Placed: March 2006
Placed By: Wanda & Pete for WWW (Formerly known as Chuck and Molly)
Location: Apache Junction, Arizona, Maricopa County

This letterbox was taken to Arizona and planted for us by our friends Wanda & Pete.

Make sure you have plenty of water and sunscreen before heading out on this long lovely loop into the Superstitions. It's rated easy in the "100 Hikes in Arizona" book, but it can still feel like quite a workout if you're not used to the dry climate. The hike begins at the parking lot about 2.5 miles down the gravel road just north past L ost D utchman State Park off route 88. A short distance before this parking lot is a ticket machine on the left where you need to pick up a day pass ($4 in 2006) to leave under your windshield, if you do not have a national park pass to display. Proceed down the 1/4 mile introductory path until you get to the first junction. You can go either way to complete the loop, so we'll let you decide here which direction you want to go.

If you choose the right path, it will take you up to P arker Pass in a couple of miles. After descending from the pass, cross a couple of the creeks or washes of West B oulder Canyon, then follow the trail with the creek/wash now on your left. You will soon reach a flat clearing with an old fire ring and a large jumble of rocks just beyond. About 150 steps past this old fire ring should get you to a flat split rock on your left and a nicely framed view of W eaver's N eedle to your right. From this flat "sitting rock", go about 30 steps due east to a barrel cactus with a squarish chunky boulder a few feet below and behind it. You won't find any of the Dutchman's buried treasure here, but you just might enjoy looking for a nice little memento of your trek under several flat stones on the left (NW) side of the boulder. Take care and remember all the usual desert precautions!

From here, you may continue down to the next junction, and loop back left along the B lack M esa Trail for more adventure, or just return the way you came. We hope many people get to enjoy this fine desert hike for many years to come!

Before you set out, please read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.