Is this trip possible?

[tkreagan]

Hi,

8 friends and I are heading out for a few days in the Superstition area in mid April. Howeve, I am not from the area and so I am looking for some feedback on whether this trip is feasible. A full itinerary is at the bottom of this post.

Specific questions:

1. If we get to the trailhead at 3:00pm, can we make it from Rogers Trough Trailhead to Angel Basin in time to camp for the night?
2. Is timing for the rest of the itinerary feasible or too aggressive given the terrain?
3. Will we find enough water in mid-April on this route?

Any thoughts welcomed!

Tom

3pm start (sharp)

Rogers Trough Trailhead
Rogers Canyon via Reavis Ranch Trail #109 then Rogers Canyon Trail #110
Angel Basin via Rogers Canyon Trail #110

Friday

6:30 start (sharp)

Reavis Ranch Trail #109 via Frog Tanks Trail #112 and Plow Saddle Springs #287
Reavis Falls via Reavis Ranch Trail #109 then Reavis Falls Canyon Trail (unmarked; turn east after Castle Dome)
Reavis Ranch / Reavis Creek via Reavis Falls Canyon Trail then Reavis Ranch Trail #109

Saturday

7:00 start

Circlestone via Reavis Ranch Trail #109 then Fireline Trail #118 then south via unmarked / Allen Blackman Trail
Rogers Trough Trailhead via Reavis Ranch Trail #109
Rogers Trough Trailhead between 2pm and 5pm

[joebartels]

It's possible if you move seriously swift on uneven terrain with a pack. It's too much for a casual pace. Day 2 looks fun but most would not be able to do it.

Day 1 4.25 mi / -1,100 ft
Day 2 25-26 mi / 5,900 aeg
Day 3 13 mi / 2,500 aeg

The above is based on http://hikearizona.com/map.php?MY=11721&M=3
I didn't understand your plans from Reavis Falls. There is no official trail. It's an out-n-back to the falls. While it is possible to go up canyon from the falls very few would be able to handle it with a pack, far less on that schedule.

[tkreagan]

Thanks so much for the feedback!

I tried using the map generator but struggled to make it work - I will try again.

I realize reavis falls is out and back; was trying to note that we would come back the way we came. I was thinking we might ditch the packs when we jump off the official trail and head for the falls. Do you think that would help?

Also, what do you think the water situation will be? I was planning on water at angel basin and reavis falls, and hopefully something in between. Then more water at reavis creek and we would be ok until we hit the trailhead. Is that reasonable?

[joebartels]

Rogers and Reavis have a light flow now based on water reports from several members. You'll be able to count on Reavis Creek for water. Rogers may just be pools but should suffice. Others know Rogers above Angel Basin and Frog Tanks better than I and will undoubtedly chime in.

Should be reasonable if you have light daypacks to swing over to Reavis Falls. Plus anyone in the group that is tired can skip it. They could also skip Circlestone the next day so it should work out for varied paces in the group. It's an awesome loop.

Temps should be in the low 80's but could be in the mid 90s which is too hot for most.
Forecast to keep an eye on...
Angel Basin
Reavis Ranch

[nonot]

Day 1 seems doable, sunset is about 7PM and that gives you about 4 hours to go about 4 miles.
Day 2 is too aggressive, I saw that someone on this forum gave you that suggestion in another post. Just throw away the idea of starting from Angel Basin, hitting Reavis Falls, and getting to Reavis Ranch in one day - you will not make it. You could probably make it from Angel Basin down to camp at Reavis Creek near Reavis Falls, and visit Reavis Falls, but you should save the climb back out and the Reavis Trail to Rogers Trough TH for the next day, sacrificing the trip to Circlestone on the last day. Going from Angel Basin to Reavis Ranch via your route without the side trip is not a full day trip, but perhaps 4-5ish hours. However, the extra to get to Reavis Falls and back is about 7-10 ish hours (or more if you get tired)
Day 3 is doable if you are in good shape. The trip to Circlestone and back could be done without full packs.

If you are not from the area I would recommend Circlestone over Reavis Falls.

[tkreagan]

Thanks for the candid feedback - really appreciate it. I thought I could cut off some time by using Plow Saddle Trail, but if you say it is too far, it is. If we don't go to Reavis Falls, do you have any idea what do we do all day, as we would be at Reavis Ranch by lunch, right?

[FOTG]

@tkreagan
The short answer is yes trip is feasible, however, that day two could be a little problematic. Other than that, great choice, great area, has potential to be an awesome trip. But you might want to remain flexible on day two or perhaps modify it. At 2 miles an hour, (which is by no means killing it, but not that slow for that area either) it will take you 12 hours to cover 24 miles and that is with no breaks. If you add in an hour of stoppage time which only amounts to four 15 minute breaks, and no big break at the falls. Now add your additional mile or so, and your climb out of falls, a tad bit of route finding, a lunch break etc your are probably looking at more like a 14 plus hour day. That puts you at ranch somewhere near 9. Now I have no problem running around the Supes at night with a headlamp, however, are you and the rest of your group comfortable with that? It will be 80s group of 8, 25 miles, more aeg than climbing out of the Grand Canyon, hard to believe everyone will be on board for that, even with stashing packs it's an ambitious day..finally, falls will be flowing some I am sure, but prob won't be spectacular..

You def sound like you know what you are doing so good luck will be a great trip, and I am sure you can manage just giving you a few points to ponder, I may have some nice suggestions utilizing that same loop if you want to shoot me a PM. One of my favorite areas have fun..don't forget to hang your food at Reavis ;)

http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=365800

[SuperstitionGuy]

If we don't go to Reavis Falls, do you have any idea what do we do all day, as we would be at Reavis Ranch by lunch, right?

Well you can count the blossoms on the apple trees #1 or you can cross the creek from the site of the old ranch house, climb up to the adjoining mesa and check out the Indian village site that is there. Very few folks have seen or visited them and we could use some pictures of the walls and hooches that are there. Just across the stream and slightly to the left. Have fun....

[SuperstitionGuy]

Also just before you enter Reavis valley you can make a left turn over to another small hilltop Indian village site and see a broken grinding stone metate amongst the ruins and then continue over to the government corral in the little adjoining valley. Lots of interesting things to see around the Reavis valley if you take the time to explore. There is a picture somewhere on HAZ for the corral. I will look for it and post it later.

[SuperstitionGuy]

This trip report and photo set refers to the government corral and has a picture of what may be it.
http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=18040&start=0

And another
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=184531

[nonot]

Reavis Ranch area is nice with the apple trees blossoming, it's worth allocating about an hour to two to just wandering around in the area.

Also, on day 2 you will pass through Fish Creek, you may want to wander downstream a ways before you continue on.

If you head straight to Reavis Ranch, you could probably fit in Circlestone on Day 2, freeing up half of day 3 to do something like hike up Byous Butte or check out Elephant Arch or Woodbury Ranching area or Whetrock Canyon.

On day 2 you could hike up to Reavis Gap and back.

[tkreagan]

Hi,

Just wanted to thank everyone for their help with this. We were out two weeks ago and just had a blast. My friends who were new to backpacking can't wait to go out and do it again. We will certainly be back at some point.

Really, just a terrific resource you guys have here. I made a donation and made sure to make water reports.

Thanks again.

[The_Eagle]

@tkreagan
Would love to see a triplog and Photos of your adventures!