HikeArizona.COM

Hello,

We have two daughters, ages 9 and 11, and are traveling to Phoenix over the holidays. Before getting there, we would like to do a 1-2 night backpacking trip. Last year we backpacked the Grand Canyon Bright Angel Trail and spent the night at Indian Garden. We then did a day hike to Phantom Ranch and spent another night at Indian Garden. However, my husband and I carried the bulk of the gear.

This year, our older daugher will be carrying her gear. Any suggestions? Ideally, we'd like something relatively close to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area as we are going to my Mom's for Thanksgiving. I was looking at the following only because they look reasonably close and would be a lot warmer than those up North. I have no clue what the level of effort is for these. I think we'd probably do an out and back.

*La Barge - Boulder Canyon Loop
*Red Tanks Divide Loop
*Fish Creek Loop
*Campaign Creek Loop

Any thoughts? We will be traveling from Durango, CO.

Thanks in advance!
Jenny

It's pretty cool lately, so as far as your ideas:

LaBarge - Boulder Canyon Loop: I'm not sure what "loop" you are planning but this would be nice temps and fairly short distance for an overnighter. I doubt if there's any water flowing though.

Red Tanks Divide: Not recommended for kids due to overgrowth and catclaw. If you're family likes pain then perhaps this is perfect.

Fish Creek Loop: I like Fish Creek, not sure what you have in mind though to make a loop of it. Water may be found but will likely be in stagnant pools. This is the one I like the most out of your list for an overnighter. However, they are doing maintenance on the Apache Trail, so I'm not sure if the road will be closed.

Campaign Creek Loop: Campaign creek probably isn't flowing but this one could be interesting if you are thinking of doing circlestone and camping at Reavis Ranch. This is quite a long hike for younger kids though unless you are doing at least 2 nights. It will be colder than the others on your list due to being at higher elevations. To be clear, it isn't that close to Phoenix either.

That's a pretty good assessment, my thoughts...

LaBarge - Boulder Canyon Loop: Seems most logical, doable and scenic!
Red Tanks Divide: pass on this one
Fish Creek Loop: I love it but it isn't easy and the road appears to be closed viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5587
Campaign Creek Loop: I like this but think Boulder is a better choice for the time of year. May be a tad dull coming from Colorado too.

Thanks Everyone! I went up on trails.com to get the list, so it was only a start. If you have any suggestions outside of those I listed, I would love to hear them!

Thanks!