February Backpacking

[keepmoving]

Hey everyone! I'm gonna be back in Tucson visiting friends and family for a good chunk of February and looking to take a couple of friends backpacking. They are both novice backpackers so I'm not looking for anything too strenuous and it needs to be dog friendly. Ideally 10-15 miles round trip would be perfect for them. I'm looking for suggestions for anything between Apache Junction and Tucson area, but would be willing to travel further if anyone has any must-see type recommendations. Since it's been 7 years now since I've lived in Tucson my memory is pretty rusty.

Currently I'm leaning towards hiking into the Superstitions from the First Water Trailhead since there are a couple different options to form loops of varying lengths. Any thoughts?

[keepmoving]

@joebartels
That does look intriguing, but I agree it might be a bit too much for beginners. I might just have to add it onto my own personal to do list for while I am in town. I think at the moment I am leaning towards doing the Boulder Canyon Loop since I've never done any backpacking in the Superstitions.

[ALMAL]

@keepmoving
Are you available weekdays? The western Superstitions can be a little bit busy on weekends this time of year, though if you get a few miles out it's generally a lot more peaceful.

You can't go wrong with this Marsh Valley campsite in February! [ photo ]

[SuperstitionGuy]

Or you could go a little bit higher and spend the night on Black Top Mesa and watch the Moon set late that evening.
It is a magical place on that mesa overlooking Weavers Needle..... Just sayin.........

[SAMBA]

Does it have to be a backpack, or would your newbie friends be happy car camping in a spectacular area and day hiking from there? If so, then might I suggest camping on the rim of Parker Canyon, and then exploring some of what the Sierra Anchas has to offer. Just a thought.

[keepmoving]

@ALMAL
WOW!!!! You sold me on the loop with that picture- that looks amazing!

@SuperstitionGuy
Blacktop Mesa also sounds good. I wonder if I can convince my friends to expand this to a 2 night journey...