entrance, turn right off AZ-88 at the sign for First Water Trailhead. Take the road 1/2 mile to the sign for Jacob's Crosscut. If you start off on the riverbed, that's not the trail.

Related Links:
Treasure Loop - AccessArizona.com
Jacob's Crosscut - HikeArizona.com
Superstition Mountains Trails - GORP
Stick & Boots Hiking Club