Suggestions for moderate 2-night BP with Scouts in April

[bcanode]

Our Scout troop is going to Philmont this summer and we want to do a shakedown/training hike in early April. Ideally, it would be 2-nights and should be moderately difficult. It's a group of 11 so large sites would be helpful. The boys are 15-16 and in good shape. The biggest requirement is reliable water. Also, the leaders have pickups but not 4x4's so access via Jeep roads probably wouldn't work.

Anybody have any suggestions? This seems like a tricky time to go. It could be really warm in the desserts or it could be freezing at elevation. Not sure where would be best.

[chumley]

I don't know if you saw the sticky post at the top of the Backpacking forum. It has a bunch of the most popular backpacking options that people often ask about: https://hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=9778

April eliminates many of them and it sounds like all the beginner ones are going to be far too easy for your group.

With a group that size I think Reavis Ranch should be a good option. If you want to be a little more adventurous, you can start at the Campaign Trailhead instead of either end of the Reavis Ranch trail.

Unless we don't see another drop of rain between now and then, there should be plenty of water throughout the Supes, and there is always water at Reavis Ranch.

[bcanode]

@chumley
Thanks for the response. I did look through the list in the sticky. It is a great list, but nothing especially stood out for this specific trip, so I thought I'd ask.

Reavis is a good suggestion. The troop went there last March but just as a one night out and back from the Reavis TH. I'd like them to get more experience setting up and taking down camp quickly which is why I'd like to make it a 2 night trip. It might be hard to make it to Reavis Ranch in the dark on a Friday night in the dark. Maybe there is a way to camp part way in the first night and then hike to the Ranch but camp somewhere further the second night?

How accessible is the Campaign TH? I know Rogers Trough is 4wd only road, so we've always done Reavis from the north. Other than Reavis, I'm pretty unfamiliar with the eastern Sups, but it looks interesting - especially the ruins near Angel Basin.

[SuperstitionGuy]

If you want a quick backpack to your campsite Friday night park at the horse lot of the First Water Trail Head and camp at Hackberry Spring. Just be sure to get up at the crack of dawn, make your breakfast and break camp as fast as you can as day hikers will soon arrive and the trail goes right through the campsite. You can make the clockwise loop, explore the mine just east of the loop, cut across Garden Valley and then spend the second night on top of Black Top Mesa as very few backpackers camp there but it is a great place to enjoy the sundown, nightly stars and sunrise. There will be no firewood on Black Top Mesa so if you want a campfire gather it up before you get there. I suggest you day hike the entire trip before you do the backpack trip however. I have more than just a little experience working with Scout Troops in the Sups and I always recommend that the leaders know the way before they take their Troops on the same route. If necessary you could check out the entire route in two day hikes.

[chumley]

How accessible is the Campaign TH?

It's strictly 4x4.

@friendofthundergod has a track posted for a possible option from Woodbury TH. Not sure if it's too aggressive of a plan for your group or not. There should be ample water along the way.
Day 1 is a short 5.5 miles to Angel Basin.
Day 2 is 9 miles to Reavis Ranch.
Day 3 is 11 miles back to Woodbury, but it's mostly downhill (and includes a section of road hiking down from Rogers Trough).

https://hikearizona.com/gps=26357

[Nighthiker]

When I was in the scouts one of the trips was dropped off at Sun Flower on Friday afternoon. Hike to Bushnell Tank and spend the night. Following day hiked to the site of Camp Reno and spent the night. Following day hiked out to Punkin Center.

Another trip was dropped off at First Water and hiked to Garden Valley and spent the night and then the following day over to Boulder Canyon and spent the night. This trip was short distance we had first timers including scout leaders. and we also incorporated some signaling and map and compass.

I would plan a couple of trips in case the weather would be a factor then you have an alternative.