First Water Creek Lower Canyon

Location: Superstition Mountains / Tonto National Forest, AZ
Rating: Canyon Hiking 1B II
Length: 3 to 6 hours
Mileage: ~12 miles round trip
Longest Rappel: None
Start: Canyon Lake / First Water Arm
End: Out and Back or Shuttle
Permits: None
Wet Suit: Seasonal depending on water temperature and reservoir levels
Shuttle: No, Optional

Overview: First Water Creek forms one of the major drainages entering Canyon Lake from the northwestern Superstition Mountains. Historically referred to as "First Water Canyon" in some guidebooks, the drainage is more commonly known today as First Water Creek. The lower canyon offers an unusual combination of desert scrambling, seasonal swimming, lake influenced canyon exploration, and rugged volcanic scenery.

Unlike the better known hiking trails that depart from the First Water Trailhead toward the interior of the Superstition Wilderness, this route explores the lower reaches of First Water Creek where the drainage enters Canyon Lake. Depending on reservoir levels, portions of the canyon may be submerged beneath the lake, creating conditions that range from dry canyon hiking to mandatory swimming.

The route is best suited for adventurous hikers comfortable with off trail travel, route finding, scrambling, and changing water conditions.

Naming Note: The name "First Water Canyon" can be confusing because multiple routes in Arizona use similar names. In Canyoneering Arizona and other historical guidebooks, Tyler Williams refers to the lower Canyon Lake drainage as "First Water Canyon." Modern maps, hiking resources, and local usage more commonly identify this drainage as First Water Creek.

Adding to the confusion, modern canyoneering resources also use the name First Water Canyon for a separate technical canyon located near the Salt River Canyon Wilderness that features a 100 ft (30 m) rappel. That technical canyon is not connected to Canyon Lake and should not be confused with the route described on this page.

For clarity, this guide uses the name First Water Creek (Lower Canyon) when referring to the Canyon Lake drainage and reserves First Water Canyon for the separate technical canyoneering route near the Salt River.

Approach: From Apache Junction, follow Hwy 88 (Apache Trail) approximately 5.6 miles. Turn right onto First Water Road and continue approximately 2.6 miles to the First Water Trailhead parking area. This area also features a popular Boulder Canyon hike, while not a canyoneering adventure the hike offers a great experience of the Superstition Wilderness desert.

Optional Shuttle: Continue east on Hwy 88 approximately 6.2 miles beyond First Water Road to a pullout near Canyon Lake, just before the Canyon Lake Vista area. Park a shuttle vehicle here and return to the First Water Trailhead to begin the hike.

Between the First Water Trailhead Horse Lot and the lower parking area, locate the established trail heading north toward First Water Creek. Several trails branch throughout this area, but First Water Creek is the first major drainage encountered. Follow the drainage downstream toward Canyon Lake.

Optional Approach: From the shuttle pullout, parties may descend directly into the First Water Creek drainage to explore the lower canyon near Canyon Lake. This shorter variation allows visitors to experience the canyon's narrows, pools, and lake influenced scenery before returning to the shuttle vehicle via the same route.

Route Description: The route follows First Water Creek downstream toward Canyon Lake through a broad desert drainage that gradually narrows into a volcanic canyon characterized by steep walls, rocky terrain, seasonal pools, and occasional narrows.

Progress becomes increasingly rugged as boulders, brush, and canyon obstacles begin to appear. The canyon contains several scenic constrictions and polished rock sections where seasonal water has carved through the volcanic terrain.

Water levels dramatically affect the character of the route near Canyon Lake. During low reservoir conditions, much of the canyon floor may be accessible on foot. During higher lake levels, sections of the canyon may require swimming or extended wading through flooded narrows.

Water conditions vary significantly depending on Canyon Lake elevations, seasonal rainfall, and runoff from the Superstition Mountains.

The drainage is typically dry through much of its length, though water is commonly encountered near Canyon Lake where reservoir levels influence conditions within the lower canyon.

Exit: Just before First Water Creek enters Canyon Lake, an optional Class 3 ascent leads to the highway pullout shuttle location. Parties not utilizing a shuttle should return upstream through First Water Creek to the First Water Trailhead.

Parties arriving by boat may also choose to exit directly via Canyon Lake, depending on reservoir conditions and access arrangements.

First Water Creek offers a unique opportunity to explore a little visited corner of the Superstition Mountains where rugged desert canyon terrain meets the waters of Canyon Lake. The combination of scrambling, seasonal swimming, volcanic scenery, and changing lake conditions creates an experience unlike most other canyon hikes in central Arizona.