Having been on many searches that are centered around an ELT/PLB, I can tell you that these things are not the save all end all. Unless there is an accompanying signal (i.e. aircraft wreckage, fire, other unnatural disturbance) than they only serve to get search teams in the ball park. Additionally,...

Welcome! As you probably know, Arizona varies greatly in topography and climate as you move throughout the state. Some recommendations on places to stay: Phoenix: Staying around here would be warmer than all other locations and give you quick immediate access to such great places as the superstition...

Ahh yes the entrance from camp verde...for some reason i forgot about that one. Going in from that direction will save you some of the vertical coming off of the verde rim. Nice views from there though.

I did forget to add however that with the neccessary equipment and planning it can be a very good hike. Not sure about crossing the river in the winter however, check stream data and local weather before you go. Expect a full day. If Verde Hot Spring doesn't work out, checkout Castle Hot Springs, ou...

In response to robinstuff's reply: Well the only real way i know to the "verde hot springs road" is the Dugas Rd off of I-17 (slightly north of cordes jct.) From the interestate it is approximately 15 miles to the road you are speaking of on what i would call one of the top ten worst road...

Cool, other SAR guys on this forum!

I'm with the SAR team in Yavapai County.

Sorry it took me so long, but in response to what you want in a hike, yes you are correct Cathedral and Bear Mtn will give you the overlooking views that you are wanting. If you would like to experience the landscape up close I would recommend exploring the canyons. Boynton and Fay Canyon are both v...

What kind of "good views" are you looking for? I might be able to recommend a few things.

Hi there decatur, If you're interested in hiking the grand canyon then by all means go for it. If you plan on going all the way down to Bright Angel campground then I would recommend making a loop out of it and taking the S. Kaibab down and the Bright Angel Trail up. Going up will take about twice a...

Is the name "Window Mt"? If you have anymore details as to it's location i could look through some topo's and see what i can find.

Anyone else get the flier for this? Looks fairly intersting, may warrant a drive from prescott...

If you didn't get the flier, go to http://www.rei.com/stores/paradisevalley and check out the events.

Hi all, I am requesting any information you all may have on a hike I have heard of on various grand canyon websites known as the grapevine loop. From what I have read this consists of the Grandview to Horseshoe Mesa then catching the Tonto and going westward to the South Kaibab (or bright angel). Is...

It saddens me to see that this is prevalent throughout the state (and probably everywhere in the country). I'll be giving the local FS office a call on Monday just to give them a heads up. I do plan on hiking out to this trail though, looks like incorporating it into the groom creek loop would work ...

Well, had been planning this hike for awhile but things turned out to be a total disaster today. The locals are very much not interested in having hikers park near their town (potato patch) and have put up "NO TRESPASSING" signs everywhere (including on land that i believe that is not thei...

As for your mapping thing... check out national geographic Topo! Arizona. Its basically every topo on your computer in electronic form and you can print maps to a specified size for a specified area. Also if you have a GPS you can make tracks on the maps and upload the route to your gps, conversely ...

West Clear Creek can be good if you're looking for a challenge. Its near Camp Verde.

I'd highly recommend the National Geographic Topo! series. Yes, you can't download the maps directly to your gps but there are other ways to get that done. Plus you can print an 8.5x11 map that tailors to the area you'll be in. Lots of addins from the internet and the electronic keyword search featu...

Awesome information, quite different than other information i'd been given. Thanks!

One last question...does that mean that I could purchase a handgun and ammunition if under 21?

Well i doubt i'd be able to carry concealed, im under 21 and dont have a CCW. So on lands designated national forests, would that mean the 21 requirement didnt stand?

Is there anyway to be under the age of 21 yet still be able to carry a handgun to use for defense while hiking? I've encountered some of these less than friendly individuals that are spoken of on these boards and i dont think my knife would do me much good and a rifle just doesnt fit the need here.