Out of Towners need advice/suggestions

[twere]

Hi all, i am taking my gf out backpacking for her birthday in mid-march, first we'll be checking out Antelope Canyon & Rainbow Bridge, and the plan was a little too last minute to do any hiking in the Grand Canyon (i've heard you need reservations a long while in advance). Antelope Canyon & Rainbow Bridge will be nice to see, and short affairs and we're wanting to do a two day backpacking trip to sort of cap off the trip. We are willing to head south to the Phoenix area to hike in one of the Forests around there, in fact that's mostly where i've been looking. However, the research I've been doing has honestly just been contradicting itself: i found what i thought may be a promising trail with LaBarge Boulder Canyon Loop, one website stating it was roughly 22 miles, but then i find someone describes it as just under 8 miles and more of a day hike.

Basically I'm hoping folks who are more familiar with the area & some of the longer, prettier hikes might be able to recommend somethings for a mid-March hike for two intermediate hikers who don't mind a challenge.

Thanks in advance!

[SuperstitionGuy]

Whatever you plan have a plan A and plan B based on weather. That time of year you can be very cold and wet or hot and sweaty. Therefore be prepared by having two locations/routes researched in advance.

[AZLumberjack]

@twere
If you're looking for a quick overnighter in the Superstitions area try the Hackberry Spring area, it has numerous camping areas with firepits and close to First Water Creek. Pitch the tent then take a scenic hike down the creek and back or hike up to Garden Valley. The area is prone to fairly heavy traffic on the weekends though. https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=609

Another overnight could be Boulder Basin out of First Water TH, a simple five mile hike takes you to Ayler's Camp at the base of Palomino Mtn and along Boulder Creek in East Boulder Canyon. Numerous short day-hikes from this spot and not a lot of hiker traffic. https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=226

If you're more adventurous try Charlebois Spring from First Water TH. It's a bit over eight miles each way but offers great scenery and several camping spots along LaBarge Creek. https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=25

There's too many more to list and all are good.

[twere]

@AZLumberjack
Thank you kindly, I appreciate the help!

[ALMAL]

Good plan B might be Boulder Canyon Loop (11.5 miles) or Marsh Valley Loop (about 16 miles). Both will almost definitely have available water along the way and both offer options for day excursions from base camp.