First Backpack in the Sups - need water advice!

Website · Post by **DurtGurl** » Jan 10 2006 1:16 pm

Lurker here with my first post!

I am planning to head out this weekend for my first backpack into the Superstitions. As I will be hiking with my two cattledogs, water is a big concern. Over the holidays on a day hike, I found plenty of water at the Second Water Spring (intersection of Second Water and Boulder Canyon trails). Does anyone have any other recent observations of water at the various springs within the Sups? This info will help me plot my weekend route... Many thanks!

Kathleen

Shi · Post by **Shi** » Jan 10 2006 6:31 pm

What area of the Superstitions are you inquiring about? I have always found water at Reavis Ranch and Haunted Canyon which both make for a nice backpack. Mary

Website · Post by **DurtGurl** » Jan 10 2006 7:30 pm

In response to Shi's reply: Shi, Thanks for the reply! With Monday off from work, I'm looking at a Sunday/Monday backpack to test out new equipment (only my 2nd backpack trip). I'm up for starting from any trailhead, but don't want the hike to be too remote since I'll likely be solo with the pups. I am fit, dogs are fit, and we are looking for 8-12 miles per day with water close to camp. Loops are always preferred, but an out-and-back is ok too. Views are a must!! Have any suggestions??

AZHikr4444 · Post by **AZHikr4444** » Jan 10 2006 10:08 pm

Reavis is an excellent choice for an overnight backpack. There should be water, and the route from either the south or the north have great views. The north views are better, in my opinion, but the trail in is a bit longer. And, there is always side trips, like Circlestone, that you could do from Reavis as your "base". The loops are probably a bit more strenuous than you are looking for right now, but the out and back is well worth it. Check out the Reavis triplogs and check with those that have been there recently as far as confirming water- but like Shi said- usually there is water up there.

Might be a bit frosty- so prepare. I was up there on Thanksgiving weekend, and it was very nippy!

Enjoy!!

fairweather8588 · Post by **fairweather8588** » Jan 10 2006 11:17 pm

Reavis Creek is the only permanent water in the Supers', so it's almost (keyword, almost) certain to have water. We stayed the night at the Ranch on December 17th and the temps dropped to around the mid-20s. Hunters we were talking to who had been there previous nights said they had a 17 degree night a short while before. Bring a warm bag with you.

Trishness · Post by **Trishness** » Jan 10 2006 11:51 pm

In response to DurtGurl's reply:

There are only several reliable water sources in the Supes......you mentioned one in your post about Second Water Spring. In the Western Supes also Charlesbois is pretty reliable and also Willow Spring but I haven't been out there recently so I can't say for sure and it's not exactly easy to get to. Reavis Ranch is almost a sure bet and there was quite a bit of water in October but then we haven't had rain for 3 months and I haven't been there since October so I'm not 100% on that. Water can be found in Rogers canyon too although that is not always reliable.

I have no idea of the situation in the Eastern Supes.

Maybe AZHeat or Nighthiker can shed some light on this topic since I know they have both been out in the Supes in recent weeks.

:mrgreen:

Shi · Post by **Shi** » Jan 11 2006 6:42 am

I agree with others, Reavis Ranch. There was water there over the holidays, so you won't have any trouble. That is an in and out and something that I would solo. There seems to be people packing in there, often, so you'll have solitude, but will run into a few people. It can also get VERY cold! Keep in mind, there is a mountain lion in that area (considering the dogs)! I haven't personally seen it, but know of 2 that have, and I've seen evidence of paw prints. Have a fun and safe trip!
Mary

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Jan 11 2006 7:04 am

In response to DurtGurl's reply:

Was out there last W/E...
Charlebois has gobs, as does LaBarge. Whiskey is good as well as the well @ Reeds Water. (bring some rope to lower in a vessle to retreive) There are marginal pools in the northern section of Needle Canyon between Boulder Canyon (a nice side-trip btw) & Marsh Valley.
Potential loop might be First Water/Second Water to Black Mesa to Dutchman to Charlebois, returning on the Dutchman, either over Bull Pass or around.
If you head to Reavis, take your woolies, as it's about 5000'... might be a THREE dog night....

Have fun & be safe.

kurt

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » Jan 11 2006 7:32 am

Charlebois sounds like the ticket. You can make a great loop out of it, and it would be the mileage that you are looking for. I was there a few weeks ago and there was lots of water; the spring is flowing. I didn't look for myself, but I was told by another group that La Barge Spring is good as well. That is located near the intersection of the Dutchman and Red Tanks trails. Plus it is only about 1.5 miles from Charlebois. I would get the Hiker's Guide to the Superstitions if you don't already have it and the Beartooth Superstition Wilderness map, so you will know what you are getting into. I feel that Charlebois is a beginner/intermediate backpack, no matter what trails you chose to take to get there.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Jan 11 2006 9:28 am

In response to DurtGurl's reply:

Overview map that has clickable links for trails & trailheads here>>
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/wildernes ... rs_map.htm

AZHikr4444 · Post by **AZHikr4444** » Jan 11 2006 10:45 am

In response to hikeaz's reply:

"If you head to Reavis, take your woolies, as it's about 5000'... might be a THREE dog night."

LOL!! Cuz..one doesn't have to be the loneliest number!!

Website · Post by **DurtGurl** » Jan 12 2006 8:32 am

Thanks so much for everyone's input. This is a great site!!

I think I'm set on making Charlebois Spring my destination for this weekend, and will save Reavis Ranch for a time later in the spring when the night temps won't be so chilly. I now just need to decide whether to do a loop from First Water or Peralta. Considering that I am one who commonly has aspirations that exceed my comfort zone (granted, I always come out ok, but work the next day after one of my super epic adventures can be a $itch), I'm thinking that I should do the easier of the two. I am armed with the "Hiker's Guide to the Superstitions" book and the Beartooth Superstition map and would appreciate any thoughts as to which trailhead would be best to begin my first backpack in the Superstitions.

And, if any of you are out there this Sunday/Monday and see a solo backpacker with two red heelers, feel free to say HELLO!

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Jan 12 2006 8:54 am

In response to DurtGurl's reply:

Not to complicate your decision, but it's about a "push" as to which is "easier", insomuch as the Dutchman from First Water is likely the most level, but as such, is longer. I'd steer clear of the Terrapin if you pick Peralta, though. If you go over Bull Pass & like peakbagging, you might consider the (15-20 min.) trip to Black Top Mesa which starts from the saddle there.

First Water > http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=25

Peralta > http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=237

scorpion scus · Post by **scorpion scus** » Jan 12 2006 10:15 am

i would start at peralta and follow the dutchmans all the way there. only 1 climb at the coffee flat intersection but its moerate then its downhill from there.

Davis2001r6 · Post by **Davis2001r6** » Jan 12 2006 8:39 pm

IMO I would go to Reavis over Charlesboise. I just did an overnighter to Charleboise with my dog and a few others over Christmas Eve. I wasn't really impressed with the place by any means. It's not a nice "destination" hike as I like to call them.

Reavis has nice grass prairies, a running stream, lots of open land for the dog(s) to run around in.

Charleboise does have a small running stream but not anything spectacular, plus the camp is small no area for the dogs to have some fun in. My dog (a 40 austrailian shepperd type mut) stepped in cactus about 4 times. She's a great trial dog, just need to lookout for the cactus more.

Yes Reavis will be a bit cooler and it is a further drive to the TH and also requires high clearance to be safe, but I think it's a much nicer place.

Personally I would consider the trail into Reavis any more difficult than the one into Charleboise, others may disagree though.

TIM

This was Emma and I on the trek into Charleboise

Trishness · Post by **Trishness** » Jan 12 2006 8:50 pm

Dutchman all the way is a nice and well maintained trail. Miners's Needle is a nice landmark. It's about 9 miles this way so it's a little long.

You can always take "Cardiac Hill" aka Bluff Spring to Dutchman which is only about 7 miles. The first leg of this is a heck of a workout with a steep trek uphill but it seems less in distance and not all that bad once you get to the top. Last time I was on Terrapin, it was terribly overgrown and it seems like the long way at almost 8 miles.

Have fun whatever you decide. We'll look for your write up

:mrgreen:

Hoffmaster · Post by **Hoffmaster** » Jan 13 2006 6:14 pm

In response to davis2001r6's reply:
There is a larger campsite near the source of the spring with plenty of room for dogs to run around. But, the dogs will probably be pooped once you get there, so the first campsite should suffice.

As far as the scenery goes, it is plenty scenic, but not from the campsite. Besides, it will be dark shortly after you get there, so scenery doesn't really matter anyway.

k9hiker · Post by **k9hiker** » Jan 13 2006 11:03 pm

In response to DurtGurl's reply:
Hi Kathleen,

I saw your post and wanted to invite you check out the Canine Hiking Club of AZ. We offer dog freindly hikes every month all year long and would love anther adventurous dog lover to join up with us.

Our webpage is http://www.mydog8az.com/k9hike.html

We are heading off for an overnight backpack in the Sups on the 21st and 22nd. Not quite as long of a hike as you want and the date may not work with such short notice but you are certainly welcome to join us if you are so inclined. We are doing a loop from Peralta to Whiskey Springs then up Red Tanks and back to the dutchman.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your trip where ever you end up going and I hope to see you onthe trail at some point or maybe at one of our club hikes.

Safe hiking
Jamie D

Website · Post by **DurtGurl** » Jan 14 2006 8:52 am

In response to k9hiker's reply: Thanks for the invite to your group. Too bad that I'll be out of town weekend of your January backpack. Be watching for my description of my backpack this weekend (today!)... I'll report spring info for you and your 4-footed hikers.

With 30% chance of rain for tonight and tomorrow - will it rain for the first time in 90+ days while I'm on my first solo backpacking trip? Probably!

Heading out and hope to be on the trail before noon. Full moon tonight!

Website · Post by **DurtGurl** » Jan 16 2006 11:17 am

Well, I am finished with my first solo backpack with the dogs - we did the Charlebois II loop which I will describe in a triplog in more detail soon....

Dogs and I did well on Day 1 and were all warm enough thru the night enjoying a beautiful full moon near Charlebois Spring. Sunday morning started out A-OK until my brilliant dog Joopiter collided with a cholla cactus as we were scrambling up the slope towards the sound of camped boyscouts in search of the trail after filtering our days supply of water at a lower pool. I had a pack of boyscouts helping me hold him down, but there was no way my Joopiter would let anyone get close to his muzzle to pull the thorns out of his nose, lips and tongue. So, he had to hike all day with a pin cushion for a face... not the best of situations, but he was quite the trooper! Thankfully I had a 24hr emergency vet number programmed into my phone, so we stopped by on the way home for cactus removal. While waiting for Joop to be taken care of, I pulled out my sleeping bag (it was cold!) and was out like a light in the back of the 4Runner with my other pup, Boojum. Three hours and $300 later, a dazed and confused trio headed home to Ahwatukee.

All in all, the solo backpacking was an incredible experience (except for the cactus!), but a whole lot more difficult than I had anticipated. It was HARD!! Going solo means no sharing of gear and all the weight on my back. 10 miles with a 40-lb pack is much different than with a daypack. Whew - Thank goodness I have today off from work!

First Backpack in the Sups - need water advice!

First Backpack in the Sups - need water advice!

Reavis

Re: First Backpack in the Sups - need water advice!

Re: First Backpack in the Sups - need water advice!

Re: First Backpack in the Sups - need water advice!

Re: First Backpack in the Sups - need water advice!

Re: First Backpack in the Sups - need water advice!

Re: First Backpack in the Sups - need water advice!