First backpacking trip

domromer · Post by **domromer** » Aug 16 2005 9:19 pm

I'm want to take my wife on her first backing trip, I plan to go on a saturday and come back sunday. I would like it to be somehwere around water, and not very hard , I want to make her first trip fun. Can anyone offer any good loops for us? we live in Mesa and would like to hike up in the mountains out of the heat

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Aug 16 2005 10:03 pm

Check the hike index, Horton Creek, I think you folks would be very pleased.

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Aug 16 2005 10:18 pm

Horton Creek, Kinder Crossing or a portion of Mainstem Black River might be worth a look.

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Aug 17 2005 6:33 am

I concur with the above suggestions...

You don't mention when you're heading out, but be alert to the mountain storms 'til about Sept 1st.

kurt

mttgilbert · Post by **mttgilbert** » Aug 17 2005 11:24 am

My votes would go to horton creek or kinder crossing also, but like Kurt said, watch out for the weather!

AZHikr4444 · Post by **AZHikr4444** » Aug 17 2005 1:56 pm

A real easy trail is Telephone Ridge up in Chevelon Canyon. Check out the hike description- its short and easy, has an element of adventure, and there is a sweet camp spot right next to the winding creek. Best of all- its not as likely to be as crowded as Horton or Kinder Crossing. Besides a few disgruntled trout fisherman, you are likely to have it to yourselves.

-Mike

te_wa · Post by **te_wa** » Aug 17 2005 2:55 pm

solitude=south. Head down to Tucson area for some of the best mountains in the SW. Try Ash Creek closer to Safford, its a hoot.

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Aug 17 2005 5:21 pm

I was at Kinder Crossing (among other places) while camping last week. You will need high clearance and maybe 4x4 vehicle to access. The road to the turn off is in great shape and a car can make it. Its when you turn off there are a few areas that may cause access problems. You can park a car at Horton Creek trailhead.

Trishness · Post by **Trishness** » Aug 17 2005 7:49 pm

I know of a sweet spot up off FR 95 (past Kinder Crossing) that has a spring and is only about 1-2 miles to backpack into. Very little elevation gain/loss but under a canopy of pines.

PM me if you want you directions

:mrgreen:

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Aug 18 2005 6:48 am

Know the place to Trishness, The Blue Ridge area is a great place to explore.

domromer · Post by **domromer** » Aug 18 2005 7:47 am

Horton Creek sounds nice, are there places to camp up there? Not in official campgounds with rv's I mean, somewhere on the trail

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Aug 18 2005 11:00 am

domromer wrote:Horton Creek sounds nice, are there places to camp up there? Not in official campgounds with rv's I mean, somewhere on the trail

Right near the spring there is a small camp, and then just downhill of where Horton Creek & Highline Traiils meet there is a larger one.
Also, you might consider doing a loop hike to Horton, utilizing the Derrick Trail for outbound or return.
Link here >
http://www.azcentral.com/travel/hiking/ ... ywalk.html
A portion of the lower Horton Trail is actually an old road & is quite rocky, don't be discouraged though, as it turns nicer as you climb. You may want to stop periodically as you will have the creek next to you from time-to-time.

kurt

First backpacking trip

First backpacking trip

Re: First backpacking trip