Backpacking supes solo, 1st time

[pup]

Hello HAZ been lurking and researching for a while but haven't found any info in this subject. Due to my work schedule it's hard to find anyone to backpack with. I've never backpacked before and I'm looking to do the supes alone for one night. I feel a bit nervous about it but I see no other option. Plan was peralta TH to Dutchman east camp at White Rock springs. Then loop by way of Dutchman east then south back to peralta TH.

what's everyone's thoughts on backpacking solo in the superstitions? My biggest concern is is safety of course. All the what if scenarios I think of (snake bite, falls, injury) seem to compound by not utilizing the buddy system. But like I said I see no other option.

What's your thoughts HAZ? Thanks.

[RowdyandMe]

@Mike90
Route? When are you planning to do this?

[big_load]

You'll probably live. Most of us did, so far anyway. Seriously, though, the Supes are a fine place to start, especially if you already have plenty of dayhiking experience and you're familiar with the area.

[pup]

Thanks for the replies. I'd like to do this starting 3/26 or 3/27 if anyone wants to join.

Day hike experience: check
Supes experience: only hike flatiron.

Route:
[ Route Editor ]

[ALMAL]

@Mike90
Try the Marsh Valley Loop, from First Water - counter clockwise. About 15-16 miles total. There are great campsites along the Cavalry trail, near the White Rock Springs area you mentioned. There is plenty of water of course.

[nathanbrisk]

IMHO . . . backpacking alone isn't a good idea. Ridin solo can turn simple setbacks or unpleasant encounters into a fatal end. But maybe it will suit you well, and it's unlikely that you'll be alone on the trails, and the conditions are dang near perfect. Read up

[RedRoxx44]

You will probably do fine as long as you don't let your mind mess with you and just relax and enjoy. I've hiked and backpacked and driven many a lonely dirt road solo. It's not a lot of people's cup of tea but I thrive on the areas I go that I see no one, sometimes for days. It's the most free I have ever felt.

[mirage1]

I hope it goes smoothly for you if you’re already out there! I’ve only done one solo backpacking trip, but my next will probably be in the Superstitions. It’s such a gorgeous place.

[pup]

Hi HAZ everything went well on my trip. I met Ranger Lou who was extremely helpful and even let me borrow a trekking pole. It was a great experience being the only one out on the trail for hours at a time. Saw some day hikers, horse riders, and even met up with some backpackers later in the evening. Water was everywhere and plentiful. I'll have to find the Charlebois concrete tub/pipes that I see on the site for later use when the water in the creeks/streams dry up. On that note, how long will all this water last? Secondly, is there water at labarge year round? Maybe by that time of the year I'll switch my backpacking location to up north? At any rate I had a great time. Thanks HAZ, looking forward to more adventures.

[ALMAL]

@Mike90
You should post a triplog and photos.

[pup]

You should post a triplog and photos.

triplog posted, sorry I didn't take any photos.

https://hikearizona.com/x.php?x=164451

[joebartels]

how long will all this water last?

easy to find in creeks without any more rain, maybe a few weeks

is there water at labarge year round?

reported dry once
[ LaBarge Spring ]

Maybe by that time of the year I'll switch my backpacking location to up north?

wise choice

Thanks for adding the detailed triplog!
I linked the three major trails you traveled so it shows up on those guide pages, likewise you should see green checks on those for that area
[ 3 Typically Reliable Water Sources - ... :: map ]

[pup]

Thanks for adding the detailed triplog!
I linked the three major trails you traveled so it shows up on those guide pages, likewise you should see green checks on those for that area
[ 3 Typically Reliable Water Sources - ... :: map ]

Sweet deal. Hopefully these resources will help others in the future. I know it did for me.

[wildwesthikes]

@Mike90 I saw all your water reports from 3/25 - 3/26 -- thank you for that, now I know I don't have to walk all the way to Charlie boi this weekend :P ...How did the trip go?

[pup]

How did the trip go?

Went well thank you for asking. Saw the Supes for the first time, got to see running water everywhere from which I understand is a rarity. All in all great trip, feel free to check out my triplog a few posts up.

I don't have to walk all the way to Charlie boi

Yes, water everywhere along with all the campsites scattered between Peralta TH and CB. Enjoy it while it lasts. One of the posts above believes water will soon disappear within a couple weeks.