Advice for early Oct trip

[njuneja]

Hi All... so glad to find this forum! Hoping I could get some advice/recommendations for an upcoming trip. A friend and I will be flying into Phoenix for the first weekend of Oct, have Saturday to Tuesday to spend outside and looking for a 4 day/3 night backpacking trip or 3day/2 night with a day hike after.

We both have a good amount of backcountry experience, but mostly in the Rockies/Sierras. Have both backpacked the grand canyon w a group, but never backpacking on our own in this area.

We were thinking of doing something in the superstitions, but really up for anywhere within 2-3 hour drive of phoenix. Not used to having to carry as much water/worry about water sources from where we've backpacked before so that's our primary concern in picking a route as well as preferring less crowded and scenic areas. And trying to get a better sense of temperatures/heat that early in fall.

Any recommendations appreciated!

Thanks

[joebartels]

@njuneja
A shorter 17 mile option in the eastern Superstitions is https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=724
On that page in the upper right ( desktop / laptop ) is a link for "Historical Weather"
On mobile it's under the forecast tab
Water is usually dependable crossing Reavis Creek mid loop.

You can make the loop larger or loop other areas utilizing
https://hikearizona.com/map.php?X=17
Historical Weather is available at the red crosshair by selecting the Options menu then historical

Keep in mind this is 4WD Recommended. I've accessed in 2WD high clearance but there is one hill and a couple creek crossings that will own light footed drivers and forget it if it's storming.

3 most Reliable Springs - Superstition Wilderness
https://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=6482
You should be able to figure out western loops from the above map. Peralta & First Water Trailheads are 2WD accessible, high clearance when wet.

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If you're up for 5 hours away with 4WD and less company ( all the above is popular )
This https://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=37591 with a triplog attached below is a nice option.
Several other viewpoints are accessible utilizing

triplog-partners.png (9.82 KiB) Viewed 712 times

Photos along the route on this trip https://hikearizona.com/map.php?PSID=37591&GPS=30345

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Lots of 3 day options in Oct, the above are just examples to help you understand HAZ if other ideas surface.

[SuperstitionGuy]

If you happen to hike through Reavis Ranch look out for this guy... https://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=284027

Sometimes you have to look up to find him.... https://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=217138

And not only in apple trees... https://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=153156

[RowdyandMe]

@SuperstitionGuy
Who is it anyway?

[Tough_Boots]

October can still have temperatures that are uncomfortably hot in the Superstitions. I would keep a backup plan such as the Mazatzals or even doing the Highline or a section of it.

[njuneja]

October can still have temperatures that are uncomfortably hot in the Superstitions. I would keep a backup plan such as the Mazatzals or even doing the Highline or a section of it.

Thanks, we are definitely trying to come with backups to Superstitions in case it's too hot.

Any recommended loops or sections of the Mazatzals or Highline that you like?

[njuneja]

@joebartels
Thanks, appreciate it!

[Tough_Boots]

Any recommended loops or sections of the Mazatzals or Highline that you like?

In the Mazatzals, you could try something like this. Extend a little bit south on the Divide for a night and a little bit north on the Divide for a second night and you'll have water at Bear Spring and Horse Camp Seep.

[ Mazatzal Peak Loop ]

Or you could do Peeley to Rock Creek as a shuttle.

For the Highline, you could do the whole thing in four days...

[flagscott]

The Mazatzal Peak loop is great, but if you are fit, you may find it too short for a 3-day trip. We did the extended loop with the 2 springs as an overnighter, and I'd consider it on the easy side for overnighters. (If you're not fit or need time to acclimatize to elevation, than 3 days would probably work)

As for the Highline, meh. If you've traveled extensively in the Rockies, Sierras, and Grand Canyon, I suspect you'd find the scenery underwhelming. It's nice, but the Mazzies are better.

Another fun option that you could easily stretch into 3-4 days would be something around Sycamore Canyon near Sedona. There's a loop that incorporates Casner Mountain and the middle part of Sycamore Canyon that has a mix of trail, fun non-technical canyon walking, and a very scenic roadwalk. There are other options for loop hikes in this area, and you could even extend the hike by a day or two by exploring the northern part of the canyon, where there are reliable springs and more trails. PM me if you want more suggestions. https://hikearizona.com/map.php?GPS=33010