[aztazer]

Hi:

I'm hoping some of experts here can recommend a good non-Superstitions winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) weekend desert backpacking trip in AZ.

I'm looking for a backpacking trip that between 10 - 20 miles ranging from easy to difficult that has water either at the campsite or closeby. I'm hopeful that you can recommend a hike that's in the lower elevations and not to cold. We're all very experienced and reasonably fit backpackers looking for a hidden gem outside of the Superstitions.

Thanks!

Lucky

[azpride]

Pick up "Wickenburg Adventures" by Christine Maxa and do one of her hikes into the Hassayampa River Wilderness. The river is perennial through there, and she's got a couple 10+ mile loop options.

[azbackpackr]

I've backpacked in the Muggins Mountains Wilderness outside of Yuma. Starkly beautiful, but not much water--a few funky tinajas (natural potholes) in the deepest canyons. The Kofa National Wildlife refuge north of Yuma is rugged, wild, remote, huge. Same deal with the water, though.

These places are worth visiting, but until you get to know them, you'd mostly just do dayhikes or overnight backpacks, because you have to carry all your water. Once you find the tinajas, most of which are not published on the internet, you may be able to plan longer trips.

Right now, I really miss western Arizona. The hiking, kayaking, and road and mtn. biking are all very fun out there. And the winter weather is usually very nice!