Travel to GET west terminus

The Grand Enchantment Trail begins east of Phoenix at the First Water Trailhead on the Tonto National Forest. This trailhead is easy to reach from downtown Phoenix, Phoenix Sky Harbor international airport, and the Greyhound bus terminal adjacent to Sky Harbor. (At right, hikers Li & Michael starting east from the trailhead. Photo by Li Brannfors.)

Directions to GET west terminus:

First Water Trailhead is located about 45 miles east of downtown Phoenix. From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, exit onto Washington St eastbound. Pick up the 202 freeway east to US 60 east to exit 196 / Idaho Rd. Turn left, following Idaho Rd north through four traffic lights. Along the way, pass a Super 8 motel, a few convenience stores (for water, possibly HEET, etc.), a Walgreens pharmacy (Bic lighter, sunscreen, etc.), and several restaurants nearby. At the 5th light, turn right, northeast, onto Apache Trail / State Route 88. Pass Goldfield ghost town / tourist attraction, and then (at around 5 miles from Idaho Rd jct) a signed turnoff to Lost Dutchman State Park on right. Continue on Apache Trail less than a half mile farther, then turn right onto graded dirt FR 78 at sign for "First Water Trailhead." Your driver may opt not to continue farther, although the road is usually passable for passenger vehicles except following summer monsoon flash floods. At ~2.3 miles on FR 78, find First Water equestrian parking on the left. Here a spur trail heads east, or continue on the road ~0.6 mile farther to First Water Trailhead hiker parking and the GET west terminus. Toilet facilities are here, as well as a hiker register and information kiosk, but no water is available. (First probable water along the trail is Charlebois Spring about 9 miles away.)

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