backpacking itch between xmas and new years, AZ

[sdhiker123]

I've got to itch to hit the trails for a few days. I have off between xmas and new years. Looking for suggestions for a 4 day 3 night trip that will have water along the way. I can handle 7-10 miles per day, maybe more if it's flat. A loop is really preferable

I appreciate any suggestions, kind of last minute idea a buddy and me had.

I'm driving out from san diego

Thanks!

[Stavman]

Lots of Hikes starting in the Sups.
1st water trail head is a good starting spot.. Many Loops you can do for short to long trips
March Valley has LOTS of added trails on it
https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=644
These routs have many options to try
https://hikearizona.com/map.php?DR=1149 ... 5,8928&M=3

Charlbois is also a Good area starting from 1st Water or even down south at Peralta TH
https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=25
https://hikearizona.com/map.php?DR=7632 ... ,11575&M=3

Just a couple Ideas... Ill be doing Marsh Valley myself soon

[sdhiker123]

awesome, thanks for the ideas

[sdhiker123]

Do I need to stop at a station to get a parking permit? I have a California adventure pass for all parks. I doubt it goes for AZ

[CannondaleKid]

Do I need to stop at a station to get a parking permit?

Parking is free at all Superstition Wilderness trail heads.
(Only one exception... Siphon Draw TH in the Lost Dutchman State Park)

[sdhiker123]

@CannondaleKid

do you know if dogs are allowed? I'm debating bringing my pup, she's a good trail dog, just don't want to get kicked off or piss anyone off

and thanks for the info!

[Stavman]

Worst case is they must be on a leash... Ive never seen any signs of No dogs... but I was wrong once in my Life.... was so long ago I forget what it was

[Tough_Boots]

I hike with my dog all over the Superstitions. There's nowhere off-limits to dogs in that wilderness area.

[Weezerbot]

I'm not really familiar with the Sups, but my roommate and I are looking to camp on Flatiron for the New Year....is there any kind of loop trail that can be done with this, or is the only option up and back? I'd like to add an additional night of camping somewhere coming off Flatiron, but if not then we will just have to live with the 1 night.

[Tough_Boots]

@Weezerbot
You could do a shuttle and hike the entire ridgeline coming down at Carney or connect all the way to Fremont Saddle via the Dacite or Robber's Roost routes and come down the Peralta Trail. There's a nice campsite not too far past the Flatiron on the ridgeline route. Camping your second night near Robber's Roost would likely be your best option for a good water source. After all this rain, there will no doubt be plenty of water collected in the the roost.

[Weezerbot]

Thank you for the info, I'll look at those trails now!

[nonot]

You can camp near Flatiron and near the Carney springs descent with care (the camping is not great but there are spots flat enough to put up a tent), however there is really no water anywhere on the ridgeline so that's asking a lot to carry 2-3 days of water with you. If you go off trail towards the Massacre Falls (see the "Reverse Flatiron" hike description) you may find water there if it has rained recently, but I don't think you really want to do that with a backpack.

I'm not really familiar with the Sups, but my roommate and I are looking to camp on Flatiron for the New Year....is there any kind of loop trail that can be done with this, or is the only option up and back? I'd like to add an additional night of camping somewhere coming off Flatiron, but if not then we will just have to live with the 1 night.

[sdhiker123]

@Tough_Boots
thanks for the info...my 1st foray was moved back. Now going in 2 weeks. probably only be 3 full days of hiking, maybe an extra half day