Backpacking Superstitions - Week of March 23

[jschwarz]

We are coming from Denver the week of March 23 and are planning a backpack trip in the Superstion Wildness. We have the Carlson/Stewart books, but are seeking additional information from this group at Jack's suggestion.

We are presently planning 4 days and 3 nights. We are fairly experienced in the Colorado Rockies.

I found the following and would like opinions on it, alternatives, indications as to the camping spots and, most importantly, water locations. It is set up for 3 days, but we would do it 4.

Start at Reavis Trailhead and head south on Trail 109, which overlaps with the AZT (Arizona Trail) part of the way. Camp at Reavis Ranch – 9.5 miles

Continue south on Trail 109 until Rogers Canyon to Trail 110, where we head north to Angel Basin. At Angel Basin we vere north onto Trail 112 until Nirvana (aka Fish Creek) and camp. 10 miles.

Continue on Trail 110 and close twith a short cut across Trail 287 at Plow Saddle Spring. Then it Windy Pass and all downhill northward along the path we came in on (Trail 109). 9.8 miles.

While it is long and probably hard, will it be scenic and fun? Where is the water?

Thanks Group!

[RickHall]

My wife and I did that exact loop but in the opposite direction last fall, completing the entire loop in exactly 48 hours straddling 2 nights. My wife was at trooper to keep up. Three or four days will be no problem.

Water will be very reliable at Reavis Ranch, Angel Basin, and along Rogers Canyon. Probably spotty water between those locations as well this time of year, though nothing from the trailhead to Reavis Ranch.

Lots of camping options available. Windy Pass offers great morning views if you are set up to dry camp. Reavis Ranch is a fun area to explore. Still chilly at night. Lots of camping south of Reavis Ranch, though water comes and goes. There is a nice established site at Reavis Saddle where you get some cool views of city lights down below at night. There are a few nice established spots coming into Angel Basin, as well as plenty at Angel Basin. Probably warmer at night, and with less shade cover, at Angel Basin. Not much from Angel Basin to Fish Creek, but a couple of fantastic spots in the area of that junction. Well shaded there, for better or worse. A few more established sites between Fish Creek and Plow Saddle Spring.

The Frog Tanks trail was very brushy and overgrown in sections when we did the hike in the Fall, and I expect it to be worse now. Lots of prickly and pokey plants, so be well prepared.

Snakes are probably out, so be aware.

We found the section from Angel Basin to Plow Saddle Spring to be difficult to follow, slow going, and very rough in some sections. Allow more time for this section than any other section of the loop.

Is it scenic and fun? I couldn't stop grinning for a week after we got back. I have hiked some in the Grand Canyon and in truth I liked this loop more in some ways. Some sections will give you big expansive views of desert vistas, some will give you up close and personal views of narrow riparian canyons. You will start at the top edge of the Sonoran Desert, hike up though beautiful transition scrub, and into the bottom end of a pine forest, and drop back down.

You probably won't be alone at Reavis Ranch or Angel Basin, as they are popular areas. You might not see anybody from Angel Basin to Windy Saddle, if solitude is your thing.

Good luck and enjoy your trip.

Rick.

[SuperstitionGuy]

I second this recommendation and suggest that you select less hardened campsites where you will find it easier to collect firewood for your evening campfires. Spending the first night at Windy Pass or Plow Saddle is also recommended as the night time temperatures will be quite a bit lower at Reavis.

You may also want to take a side trip without packs to Reavis Falls and back on that first day.

Please report back with a trip report and photo set.

[jschwarz]

Thanks so much for your input. It sounds like this will be quite doable and it give us a great sense of what the Superstions have offer.

[toddak]

Did this loop as a dayhike on 3/7. Reavis Creek had light flow (decreasing as you go upstream) and Fish Creek had good flow (increasing as you go downstream). I didn't specifically check out any springs. The stretch along and then up/out of Rogers Canyon is the roughest and slowest. Nice loop for a good sampling of the Supes.

[nonot]

Campsites exist at Plow Saddle, Reavis Ranch, Angel Basin, Fish Creek (at the intersection of all the creeks that merge into Fish Creek), and Plow Saddle Spring.

Water is at Reavis Ranch, sometimes in the creek that runs along the 110 trail down to Angel basin (early spring only - in fall it is dry), and Fish Creek (usually there is a reliable pool a short ways off trail downcreek, but early in spring I expect you will find some along the trail), and at Plow Saddle Spring (but not the spring box).