suggestions for a first time backpacking one nighter

[nolove923]

Hey peeps!
My mother and I wanna do an overnight hike next week and are first time backpackers. I want to explore the beautiful scenery of Arizona and maybe have a source of water so we don't have to carry it all with us. We like adventure and don't mind working hard for it. Any suggestions for us?
Thanks HikeAZ. You rule!

[chumley]

How far would you like to hike?

[nolove923]

Not exactly sure on what is good regarding mileage. I feel like the 4 miles in and out trails seems a little short. What do you suggest? We will start early morning and have all day. Then set up camp and hang out. Then head back the next day, of course. So excited to do this!

[chumley]

I'd love to make a suggestion for distance, but that's highly individualized. Some people on here can knock out 30-mile days, and others prefer to keep it at a mile or two. What I can say for sure is that if you're not used to carrying a pack, the miles will drag on much longer than what you are used to when you are just day hiking.

I did a quick search of the forum and found a couple of previous threads that might be helpful:
http://www.hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtop ... 7&p=106056
http://www.hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtop ... 97&p=99005
http://www.hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtop ... 73&p=98518
http://www.hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtop ... 89&p=89207
http://www.hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtop ... 23&p=86362

[te_wa]

my first backpack was Horton creek trail. 4 miles or so, a big gushing spring at the end and some nice scenery. trout fishing, if you wish.

you can camp at the end of the trail where it intersects the highline tr, but please be aware to leave no trace and camp far enough from the water source as to not spook wildlife looking for a drink.

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=62 - and there is more to explore in this area, in many directions.

[cactuscat]

I like First Water to Second Water, camping in Boulder Canyon below the end of Battleship ... nice camp spots and plenty of water in the creek. Back out the way you came, maybe taking Hackberry from Garden Valley to add a little variety - or many other loop options.

[nonot]

Cave Creek trail seems to fit the bill. From Seven Springs.

[nonot]

Also Haunted Canyon should be on your list of places to go.

[RowdyandMe]

Charliebois Spring a little long to get there about 8 miles one way. But the views are great and there is always water at the spring.
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=25
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=237

[mazatzal]

If it's <90 in PHX do Supes or Cave Creek.
If >90 in PHX do Horton.

[ALMAL]

similar to the suggestion from cactuscat, Marsh Valley loop beginning and ending at First Water is a little longer of a hike than the Boulder Canyon Loop. Marsh Valley has great campsites, water right now, and plenty of firewood. Right now there is filterable water in several spots before and after to reach Marsh Valley along the trail.
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=477212