3 day backpack from Miles Ranch - loop preferred

mr_squishy · Post by **mr_squishy** » Nov 07 2017 9:28 pm

I'm planning to drive to Miles Ranch TH Sunday, then leave early Monday for a three day backpack. I don't need to drive back until Thursday, so a later arrival back at the TH on Wednesday is not a problem. I don't mind 10+ mile days.
I see many possibilities on the map, but am looking for suggestions.

te_wa · Post by **te_wa** » Nov 08 2017 4:49 pm

i think w. pinto trail to the pinto divide, down to campaign intersection with fireline is a good first day. camp in the small pines on south side of hill. take fireline to reavis (southern ranch area) then continue south on the 109 until you get to the south side of iron mountain on the w. pinto trail again. camp at the saddle. then take the trail 9 miles back to your car.
day one: 6.5 miles
day two: ~9.5
day three: 8.3

water is downtream on campaign trail in pools near brushy spring, if you need it. Reavis is good. fill up here. Roger's spring MAY have water, for the final push back to Miles.

mr_squishy · Post by **mr_squishy** » Nov 09 2017 12:49 pm

@te_wa
Thanks! I'm also considering the Eastern Superstitions Superloop as described in Tony Padegimas' Tonto NF guide. But the first day is about 16 miles, I believe.

FOTG · Post by **FOTG** » Nov 09 2017 1:07 pm

@Mr_Squishy
Although there is a chance for a little war somewhere along Frog Tanks, I would fill up at Rogers Trough on your first day and then be somewhat prepared to not find any water until you get back into the Reavis Ranch area on day two (if sticking to the loop in the book you described) Figure a dry camp near Angel Basin on day one and then approximately a long half a day of hiking without water (potentially) on day two.

When you get to the intersection with Rough Canyon along Frog Tanks there are a few deeper pot holes that hold water for a long time up Rough canyon, if in a pinch, you might want to check these out. Prob about .1 to .2 up canyon....

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Nov 09 2017 1:36 pm

Generally water a short way down Fish Creek from Froggy.....

rcorfman · Post by **rcorfman** » Nov 09 2017 9:58 pm

friendofThundergod wrote:I would fill up at Rogers Trough on your first day

I assume you mean at nearby Roger's Spring?

Homework Hikes, Grand Enchantment Trail Facebook page, Nov. 3 wrote:Rogers Spring- Bone Dry, but if you follow the pipe up the canyon there's a small pool you can collect from.

FOTG · Post by **FOTG** » Nov 10 2017 7:04 pm

@rcorfman Cool you found a water report, now try to be useful and relay it to the guy doing the backpack...

3 day backpack from Miles Ranch - loop preferred

3 day backpack from Miles Ranch - loop preferred

Re: 3 day backpack from Miles Ranch - loop preferred

Re: 3 day backpack from Miles Ranch - loop preferred

Re: 3 day backpack from Miles Ranch - loop preferred

Re: 3 day backpack from Miles Ranch - loop preferred

Re: 3 day backpack from Miles Ranch - loop preferred

Re: 3 day backpack from Miles Ranch - loop preferred