Trans-Supes hike, November 2nd-5th

[te_wa]

this hike starts at Miles trailhead and ends at First Water trailhead, 3 nights, 4 days. 50+ miles of Superstitions paradise.
day 1 is a 10 mile strenuous hike ending for a night at Reavis Ranch
day 2 is a 14-16 mile moderate hike ending at Dripping spring (Fraser canyon)
day 3 is a 10 mile moderate hike ending at Charlebois spring
day 4 is a moderate/easy 9 miles out to First Water

This hike will be physically demanding and is not for the inexperienced... Superstition Wilderness is rugged wild land and if you are up to the challenge of long days and sometimes strenuous hiking, get on in here. IF you have ANY doubts about your ability to finish this hike then you probably shouldnt attend. This is a serious commitment, 50 miles is a long, long way.

[Davis2001r6]

Hey Mike,

Any chance of posting where you plan on water being along the trail. I know if could carry a bit, but I'm curious as to the rough estimate.

I have a very busy schedule for that time period, but if the chosen dates work out I would be very interested.

-TIM-

[te_wa]

as most of you know, you can expect water sources in the Supes to be few and far in-between. There are numerous springs* that dry up seasonally and as well most of the "creeks" that flow only do so for a short time, after rains. THIS is one major factor that makes hiking in the Supes seem much more difficult than other parts of the state. November is a fairly dry month and many areas will be dry. Here's a short list of areas with either seasonal springs or permanent water sources:
West Pinto creek
Reavis creek
Angel Basin?
Randolf Canyon?
Fraser canyon
LaBarge spring
Kane spring
Charlebois
Second Water
many creek crossings.

the ? marks are areas that are seasonally dry but will likely contain water in November. That being said, allow yourself a 1 gallon per day capacity. Even if you dont carry 1 gallon, bring a container. From what Ive been subjected to out there, when you find water FILL UP.
*these are usually not true springs fed from an underground aquifer, but merely seeps from rainfall trapped in the hills.

[hikeaz]

Good job, Mike.
The main thing to me is having water @ camp (I am part camel - so a quart or two a day suits me just fine).
The Marsh Valley Spring (White something?) is pretty much defunct these days.
All of the planned camps mentioned have perennial water, so we should be good. Any other sources along the hiking route that have some will be "found money".
There is water (off of this route some) @ Reed's Water, Whiskey Sp. and various others as a fail-safe.
Granted, overall, water can be scarce, but it's generally not too far away; especially if you go light.

[Davis2001r6]

Thanks Mike (and Kurt),

Just hope the dates work out for me now.

[te_wa]

seems like there is a small group of non-violent protestors that insist on November 2-5th. If I have to face Andrew and Wally on this issue, Id rather bend than break.
serioulsy, November 2-5th is a great time. remember tho, nothing is set in stone. (unless Andrew and Wally come around this way)
I hope that all of you can get in on this, it will be a hike to remember.

[fairweather8588]

What kinda food do you guys take on these long hikes? I've always wondered. Never been out hiking for that long. I'm an overnight kinda guy

Lots of energy bars and pop tarts (as Mike will confirm, that's mostly what I'll eat on the trail)

[nonot]

Provided the date doesn't turn out to be some terrible conflict, I'm in!

Hope you get those plane tickets Desertroux, I remember you guys talking about this one on every trip so far.

[djui5]

About the dates, if any of you are into the Lost Dutchman mine we are having an annual Rendezvous on October 26 - 27 - 28. It will be held at the Don's Camp this year. If people wanted to attend that, we could do the hike the week before, ending on the 26th, then go to the Rendezvous from there. Just a thought. Joe, I hope you attend this year

Thanks for the replies about the food

[joebartels]

Wish I could attend both of the events! If I win the Powerball (unlikely minus the actual purchasing a ticket feature) I'm in, otherwise I'll probably just get to read about 'em like most.

Figure any days I squeak out will be devoted to Autumn displays \:D/

[Desertroux]

Hope you get those plane tickets Desertroux, I remember you guys talking about this one on every trip so far.

Yeah this has been in the works for quite some time. I am pretty sure there is no way I am going to miss this one. Already gave more than fair warning to my wife, for the kids and my Dad, for the tickets. I will probably stay at the resort next to Mikes house. I work there right now so I should get some supreme courtesy on a visit.

This will be the first trip that I might make all my own entree's for. I will still use cliff bars, cheese, gorp, and meat stx for daily fuel. Dinner could be all homemade for this one. Mole' Penne Chili anyone? Or perhaps Gruyere Chipolte Polenta with Shrimp. The Chef in me is getting sick of lame trail food. Who knows, if I get some recipes down I will share some samples.....

[hikeaz]

seems like there is a small group of non-violent protestors that insist on November 2-5th. If I have to face Andrew and Wally on this issue, Id rather bend than break.
serioulsy, November 2-5th is a great time. remember tho, nothing is set in stone. (unless Andrew and Wally come around this way)
I hope that all of you can get in on this, it will be a hike to remember.

[wallyfrack]

seems like there is a small group of non-violent protestors that insist on November 2-5th. If I have to face Andrew and Wally on this issue, Id rather bend than break.
serioulsy, November 2-5th is a great time. remember tho, nothing is set in stone. (unless Andrew and Wally come around this way)
I hope that all of you can get in on this, it will be a hike to remember.

I'm pretty open Oct/Nov so as long I know a few weeks in advance I can make most any weekend work other than thanksgiving. The arizonahikers (15 signed up) are going to be at Reavis 10/19-21 so you may not want to pick that weekend just to avoid the crowd.

[te_wa]

I thought it was recommended by the forest service, majority of guide books, and just plain ethical to keep group numbers at 10 or less...
maybe someone should tell them!

2-5/11/07 (has a nice ring to it)

[mttgilbert]

I'm actually a fan of groups of six or less, but technically group size in a wilderness is restricted to no more than 15 people and 15 livestock.

[Desertroux]

wilderness is restricted to no more than 15 people and 15 livestock.

There is a lot of "gray area" there. I have seen many people on the trail, err not too far from the TH, that could be considered livestock.

I just got off the phone with my Dad and tickets will not be a problem. Put me in coach!!! Supes through hike here I come!

[DarthStiller]

I might be able to make this on Nov. 2-5, depending on my wife's plans for attending a conference that weekend. I have a question/suggestion. Mike, you say that the route isnt set in stone. Three hikes I want to do in the Supes I haven't done yet are : 1. Circlestone 2. Frog Tanks Trail 3. Reavis Falls. With a little tweaking, I could do #1 and #2 on this. I was thinking that for the first day, instead of going over to Reavis Gap, make the left at the Fireline Trail and head up to Circlestone, take a small break and some pics, and then head down to the Ranch. It does shorten the hike for the first alot, but it might also not be a bad idea to ease into it a little on the first day.

And then, on day two, I would like to head north from the Ranch and over to Frog Tanks over to drippings springs rather than Rogers Canyon. Distances seem the about same on this for the second day, although I havent checked the mileages.

I would be willing to split off briefly on these little side treks/personal goals of mine, if everyone feels strongly about the suggested route. Or if anyone would like to join me, that's cool too. We can take radios to communicate as possible. Any thoughts?

[te_wa]

stiller, I dont mind tweaking the plans a little there and here... I havent seen circlestone yet, but I'll tell ya, Frog Tanks is all you bro. Ive done it. It sucked.(the view from the trail looking down into fish canyon is great, after that, all catclaw and large rocks.) Yuck.

Fireline trail from Campaign anyone?

the main reason for using the Gap trail is when you enter the Ranch site, there is an amazing large clear pool great for dippin toes and cooling off. Its the largest pool of water Ive seen at Reavis.

[joebartels]

Fireline trail from Campaign anyone

likely can't go but that would be some of the best ground covered in my opinion
awesome area

[fairweather8588]

Nice to see some others have commited for this, even if it requires a cross-country flight (way to go Roux)!

As for Frog Tanks, thats one trail thats not worth the effort, I'm with mike. I swore I would never visit that cursed place again...