Superstitions Backpack 3/8-3/9

[Hoffmaster]

Proposed Route: Drive to Tortilla Ranch (4WD wanted!) and start on the JF Trail (106). Then split off onto the Hoolie Bacon Trail (111). Connect with the Red Tanks Trail (107). Head south towards Dripping Spring and probably camp there. Next we will head east to the JF Trail. I would like to hike up Randolph Canyon instead of following the Coffee Flat Trail. We will climb to Tortilla Pass, then stay on the JF Trail and follow it downhill all the way to Tortilla Ranch. Estimated roundtrip mileage is a very manageable 20.5 miles or 33 kilometers .
Optional side trips include: Horse Camp Corral, and the Lost Dutchman Jr. Mine.

[fairweather8588]

I've got a stock Wrangler and I've done the road to the Tortilla TH before easily. Just tire placement on the beginning, other then that there isnt much of a problem

[te_wa]

my humble little nissan sentra with 200,000 miles and a check engine light that I can't seem to take care of..

look under the dash for a yellow wire with blue tracers, and cut it. that'll fix the check engine light

I bet Matt can get that Sentra to the Tortilla Trailhead

[Hoffmaster]

I bet Matt can get that Sentra to the Tortilla Trailhead

I'd accept that challenge. The road would definitely claim the Sentra though. Still....I'd be willing to try.

I'm glad there has been such a great response to this trip. I don't recall ever seeing this loop written up (I haven't looked though), so I wasn't sure if anyone would want to go. We've got an awesome group so far. This is going to be a lot of fun!

Any women backpackers out there? I hate for my girlfriend (fiance) to be the odd-girl out.

[nonot]

Any women backpackers out there? I hate for my girlfriend (fiance) to be the odd-girl out.

You might just have to make Wally wear a skirt.

[wallyfrack]

It's the hiking in pumps that's difficult.

[tonyp]

My friend calls those rough spots Buick Filters - referring to my vehicle. OK. Whatever. He drove, and we spent three hours digging his Xtera out of the mud.
(Not on the Tortilla road - somewhere else)
You can only get a 2WD stuck, but you can bury a 4x4.

Anyway, what's the deadline for an absolute answer on this? There's still some balls in the air with my job.

Tonyp

[Hoffmaster]

Anyway, what's the deadline for an absolute answer on this? There's still some balls in the air with my job.

The deadline is 3/7 @ 11:59 P.M. ;-) Whatever. When ever you know what your schedule is; just post here.

[Sredfield]

Room for one more? I won't try my Explorer on the road to the ranch so would be thumbing a ride in from the TH. Will firm up or bail later in the week.

[Hoffmaster]

Shawn,

Come on out!

[fairweather8588]

Pencil my name in, I've got some news shoes to test

[te_wa]

hey the date is getting closer, where does everyone want to meet? I mean, most of ya live in Mesa so I cant imagine all taking seperate vehicles. any firm plans?

[Katrina07]

So i want to join ---- is this jus men or will someone bring their girlfriend with them or will other females join -----
so what am i supposed to do bring a sleeping bag, some food and will a regular backpack do or a small hiking bag - let me know!

[fairweather8588]

I believe Hoffmaster's fiance is going, and I'm sure she'd like the female company. As for gear, the standard overnight stuff: Sleeping bag, tent/shelter, food etc. etc.


As for transportation, I'll drive my jeep from here in Tempe so I've got room for one more. Any idea as to where everyone wants to meet up?

[Hoffmaster]

Ok. I'm coming from Queen Creek, so unless anyone is in AJ or FAR EAST Mesa I won't be able to provide transportation. If anyone doesn't want to drive the whole way to the trailhead, I'd be happy to pick them up at Home Depot at the 60 and Crismon. Technically I have room for 3(not including my fiance or myself), but 2 would be more comfortable.
I think we should try to get this shebang underway relatively early. Let's meet at Tortilla Trailhead at 8:00 A.M. From there we will pile into any 4WD vehicles that we have (looks like 3) and drive back to Tortilla Ranch.
Also, let's scrap the plan of camping at Dripping Spring. We should try to go a little farther on Saturday. We should make camp around the JF Trail. Randolph Creek is flowing really well, so water shouldn't be an issue.

Katrina07: My fiance is going on this trip, so you wouldn't be the only girl if you decide to go. I'm sure you've formed opinions of us from reading all the posts on this forum, but I can assure that everyone who is planning to attend this trip is really cool. You'll feel like one of the group in no time.
This is an overnight trip. You need a backpack that will be big enough to carry all the gear you'll have to bring (no daypacks!). A tent is optional in this awesome weather, but I'd be sure to bring a warm sleeping bag and a sleeping pad to put underneath your bag at the very least. You'll also need to bring food (2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, snacks, energy bars, etc.) and some water. There is plenty of water along the route we are taking, so you can refill along the way. I am not bringing a water filter, but I have plenty of iodine tablets to kill the nasties that live in the water. If you think you want to join us, but are lacking some of the gear, hit me up! I have doubles of almost everything except a sleeping pad. Let me know what you decide!


I'm looking forward to this trip. I think it's going to be really fun! It'll be great to see some of you that I haven't seen in a while.

[te_wa]

Also, let's scrap the plan of camping at Dripping Spring. We should try to go a little farther on Saturday. We should make camp around the JF Trail.

cool, I might bring my hammock then.

[Katrina07]

I think i want to go ---- i think i can buy a sleeping bag -i'm thinking i will need a hiking bag - i'll se how much it will cost to get one. I guess i can have someone drop me off at 60 and crimson - i'll be coming either from 101 or I-17 down south. So i'm just thinking then ............. will you be meeting on fri. or sat.

[Hoffmaster]

So i'm just thinking then ............. will you be meeting on fri. or sat.

Saturday morning. If anyone is meeting at the 60 and Crismon (Home Depot), then we should meet around 7:20 A.M. or so.

[Sredfield]

...I can assure that everyone who is planning to attend this trip is really cool.

Yeah, right. Wanna buy a bridge?

[Hoffmaster]

...I can assure that everyone who is planning to attend this trip is really cool.

Yeah, right. Wanna buy a bridge?

I'm not sure I follow. I know everyone in the "committed" column and I think they are cool.

[Sredfield]

Just kidding. I'm sure they all are, seems so from the posts. I on the other hand am old and slow; I was cool for about twenty minutes during the Carter administration.

I'm coming from 'tukee and will have room for two or three. That's I-10 and Chandler Blvd area. If anyone wants a ride let me know. Can go either the 60 or the new freeway south of Chandler, don't remember the number. I plan to leave the house about 6 ish to be sure to be at the TH in time.