looking for a challenging multi-day backpack trip in S. AZ

[Jacampbe]

Hello, my husband and I are looking for a challenging multi-day backpacking trip with beautiful views and elevation gains in the Southern Arizona area. We are looking for something that would be relatively snow free in mid Feb. We would be comfortable hiking 10+ mi per day. Thank you for any recommendations.

[big_load]

Powers Garden might be a good fit. You can add days with side trips, like the Shootout Cabin and Mine, or to the Holdout Spring.

[Tough_Boots]

Challenging only in a fitness sense or also ruggedness and trail condition?

[RedRoxx44]

The Galiuros can get snow and a lot of it under the right conditions. Just check the weather of course. And take good cold weather gear, the Garden can be a cold air sink in Feb.

[SAMBA]

Is Superior Az. south enough for you? If so, it seems to moi that section 16 & 17 of the Arizona Trail is exactly the backpack you're referring to.

[nathanbrisk]

I'm looking for the same . . . currently planning to do a Mt Wrightson loop from Bog Springs Campground in mid-February.

[Jacampbe]

@Tough_Boots
challenging in all aspects

[RedRoxx44]

Then you should consider going into the Galiuros on the Tortilla trail, at the Garden water up then hike to Pipestem and up that to the [ West Divide Trail #289 ] . There is usually a big pool of water up Pipestem, unless rain nothing on the ridgeline. Follow the West Divide past Rhodes Peak then you have a choice down Field Canyon or the faint trail just before Grassy Peak. Field leads you back to the Garden, the faint trail leads you to a divide with the shootout cabin just down the catclaw filled trail/ slope. Worth the sidetrip. Then back to the Garden. Water up and head out the same trail you came in. Or you could from that divide head up Rattlesnake to reliable water at Holdout spring, then connect to the East Divide and take that over to Kennedy peak, through the burn area back to your vehicle.
There has been quite a bit of trail work over the years in there, but expect some faint trail conditions periodically.

[big_load]

@RedRoxx44
I got tired just reading that. It sounds like a fun trip without having to worry much about water.