Battleship Mountain via First Water / Dutchman TH

# Battleship Mountain - Superstitions, AZ

[Thanks to our Leader David for letting me copy his description.]

Battleship is undoubtedly one of the most "epic" hikes one can do. From the moment you mount the southern tip of this massive formation, you can't believe what you're seeing. It is a veritable lunar landscape surrounded by breathtaking sheer drops in all directions. We will pause here and take in the mind-blowing 360-degree panorama because the unreal ridge stretching out before you to the north beckons like a powerful magnet. Please join us for a pre-Thanksgiving adventure.

This hike starts from First Water trailhead (Dutchman trailhead) by taking the Second Water Trail #236 east to the Boulder Canyon Trail #103, where you then proceed south to a point abeam the southern tip of Battleship Mountain. Here you depart the trail and climb the mountain from the southern tip to the peak at the northern end. Reverse the route for your return.

This hike seems moderate at first from Dutchman TH. Yet the trail becomes physically challenging.

Total mileage just around 12 miles in and out trip. The trail will cross the dry creeks; there are cacti (prickly pear, cholla, barrel cactus, etc.); With very little to no shade as day continues if no clouds are present. Please plan as if this is a hot, clear sky desert day hike.
That means BRING PLENTY OF WATER!

We'll take the time to let everyone have a lunch break while enjoying the panoramic views, which is why seven hours is scheduled. We may be finished before seven hours, just depends on safety, comfort & speed of group.

For those who's norm is hiking fast please know that speed is not our objective safety is, we will be going slower to ensure everyone sticks together and we'll assist others as we climb. There are a few narrow passages and rock climbs, gloves are highly suggested. You may bring and use trekking poles, until we begin the climbing portion of this trail.

Map is to Trailhead Location: 7:00AM at Dutchman's Trailhead end of first water rd. off Hwy 88 Apache Trail.

CARPOOL LOCATION: 6:30AM at Fry's Market Place Old West Marketplace E Old Hwy, Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Start hiking: 7:00 AM

Distance: 12 miles; +/-

Elevation: 2,100' +/-

DURATION: 6 - 7 hours

Difficulty: Difficult / Strenuous Out & Back

Weather: Lows low 40F. High low 70F.

As always, bring lots of water, GLOVES, nutritious snacks, hat, sturdy footwear, hiking poles (personal choice), sunscreen, camera, flashlight (for evening hikes), and any other items that you as an EXPERIENCED hiker likes to bring on hikes...and very important your sense for an Amazing Arizona Adventure!

The Event Planners, Leaders and all Organizers from "Amazing Arizona Adventures" are volunteers and are not professional guides. They will not be held responsible for you. The function of the Organizer is only to organize this event. Each person who signs up for and participates in our events are responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. You agree not to hold the trip Planners, Leaders or Organizers responsible if you get injured. All participants must be 18 years of age or with parent or legal guardian that assume responsibility for minor child. By your confirmation by attending you agree to the above terms and agreements.

YOU are responsible for your own personal safety WE do not assume any responsibility or liability for you or your stuff.