Missed out on a Grand Canyon permit for the week of March 14, so I'm hoping for some suggestions on a multi-day hike to do in Arizona. My friends are coming in from Wisconsin, so they'd prefer to avoid snow camping.
Any suggestions on good ones for mid-March?
"Nature never wears a mean appearance. Neither does the wisest man extort all her secret, and lose his curiosity by finding out all her perfection."
Eastern Supes are great at that time of year if you have a 4x4 to get to some of the THs out there. The streams are usually running so there's water available. Reavis Ranch, Reavis Falls and Circlestone would be a great 3 day trip.
Avoid the cold - western Supes are great. Cave Creek area is very nice that time of year. No matter where you go, they'll be wildflowers if you stay below 4000 ft.
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, ankle-twisting, HAZmaster crushing ROCKS!!
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, shin-stabbing, skin-shredding plants!
Hike Arizona it is full of striking, biting, stabbing, venomous wildlife!
Have to also agree...Reavis Ranch is a great 3 day backpack if you can get to Roger's Trough TH. Our first trip out there we dropped our packs on the way out and did a side trip over to the ruins. Then on day 2 we went to circlestone, day 3 hiked out. No worries about water and if you go--once you get to the area, go down by the ranch to find campsites. It's tempting to grab the 1st or 2nd spot once you get there but go further for better spots!
Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I think Reavis Ranch and Falls sounds like a good three day. Hopefully the waterfall is going good then. I think my friends would enjoy that. And thanks for the camping spots suggestion, jd.
"Nature never wears a mean appearance. Neither does the wisest man extort all her secret, and lose his curiosity by finding out all her perfection."
Second Cave Creek (or 7 Springs which is further up the creek). I was in 7 Springs the last two weekends for day hikes, and once I got out from the trailhead, saw only two people, both last weekend. So, once you get away from the trailhead, good chance you won't see anyone either. Oh, give a shout to my homies from Wisconsin! : rein :
http://prestonm.com : Everyone's enjoyment of the outdoors is different and should be equally honored.
I don't want to beat a dead horse (but I will :bdh: :bdh: ), I was just out at Reavis for a one night backpack and it was the perfect trip! The hiking from Roger's Trough was challenging yet fulfilling! The ranch is solid! We camped right on the creek right in the heart of Reavis Ranch. Our group agreed it was paradise! Our camp site had it all...fire ring, seats, water and plenty of flat ground. We also made the side trip to Circlestone...very cool! Have a great trip and post a triplog after you get back. I posted plenty of pics from our trip if you want to see.
One last word of advice, our group made it to Roger's Trough Trailhead in a 2wd Tundra. It was a little rough in some spots but our driver knew what he was doing. You can also go in from the north. I believe that road is high clearance passable.
John9L wrote:You can also go in from the north. I believe that road is high clearance passable.
I've packed into Reavis from the north and I believe that is probably an easier hike (haven't done it from Rogers, though). The road to that TH is usually passable with most cars as long at you're careful. My small truck does just fine and I've seen normal passenger cars up there-- it shouldn't be a problem.
@John9L
A quick question for you sir,
Is it possible to go to Reavis Ranch from Rogers Trough as a one day, there-and-back hike? The distance doesn't seem prohibitive, but is the terrain difficult? I hiked from Rogers down to the Indian ruins in Rogers Canyon a couple of days ago and it was not only beautiful, but easy hiking. Does it get crazy on Reavis Ranch trail north of the intersection with Rogers Canyon?
Thanks,
Bald Paul
Yes it makes for a nice but long day hike. As you know the time to drive out to and up to Rogers Trough is a time killer in itself although a wonderful drive especially in the spring. Time the drive so you reach the top just minutes before sunup and the return trip just after sundown for the best views.
Stop at the Reavis grave for a short break or at the top of Reavis Saddle. If you plan to fill up your water bottles at the spring you will have to hike all the way to the north of the valley past the orchard. If you attempt to hike up to Circlestone this will add quite a bit of time and effort. It is recommended you do Reavis as an overnight if your planning on visiting Circlestone as well. Unless of course your a power hiker and are not considering sight seeing along the way.
There is a lot of photosets and trip reports about Reavis Ranch that you can read and study as well.
Last edited by SuperstitionGuy on Mar 09 2011 7:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
A man's body may grow old, but inside his spirit can still be as young and restless as ever.
- Garth McCann from the movie Second Hand Lions
BaldPaul wrote:Does it get crazy on Reavis Ranch trail north of the intersection with Rogers Canyon?
There's a big uphill soon after the intersection, but that's the only rough part and it wouldn't be bad with a day pack. I've seen some big groups do that as a dayhike in cool weather.
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, ankle-twisting, HAZmaster crushing ROCKS!!
Hike Arizona it is full of sharp, pointy, shin-stabbing, skin-shredding plants!
Hike Arizona it is full of striking, biting, stabbing, venomous wildlife!
Route Editor
Route Scout
