Backpacking: end of year & @ low elevation

[Jim]

Myself and another teacher have some time that we would like take and do a 3 day trip at lower elevation and over the Christmas holiday period. We had thought about the Verde River trail # 11, but neither of us has a vehicle that could make it to the trailhead based on the description of the access roads.

Do people have any hikes in mind that can be used as a 3 day trip, that hopefully have water on them, and are going to be somewhere below 3000' so they are warm?

[rally_toad]

Join us on the trans superstition hike on Jan 2-5!

[Jim]

What elevations do you plan to cover? Still, that may be pushing it for him since its getting close to being back to school.

[rally_toad]

It would be mostly under 3000 feet elevation, or right at 3000 feet. We will be going above 3000 for the last stretch on the eastern side of the wilderness. But still not very high in elevation.

[Davis2001r6]

How about the Grand Canyon? Lots of options for 3 day trips down there along the tonto or the river. You'll be below 3k at the river, a little higher on the tonto though. I still wouldn't call it warm though as a lot of the side canyons don't see a lot of sun this time of year.

[Jim]

Since we will have a spring break at the same time we thought that the Canyon would be better left for slightly warmer and sunnier conditions in March. I can ask about the other trip but odds are its getting too late in the break to get out on the 5th.

[Jeffshadows]

If the lower elevation is the goal, I'd suggest Cabeza Prieta or Aravaipa...