HikeArizona.COM

Hi,
I am currently looking for suggestions for hikes that a group of boy scouts ages 11-16 could go on. Ideally it would be an overnight backpack where they could camp on the trail. Of course it would be nice if there was something for them to do like swim, pick fruit or berries, see wildlife, explore a cave, ruins etc... but it is not a requirement. Looking for hikes that would also be 5-20 miles round trip.
Thanks for your help!

I recommend our White Mountains, the Mount Baldy Loop Hike would be a great choice for a scout group weekend:

Here is the HAZ hike writeup: http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=531 (also review the current posted triplogs for this hike description);

Here would be a great spot to camp with a large group: http://www.hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=99935 (also see other pics in this set and other posted sets);

This time of year:
-Lave River Cave on friday night with a hike up Mt. Humphrys the next morning.
-Any hike along the Highline trail and visit the fish hatchery as well
-Hike up and back down Horton Creek
-Go fishing on any of the top of the rim lakes
-Avoid camping near busy public places and camp well off of busy trails
-No fires unless allowed and be !@#$%^&* sure you put it out.
-No fire arms or fireworks either
-Check out the area of each selected activity yourself before you take the boys
This from an old but very experienced outdoor Scouter....
PM me if you want more detailed information...

Meh, the rim is too crowded plus it's like world war 3 up there everyday.

Mainstem Black River, (not far from Hannagan Meadow), using either a car shuttle from Wildcat Crossing to Bear Creek (12+ miles of hiking) or an out-and-back from Wildcat Crossing Bridge. For simplicity's sake I recommend the out-and-back. A very good campsite for a large group exists at the confluence of Fish Creek Trail # 60 with the Black River, which can be reached by hiking upriver from Wildcat Crossing bridge. It's a short hike, with about 7 crossings. The entire river route has a trail but requires a lot of crossings, so kids need to bring hiking poles and extra shoes and socks. (We always just hike in the wet shoes, we save the dry ones for camp.) There is a deep swimming hole just upstream from the confluence with Centerfire Creek, look for a big cliff alongside the river, it's at the base of this cliff, hidden in the willows. There are numerous other large flat campsites both up and downriver. Fishing is also a real possibility here, and you can eat the fish. (See G&F Dept. rules and regs booklet.) No permits required, other than fishing license if you fish. Have the kids put all their clothes and sleeping bags inside of heavy-duty garbage bags. (Put the garbage bag INSIDE of the stuff sack or backpack FIRST. THEN stuff the sleeping bag/clothing. Then de-air and close the garbage bag, then close the stuff sack. This should be done even if you're not on a water hike, especially during monsoon.) MAPS: Hoodoo Knoll 7.5' topo, plus the Apache-Sitgreaves NF map.

http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=326

I'm also a Scouter--active now in a Venture Crew called Apache Rescue Team.
Elizabeth

Thank you for the great suggestions! I've also been using the TrailDex, boy you guys have really built up something great here! Any other ideas are always welcome. Our troop is finally getting back to being boy led and using the patrol method, along with it we would like to have a strong outdoor program which has been lacking in years past. I am creating a notebook of sorts for the boy leaders to be able to look at and use as a reference to help them decide where they would like to go. While we want this to be boy led we also don't want to encourage inappropriate places or perhaps places with a lot of people who may not appreciate a big group of boys, even if they are boy scouts! I plan on using your ideas in the book, so thank you very much! And like I said, if you or anyone else has any other suggestions just keep them coming!