First Water

Northeast of Apache Junction, AZ

The First Water event site is the most picturesque of all the sites used by the Greater Phoenix Orienteering Club. Situated just to the north of the Superstition Mountains, the location offers spectacular views of Weaver's Needle and the Superstition Wilderness. Courses held at the First Water site take participants through washes and onto ridges and rock formations with numerous views over the impressive terrain. Be sure to bring your camera.

Directions

The First Water event site is located in the Tonto National Forest just north-east of Apache Junction.

To get to the event site:

First Water

From Phoenix, take US 60 (Superstition Freeway) east to Apache Junction. Take the Idaho Rd. exit (SR 88) and turn left (north). In a few miles, SR 88 will turn right onto N Apache Trail. Turn right and continue on SR 88. In about 5 miles, and 0.25 miles past the entrance to Lost Dutchman State Park, turn right onto FR 78, First Water Trailhead Road, which is an all-weather dirt road. Proceed about 2.5 miles to the horse staging area (the overflow parking area). If you get to the trailhead, go back about 0.5 miles to the meet site. There is no Forest Service parking fee for this area.

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Maps

Click on a map below to open an equivalent Google map in a separate window.

Map to the First Water Event Site

Zoom to Show Forest Road 78

Zoom to Show the Horse Staging Area