Black Mesa Loop

9.4 mi1,381 ft Rating 7/10Difficulty 6/10

2,746 ft 2,211 ft

Elevation along the recorded route — 2,211 ft at its lowest to 2,746 ft at its highest.

Pleasant hike starting at First Water Ranch, climbing up the side of Garden Valley (with good views of Weaver’s Needle), dropping down into Boulder Canyon, and returning along the upper reaches of First Water Creek.

Photos

Easy walking in Garden Valley
Good views from the saddle
Tom claiming a little summit
Happy flow down Boulder Canyon
Setting a steady pace on Dutchman
The wash opens toward the gap on Black Mesa Loop

Along the way

Creek 1

West Boulder Canyon crossing

Saddle 1

Parker Pass

Camping 1

Garden Valley

Trailhead 1

First Water Trailhead

Junction 3

Dutchman / Second Water Trail Junction
Black Mesa / Dutchman Trail Junction
Second Water / Black Mesa Trail Junction