highly secluded along a permanent stream through a desert canyon
I'm continuously amazed at the amount of lush green trees in the Superstition mountain range where there is even seasonal water. There are plenty of Sycamore and Cottonwoods along this route. This is another fine hike to take during the fall while the leaves are changing. There may be grazing cattle here, some with sharp horns. Give the nice cows a wide birth.
The trail follows the creek for the entirety of this hike. Sometimes the trail is right next to the creek and sometimes the trail heads up the slope of the creek to avoid particularly narrow sections. This trail is well marked and worn. This area is strangely quiet and one can easily imagine why early settlers in this area believed there were ghosts in this canyon. The real treat of this trail is the solitude and the tall Sycamores throughout. The trail crosses the creek a few times, but keeping your feet dry should be no problem.
After 6.0 miles, you reach Tony Ranch Spring. The ranch spring is marked by a coral and a large fire ring. This is a good turn around point for this hike.
Return by the same route.