Bluff Spring Mtn Loop via First Water
24.4 mi3,315 ft
3,402 ft
1,896 ft
The long way to Bluff Spring Mountain. Starts at First Water, swings close to Palomino Mountain and Black Top Mesa, circles around Bluff Spring Mountain, and returns over Garden Valley. Passes by numerous water sources for backpackers.
Photos
Weavers Needle keeping its distance at first light
The bulk of Malapais looming in the background
A wall of rock hiding Peter's Mesa
Sometimes the Supes just show off
The trail thins to a thread
Narrow pass
The pipe for Bluff Springs is getting a bit worn
Rocky wash
Plenty of water hanging out
Near Marsh Valley
Battleship peeking out
Saguaro country, with the four peaks on the horizon
Along the way
Spring 4
- Crystal Spring
- Bluff Spring
- Charlebois Spring
- Second Water
Creek 1
- Marsh Valley
Mountain 3
- Battleship Mountain
- Black Top Mesa
- Bluff Spring Mountain
Saddle 3
- Parker Pass
- Bluff Saddle
- Terrapin Pass
Camping 1
- Garden Valley
Trailhead 1
- First Water Trailhead
Junction 10
- Terrapin / Bluff Springs Trail Junction
- Bluff Springs / Dutchman Trail Junction
- Dutchman / Second Water Trail Junction
- Boulder Canyon / Second Water Trail Junction
- Dutchman / Red Tanks Junction
- Black Mesa / Dutchman Trail Junction
- Dutchman / Boulder Canyon Trail Junction
- Second Water / Black Mesa Trail Junction
- Battleship Mountain use-trail turnoff
- Peters / Dutchman Trail Junction