The First Water Trailhead accesses an extensive trail network in the Superstition Wilderness. The Second Water, Boulder Canyon and Black Mesa trails form a 12.25 mile loop through varied terrain, distinct geological features and lightly traveled sections of Boulder Canyon.

Boulder Canyon holds large pools of water and eventually lets out into Canyon Lake on the northwest side of the Superstition Wilderness

Prickly Pear pads are modified branches or stems that have many uses including photosynthesis, water retention and flowering

Teddy bear cholla and saguaro cacti are found in high concentrations along the Second Water - Boulder Canyon Loop

Boulder Canyon is also accessible via the Canyon Lakes Trailhead adjacent to Canyon Lake

Palo Verde, creosote, cholla, prickly pear and saguaro are all found within the Superstition Wilderness - higher elevations bring juniper, ponderosa pine in the Chaparral zone

After a brief climb, the Second Water Trail flattens out for an easy and pleasant stretch before meeting up with the Boulder Canyon Trail

Large polished boulder make footing difficult throughout Boulder Canyon

The Second Water trail cuts between the basalt-laden hills of Hackberry and Black Top Mesas

Saguaros are found exclusively in the Sonoran Desert and can live between 150 - 200 years

Past the terminus of the Boulder Canyon Trail, Boulder Canyon itself becomes Little Boulder Canyon and heads into the Peralta area

An American Cardinal rests on Palo Verde branches in the verdant Boulder Canyon wash

Beneath the ridge of Black Top Mesa, a broad expanse of open desert exists with views of Weavers Needle

Saguaro cacti line the upper walls of Boulder Canyon - a full hydrated saguaro cactus can weigh between 3500 - 4500 pounds

A barrel cactus rests in front of a stand of Palo Verde and Saguaro - the Sonoran desert is one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet

The geology of the Superstitions is complex - even though the potential for mineralization is low, many still come seeking mining fortunes