Solo backpacking in Superstition Mountain area

[cycle87]

Hi there. I started backpacking this year, I have completed a couple of backpacking trips with some folks from Meet-up, The thing is I don't have any backpacking buddy to go with this time this month(the week of Christmas) , so I am debating myself if I could go out alone for a few days in the area(maybe 2~3 nights out there with > 20~30 miles total). Is this doable? any risk that I have to be aware of? Your advice is highly appreciated. thank you.

Kenny

[cycle87]

I don't have Garmin GPS or PLB like SPOT or something, but I plan to bring my smartphone with some apps like Route Scout,etc with a printed map of Green Trails Map and a compass. This should be good enough for this 1st solo backpacking in the wilderness in terms of route finding?

[joebartels]

I'd take the Beartooth - Superstition Wilderness Outdoor Recreation Map for backup. It's available at REI too.
waterproof - tear resistant

[chumley]

I plan to bring my smartphone with some apps like Route Scout

Nothing wrong with this option --- except you should be comfortable with the amount of time your battery will last for and prepare with a backup if needed. There's no signal out there except on some of the peaks.

[outdoor_lover]

And if you find you want to get Water just a tad sooner than LaBarge, you will be passing Charlebois as well...You can stop there and fill up if you like, there will be Water there as well. And if you're tired, you can Camp there too. Lots of Spots in there to Camp, as well as at LaBarge, which is less than 2 Miles further down the Dutchman Trail....

[cycle87]

Thank you guys for all the helpful comments and advice.

[big_load]

And if you find you want to get Water just a tad sooner than LaBarge, you will be passing Charlebois as well...

And that one is like a pond or fountain. OK, not a fountain, but at least a good-sized pool.

[Tough_Boots]

but it's not like a fountain or a pond.

but it is a big concrete box filled to the brim with water

[big_load]

but it's not like a fountain or a pond.

but it is a big concrete box filled to the brim with water

True, but you have to climb up a bit to see that.

[Dreamsintrees]

I've backpacked several times solo and I'm a girl and I've been fine. You can do it.

[cycle87]

Yes, I think I can do it,but I know it is much safer to be with a buddy just in case. Anyone to join?

[outdoor_lover]

@cycle87
I would be Tempted, but I'm still trying to Heal up from an Injury and I have to be really good until my Event New Year's Day...If you're looking for People to go with you, you can Post an Event here.... viewforum.php?f=4 You might get some Takers...Hard to say with the Holiday, but try it!

[cycle87]

@Outdoor Lover
That's good advice. I will post there. didn't know that there is such place to post an event

[te_wa]

having a little difficulty on Calvary Trail

what, did he spell Cavalry wrong?

[big_load]

having a little difficulty on Calvary Trail

Probably not as much difficulty as the last guy had.

[AZDigger]

Excellent thread, lots of good advice. I saw a comment somewhere in the thread about novice hikers, and over weight packs. Could you maybe elaborate a bit on what constitutes a "Heavy Pack". I am new to what I call organized backpacking, meaning using actual equipment designed for the sport. I'm middle aged, 61, and would also like to do solo trips to the desert where I live in Mohave County, and later this spring in the Supes. My biggest problem here is water, because there isn't any. I routinely carry 140 oz which gives me an overall weight of 40 lbs and a range of barely two days. Assuming water was available on the trail, what is an acceptable load out for a three day trip as described in the above thread, and how much water would you start out with at the TH?

[hikeaz]

take Edward Abbey. Henry Thoreau. Walt Whitman. and some 'Stones. those are all the people you'll need. relax after sunset with a small fire, a can of TenFidy, and talk to the hillsides.

Gotta love TenFidy! Bring a book or books, and plenty of headlamp battery life.

[nonot]

Excellent thread, lots of good advice. I saw a comment somewhere in the thread about novice hikers, and over weight packs. Could you maybe elaborate a bit on what constitutes a "Heavy Pack". I am new to what I call organized backpacking, meaning using actual equipment designed for the sport. I'm middle aged, 61, and would also like to do solo trips to the desert where I live in Mohave County, and later this spring in the Supes. My biggest problem here is water, because there isn't any. I routinely carry 140 oz which gives me an overall weight of 40 lbs and a range of barely two days. Assuming water was available on the trail, what is an acceptable load out for a three day trip as described in the above thread, and how much water would you start out with at the TH?

For beginners, aim for a TOTAL pack weight, including water and food, of about 25-35 lbs. For a 2 day trip in Arizona that means your core (not including food/water) should be in the 15-20 lb range. For most people, getting the backpack+sleeping bag+shelter is doable in the range of about 6-8 lbs, with another 8-11 lbs or so of clothes, cooking gear, water treatment, personal items, GPS/camera, and "extras". That leaves about 2 lbs for whatever you consider a luxury item. I would characterize ultralight in the total range of 20-25 lbs, and superultralight at a total weight under 20 lbs. Its more difficult in Arizona simply because you do have to carry more water here than in other parts of the country. If you are carrying 8 lbs of water, 12 lbs for everything else is pretty tight, especially during winter.

In the winter and early spring, multiday Superstitions trips almost always can be done without having to carry two days of water. Just pick routes that go by water sources, and track which creeks are flowing.

[big_load]

In the winter and early spring, multiday Superstitions trips almost always can be done without having to carry two days of water

There are lots of good trips that can be done with less water, especially at the right times of year, but being willing to carry two days opens even more options.

[AZDigger]

Very helpful, thank you.
Guess I need to start sorting my gear and eliminating nonessentials. Having spent 15 years in SAR, it's difficult to leave some gear behind.

[SuperstitionGuy]

Having spent 15 years in SAR, it's difficult to leave some gear behind.

Just be sure to take what you need to self rescue yourself as the Pinal County SAR team has a somewhat spotty record of finding persons. ;)