The Secret Canyon - Superstition Wilderness (Where's the water?)

For those who have spent some time hiking in the rugged Superstition Wilderness, you know where the iconic trails and features are. The Flatiron, 5024, Superstition Peak, Robbers Roost, Battleship, Weaver's Needle to name a few. There's no shortage of amazing features in the Supes!

There are also hundreds of cool places to see that are well off the beaten trail, if you have the ability to get there. While inspecting some of the reliable springs in the western supes (Bluff Spring, LaBarge Spring & Brad's Water), I took the opportunity to explore a hidden gem. I heard rumors of this particular canyon and have met a couple of people who have successfully traversed it, so I was anxious to get a look for myself. What an amazing spot! Very rugged, with class 4 and some low level class 5 terrain, this "secret" canyon is hands down one of the best I've seen in the Superstitions.

Since very little has been published on this canyon, I decided to not share the name and location. In fact, I even used some tricky editing to make sure it looks like I'm in an area I am not actually in, to further ensure the secret canyon remains secret. Once the masses know how to find these precious locations, they bring with them bags of dog crap, trash, spray painted arrows, carved initials and everything else humans tend to do to ruin the natural esthetic of the untouched wilderness.

I realize many hikers will know this canyon, if you do, please don't spread the word. Don't mention the name in the comments here (I'll delete it). I'd like to preserve this canyon for everyone, and not turn it into the next Camelback. You just gotta get out there and explore if you want to find some of these places for yourself! It’s out there, waiting to be discovered…

Be safe. Have fun!