Cabin Loop Mogollon Rim Camping spot

[sajor75]

Next week backpacking in Cabin Loop Mogollon Rim , gona do a loop starting/ending at Washington Park, I read some descriptions but didnt find what i was looking for , im going to do a over nighter what are my camp spot options along the way , would prefer at least 200ft from a water source. Thank you.

[nathanbrisk]

I'll also be there next week--Thursday through Sunday.

A few good spots are Dane Spring, Aspen Spring, and Coyote Spring. You can see a couple of those marked here: https://hikearizona.com/map.php?GPS=37206

You should be able to reach Aspen Spring if you're doing an interior half-loop, or you can hit Dane Spring if you're doing the full loop. Perennial water

That is all I'm familiar with, but I'm sure there are other fine camp sites with water along this loop that can be found by checking water reports and triplogs at https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=797

[flagscott]

Ah, a fellow dry camper. The one time we did this trail, we ended up camping in the bottom of Dane Canyon because it seemed like everywhere the trail hit a ridge, there was someone car camping. If we did this trail again, I think we'd try for the flat spots between Dane Canyon crossing and Dane Spring where the trail is kind of on a ledge, above the water in the bottom of the canyon (it may not be 200', but you're not down in the canyon bottom) and a good ways below any roads on top of the ridge.

Unfortunately, most everywhere else away from water on the Loop has a road nearby (the road map of the area looks like spaghetti--way to do multiple use, Forest Service!). Throughout the loop, there are a number of dry ridge sections, but you will probably have car campers nearby--it might be less busy on weekdays if you can manage that.

[chumley]

Just as a polite reminder, despite the recent rains, that area is currently under Stage I Fire Restrictions (See Forest Order Here). There is nowhere along the Cabin Loop where campfires are currently permitted.

There is a ton of agreeable terrain along the loop for setting up camp. And since you won't need to build or camp by an existing fire ring, your options are nearly endless. Any flat ground should suffice just fine.

[Sredfield]

Be sure to take the new route up the rim from Washington Park. Cross the creek, loop to the right then take an immediate left on the new trail. Bridges coming soon!

[Tough_Boots]

This is probably the most popular summer backpacking area in the state. Throw a rock in any direction and you'll hit a campsite. Though you can camp anywhere flat since you can't have a fire right now anyways-- the ranger in the Baker Butte tower will have your pumpkin.

[sajor75]

Looks like it will be pouring all week long .

[hikeaz]

Looks like it will be pouring all week long .

Solves the water source issue...

[ALMAL]

But on the bright side, you can have a legal fire now...

[flagscott]

But on the bright side, you can have a legal fire now...

Nope. Only in developed campgrounds.

Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit fires, campfires, charcoal, coal stoves and wood stoves, except within certain developed recreation sites.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino ... EPRD549960

[chumley]

Nope

Yup.

[Tough_Boots]

Looks like it will be pouring all week long .

Solves the water source issue...

Was there actually one in the first place?

[flagscott]

Nope

Yup.

Ha, they need to update their website. I couldn't find any mention of the change on the homepage. Not on their twitter either (though it is on Kaibab's).