Overnight backpack trip this weekend from Phoenix

[jdcollard]

Hello, we are looking for a backpack trip this weekend. We can't leave until about 5pm on Friday and considering traffic, I figure we would leave Saturday morning. Any suggestions? I think it's still suppose to be pretty warm next weekend. We have done the cabin loop so was hoping for something different. Thanks!

[chumley]

You might consider looking at the Sycamore Rim Loop. Some may find it a bit short for a backpack, but you can explore more down into the canyon a bit if you're feeling adventurous.
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=127

Or you could combine the loop backpack with a short entry/exit day plus add a trip up Bill Williams Mtn, or something near Dogtown Reservoir and Davenport Hill.

That area is gently rolling with lots of ponderosa. Off-trail linking isn't usually too tough and there are a lot of forest roads too. But there are some pockets of private property to keep an eye out for as you might hit a fence or gate along the way if you're just going cross-country.

[chumley]

Just thought of another option. Again, distance is a little bit short but there are a lot of connecting trail options to make more out of it. This one will give you much more elevation gain than Sycamore Rim.

Lemmon Loop: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=19425

Add Aspen/Marshal Gulch for extra mileage. Marshall is a beautiful trail along a drainage that may be flowing.

Start with the Aspen Draw trail instead of driving to the top if you want an extra mile or two in shaded forest and some extra gain too.

Wilderness of Rocks is awesome.

The views from Lemmon Rock Lookout are worth the price of admission (though you're not actually permitted to visit the lookout anymore).

[nonot]

I would be interested in any reports of people making a backpack out of the WOR loop during the summer. I have always struggled with two issues - the overnight parking rules are very confusing, and the fact that there doesn't seem to be good camping until you descend about 2000-3000 ft where it seems too hot right now.

FWIW I would also add West Clear Creek but some parts are closed now due to fire, and I'm not sure which parts are open and which parts are downwind of the smoke.

Just thought of another option. Again, distance is a little bit short but there are a lot of connecting trail options to make more out of it. This one will give you much more elevation gain than Sycamore Rim.

Lemmon Loop: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=19425

Add Aspen/Marshal Gulch for extra mileage. Marshall is a beautiful trail along a drainage that may be flowing.

Start with the Aspen Draw trail instead of driving to the top if you want an extra mile or two in shaded forest and some extra gain too.

Wilderness of Rocks is awesome.

The views from Lemmon Rock Lookout are worth the price of admission (though you're not actually permitted to visit the lookout anymore).

[wha]

I would be interested in any reports of people making a backpack out of the WOR loop during the summer. I have always struggled with two issues - the overnight parking rules are very confusing, and the fact that there doesn't seem to be good camping until you descend about 2000-3000 ft where it seems too hot right now.

I went the middle of August 3 years ago. Didn't have any trouble parking overnight at the TH at the top. Temperatures weren't that bad, mid 50's over night low. Right now might be hot. I was up there today, took a break at Marshall Saddle and it was 90 in the shade, but then it's been a rather warm several days.

[sajor75]

Horton Springs is a great place for a over night hike and backpack, thats where im heading for an over night this weekday.