Yellow Peak Loop via Dutchman Trail #104 and Black Mesa Trail #241
9.1 mi
Distance
5 hrs 7 min
Time
terrain
545 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult loop trail to Yellow Peak in Tonto National Forest.
This trail goes by Black Mesa.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Public Tracks
Black Mesa/Dutchman's Loop
Interestingly enough this is shown as the First Water Trailhead but the signs along the way note it as the Second Water Trail. The first portion is relatively flat and quite pretty, interesting formations, rolling mountains. The Black Mesa Trail was a downhill into a canyon and was marked by a lot of fire damage. I didn't get a good picture of it but in some spots the burned paddles of cacti shone gold in the sunlight. There were plenty of signs of new life, including a fair number of birds. The Dutchman Trail was a moderate climb up and out of the canyon, the walls of which provided a fair amount of shade in the afternoon.
535 - 1st Water, 2nd Water, Black Mesa, Dutchman Loop
05/02/2025 - B-Hike, 9.2 miles, 1,098'; I Led, 6 hikers, Jan, Doug, Tom, Neal, Mike & I; Trail requires concentration as it is very rocky, but great hike otherwise; You'll want to take your time somewhat to enjoy the views, particularly of Weaver's Needle; Many areas along the trail burned out from a 2019 fire; Stopped at the Handlebar Restaurant after the hike.
Superstitions - Garden Valley-Black Mesa Loop 10-22-2021
Superstitions - Garden Valley-Black Mesa Loop 10-22-2021, 9.4 mi, 1000 ft.
**536 - 1st Water, 2nd Water, Black Mesa, Dutchman
01/20/2025 - C-Hike, 9.3 miles, 900'; Lots of burned areas from 2019 fire.
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