Suggestions for WINTER Desert Backpack (3 day)

[azfatboy]

Hello, My family and I got into backpacking last year. Alright, my wife and I got into backpacking and we dragged the kids along with us...

Anyway, we did a lot of hikes last year including Zion NP, White Tanks, West Clear Creek, Cabin Loop Trail, Burro Creek, and Weatherford Trail (including the hike up Mt Humphreys). And certainly, places like Ash Creek, Aravaipa, Havasupai, and the Grand Canyon itself are on the short list for this year.

I've spent hours on this and other sites, and perused this very forum, but I haven't quite found what I'm looking for. What I am looking for is a the perfect multi-day southern Arizona winter hike. I don't mean trekking across 100 miles of flat sand--I just don't want to go climbing to 7000 ft plus in February! I would prefer some availability of water (I can filter), but I don't mind if it's limited. It's okay if it's an out and back, but I would *love* to find a 30-mile "loop". I would love if it involved slot canyons, sandstone, hidden streams, or boulders, but I can't do something so technical that I need to carry rappelling gear. Lastly, it has to be a place that you can only get to on foot. I don't want to walk next a road, while 100 cars drive to my same destination, and I would prefer if I didn't have to wade through a thousand day-hikers wearing flipflops and carrying a Dasani.

Right now, our list consists of 1) The Reavis Ranch/Falls trails in the Superstitions (I'm worried it might be too high and cold--esp at night) or 2) the Davenport/Sears/Horseshoe(?) trail. I was pretty enamored with something I found call the "Wet Bottom Trail" but it had too much off-trail bushwacking for my wife.

Any ideas?

[Tough_Boots]

Reavis Ranch is definitely gonna be chilly at night but not dangerously cold. There's tons of water in the western Superstitions right now-- lots of loops you could do to keep it interesting.

[Sredfield]

AZT, passages 16 and 17. Shuttle required, but post your dates on here and likely some angel will oblige.

http://www.aztrail.org/passages/pass_16.html
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1917
http://www.aztrail.org/passages/pass_17.html
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2431

[SuperstitionGuy]

When in February and do you have a four wheel drive high clearance vehicle to get to those tougher trail heads?

Are you interested in ruins such as Indian, ranching, mining etc.?

Are you interested in a shuttle as opposed to a loop or out and back?

Plan two different trips, an A and a B. One for foul weather and one for clear and dry.

If your interested in a shuttle in the Superstitions I may be able to help you depending upon the dates.

March is a better time frame for doing the eastern half of the Superstitions.

[azbackpackr]

Some variation of getting to Hutch's Pool is nice. It's in the Catalinas, Tucson.

[azfatboy]

Wow. I didn't expect so many responses so fast!!!!

This weekend is supposed to be mid 70s and low 50s in the valley, and clear. What is the typical drop in the Superstitions? (I mostly care about the overnight lows...) Below freezing?

I have never even considered a shuttle (I honestly don't even understand how that would work...). As for timeframe, I am of course looking for something this upcoming weekend! And BOTH those hikes look awesome. I will show my wife when I get home.

I have a Nissan Titan 4x4, so I don't know what constitutes "high clearance" but I certainly don't have one of those fake car-based SUVs... And yes, I am ABSOLUTELY interested in trail-heads that are tougher to get to (less folks willing to go there) and any and all historical ruins. And I am willing to travel just about anywhere in the state for the right hike. Again, my kids will be going so I am not looking for anything too risky, but I don't mind engaging their adventurous side! (We did Angels Falls at Zion--one of my kids claims a fear of heights, cried the whole way, and STILL hasn't forgiven me for that day--but they DID IT!)

I will definitely check out Hutches Pool tonight. I love the Catalinas (been on the east side for hunting).

[PaleoRob]

Southern Arizona generally doesn't have much sandstone. Something to keep in your mind when considering what you want to see on a hike.

[SuperstitionGuy]

Reavis this weekend will probably see a low of 30 and especially if the sky is clear.

Your vehicle can easily reach the Rogers Trough trail head. Spend the first night at Angel Basin, just after the cliff dwelling in Rogers Canyon. Then take the Frog Tanks trail and Reavis north trail to Reavis to spend the second night. Then take the side trip up to Circle Stone and hike back to your vehicle at Rogers Trough trail head. This would be a loop not requiring any kind of a shuttle.

I would use the weather report for Globe, AZ when considering an overnight trip to Reavis.

By the way, what are the ages of your children?

PS - the drive up Forest Road 172 and 172A is worth the trip in itself. Arrive at the beginning of Forest Road 172 at sunrise and take your camera(s).

[nonot]

Winter is the season for lower elevations. Near phoenix, you could try to backpack the western superstitions, the four peaks, or cave creek area. While cave creek and the four peaks are interesting, I have more experience in the Superstitions. Right now there is a lot of water in the superstitions, making backpacking a real possibility. The problem is that you will face some bushwhacking on any extended trip as trail maintenance is not extensive on every trail, and doing a 30 mile loop, you will likely have to include a trail or two that gets little maintenance. Cave creek trails are generally better (though not all are maintained) - the issue is that there are some long stretches between good water sources.

http://hikearizona.com/traildex.php?SHO ... PN=1&ID=34&

This link will get you started, but you will have to be a little creative. For example, string together the second water, boulder canyon, dutchman, red tanks trail and whisky springs trail together to get serious mileage.

There are few true slot canyons near Phoenix, the geology isn't conducive to it like the sandstone of southern Utah and very northern AZ. There are plenty of canyons to explore, and some box canyons. Don't get in over your head.

If you are looking further south than Phoenix, then you will run into issues with trails being near sky-islands, which have lots of elevation, which you are trying to avoid (from your post).

I'm sure Redroxx could name off a few places even more remote, but they may not be conducive to a family group with kids.

[nonot]

I would consider Reavis a nice spring or fall hike. With the snow this last weekend, it may make for pretty cold camping for the next week or two. Heck, it snowed on us during the HAZ Thanksgiving backpack trip.

Certainly you can backpack it in winter, but I don't know that this is what the OP is looking for.

[SuperstitionGuy]

I would consider Reavis a nice spring or fall hike. With the snow this last weekend, it may make for pretty cold camping for the next week or two. Heck, it snowed on us during the HAZ Thanksgiving backpack trip.

Certainly you can backpack it in winter, but I don't know that this is what the OP is looking for.

I agree with nonot, only do the loop I suggested if the weather is above normal for that time of the year.
This is why I recommended a plan A and B in the first place.

[azfatboy]

well, I agree that the Sups sound like a safer bet in the spring. That is why I posted here--I was hoping for something lower and warmer. Otoh, contrary to this last weekend, this upcoming weekend is shaping up to be clear and warm, which is the only reason I was considering it. I will check the weather for Globe.

My kids are teenagers, so no youngsters, but we are still just beginners. So I want to show them beautiful areas that take some effort, but still as much fun as possible (I want them to LIKE it...) We all carry at least a 3L hydration bladder, and have at least 1 32oz Nalgene, so we don't need constant water. Just one ""reliable" water source per day is fine (8-12 miles?) as long as the hike is worth it.

The Gila River hike mentioned about seems promising. I am going to have my wife look at that more closely. At the very least, it looks like it might be a great "Plan B".

A question. On our short hike around Burro Creek last spring, we traveled through an area just north of the joshua tree parkway (HW 93 past wickenburg). This area had huge boulders, seemingly stacked on top of each other. I recall seeing some kind of sign off the road welcoming people who like to look around for pretty rocks. We actually traveled back on a dirt road, but ran into private property after a few miles. We still stopped and hiked a couple hills and took some pics, but I don't know what it's called, or if there are any trails in there, but that seemed like a perfect place for a winter hike. Is anyone familiar with the area?

[joebartels]

There isn't a network of trails in that area. You can explore in the Poachie Range to the Artillary Mountains and such in the Arrastra Mountain Wilderness. Best to have a State Land Permit and stay out of private land accessing.

The lava field out of the wilderness might be fun but I haven't a clue on access. You can determine what land is what by zooming in on this map and referring to their popup legend (you have to scroll and the colors kind of blend...) http://www.azaccessmap.com/

[big_load]

Best to have a State Land Permit and stay out of private land accessing.

It would be wise to stay out of Artillary Range, too.

[azfatboy]

Just to follow up on this. We DID go backpacking that weekend, and we DID hike the loop suggested by SuperstitionGuy!

We started at the Rogers Trough Trailhead (4800'), hiked down the canyon (109 to 110) to the Cliff Dwellings and then Angel's Basin. There were a ton of scouts already pitching tents there, so we started on Frog Tanks trail, and continued down the canyon another couple miles, and found a nice little spot (3600') for the night. It was COLD!!! What a miserable night.

The next morning we continued down to the confluence of the canyons, and then started going up and up and more up. I had some fun with my kukri machete clearing the path of prickly pear (mostly stuff others had cut, but left sitting in the middle of the trail...), and we eventually wound our way up and around the hills to the junction with Plow Saddle Trail, where we stopped for lunch. We continued on Frog Tanks until it dead-ends into Reavis 109 trail. I didn't know where anything was--but I knew we were on a loop, so we headed right (east). Turns out Reavis Falls was left--oh well, that just gives me a reason to go back! Anyway, we hiked southeast through the long valley of Reavis Ranch (4800'), passed the Reavis Gap trail junction, and eventually reached the end of the valley. We were going to stop, but we wanted to get back as early as possible on Monday, so we continued on for another couple miles, passing the fireline trailhead, eventually finding a nice secluded camping spot at just a hair over 5000'. My favorite part of the entire trip was dinner that night, as we feasted on ready-to-eat indian food, which we warmed up in boiling water--complete with small tortillas toasted over a small fire! DELICIOUS! As for sleeping, I was concerned, and for good reason. Even after throwing some tarps under the rainfly, zipping our bags together, and wearing every piece of clothing we brought with us, we still FROZE AGAIN. There was ice on the outside of our tent when we got up the next morning. ME NO WANNA DO THE SUPES IN FEBRUARY AGAIN!!!!!!!

The next morning we continued hiking south up to the saddle (Tortilla Pass???), finally cresting at 5300', then started a nice descent back down to the south and west, eventually coming to the 109/110 trail junction (4300') that we hit the first day. Another couple miles back up the canyon and we were done! At just under 24 miles, it was shorter than I originally wanted, but with all the elevation changes, it was the perfect distance.

Needless to say, I have already purchased some down bags for the kids, and will be purchasing down bags for my wife and I sooner than later. I do not ever want to be that cold again! But it was awesome despite our unpreparedness. After Angel Basin, we really only saw a couple other hikers, so we even had a full dose of solitude. And yes, at least on this route, there was plenty of water. It seems we were never far from a creek, except for a few miles on Frog Tanks.

I have really been wanting to hike the superstitions, but this not only checked the box, it whet my appetite. We will definitely be doing more of that. Thanks again SuperstitionGuy!!!!

P.S. This was my first hike with my new Oregon 550. So I did upload my route and some pics into BaseCamp, created a GPX file, and even a "Garmin Adventure"! If I can figure out how to do the "trip report" thing I will, cause this was a hike worth sharing!

[SuperstitionGuy]

Just to follow up on this. We DID go backpacking that weekend, and we DID hike the loop suggested by SuperstitionGuy!

Thanks again SuperstitionGuy!!!!

Your welcome. Did you have sunshine every day and how was the temps when you left your campsites in the mornings?
Over time you will forget about those two cold nights and savor the rest of the trip. Great memories!

[azbackpackr]

I love to hear these stories, especially when there are kids involved. The next generation!

[Trishness]

ME NO WANNA DO THE SUPES IN FEBRUARY AGAIN!!!!!!!

Yes you do............you know you do!!!!! ;)

[azfatboy]

Did you have sunshine every day and how was the temps when you left your campsites in the mornings?
Over time you will forget about those two cold nights and savor the rest of the trip. Great memories!

The temps definitely got down into the 20s. It wasn't life threatening, we were just unprepared, and paid the price. The weather was actually sunny and beautiful all weekend, and the days were absolutely PERFECT hiking weather.

Which reminds me of another purchase I made specifically in reaction to this trip--I actually bought one of those Garmin Tempe devices, which connects wirelessly to my Oregon via "ANT", wth that is... So on my next trip, I will have temps too.

And although the misery of those nights is already fading, I really don't think I'll do that part of the Supes again in Feb., even with better bags. I just don't like getting up in the morning when its that cold. I agree with the many other posters--I'd rather hike them in March or April. But it still taught me a great lesson about being prepared.

And yes, I love that I get to do this with my family. The kids had their pouty moments (especially the long dry hike up Frog Tanks), but they actually had the last laugh. As my wife and I struggled those last couple miles up the canyon, they were running and skipping up the trail, and laughing at us the whole way... But nothing makes me prouder than knowing I am doing what I can do germinate and grow their love for the outdoors.

[SuperstitionGuy]

The kids had their pouty moments (especially the long dry hike up Frog Tanks)

I should have told you about the Indian village site you passed by near the top of that hill. You actually walked within a stones throw of it. It would have been a great place to stop for a rest and look for worked stone. The south side of that hilltop is full of it and the kids would have enjoyed it.