Manning Camp/ Devil's bathtub loop

[rally_toad]

Wanted to do some backpacking in Saguaro NP Rincon Mtn district. Found this loop which looks to be about 20 miles, totally doable in two days, spend the night at Manning Camp just about the half way point, water there year round.

This hike will be April 25th and 26th.

Loop starting from Miller Creek, spending the night at Manning camp and returning via Turkey Creek, walk the road back to the car, or have a shuttle of only a few miles.

[Jeffshadows]

...... I could drive your grandma's stock Jeep Cherokee into Chivo and bring it back out without so much as a scratch having never dropped it into 4WD. Some people can't even manage to get their ATV in there without hurting themselves. .....

Have you considered offering a weekend 'how to' on off-road driving to HAZ members? Some of us rookies may benefit from it.

Did I call you a "rookie" or any other name?

Just because you think this road is hard to navigate does not mean that others will; just because I don't think it's hard does not mean that others will. Subjective. It's all subjective.

[hikeaz]

Sorry if I somehow offended you.......... Have you considered offering a weekend 'how to' on off-road driving to HAZ members?

[Jeffshadows]

I could; I'm not sure everyone would benefit. I've been through a lot of different training programs over the years and have rolled quite a few trails, but I'm willing to bet there are a few others on here who have been wheeling since before I was even born...Hank, maybe? ;)

[Jeffshadows]

Actually, if we're serious about this, what we should do is get a few interested individuals together and schedule Bill Burke. The last training event of his I went to cost each person about $60 and it's worth every penny. I've been to a few of his lectures over the years and on two of his training courses. He's the real deal. We would need to let him know it would be a beginner class and not an expedition course (Which will make it cheaper, BTW).

One note: If you consider yourself a hardcore rock crawling savage who wants to learn how to roll your chassis over a 30' boulder, this won't be the course for you... ;)

[te_wa]

Put me in the maybe category! I'm slower than I used to be, but still pretty hardy! I'll give you an answer after this weekend, as I may have other plans!

shihiyea? WTF where have YOU been?

[Shi]

: queen : SHE'S BACK!!! Yep, got into horses and the country life and now I'm ready to hit the trail again. I need to do my first r-2-r and plan on this fall for that little trek! I just needed more balance in my life between my outdoor activities!

[aa7jc]

My wife (Sharon) is interested in going now and the two of us are pretty slow (read VERY slow) so I am likely to want to get an early start so that the two of us can take our sweet time up the hill and still arrive at the campsite at a reasonable time (If that is OK) .. That means we will be seeing you all at the top (or probably on the trail). We are going to pick up our site permits tomorrow and will remark the fact that we are part of the HikeAZ group.

[rally_toad]

Alright sounds good. See you there aa7jc.

For those of you guys in Phoenix, the plan is to meet in Gilbert at 7:30 AM on Saturday, that puts us at the visitors center shortly after 9, which is when it opens, then get our permits and go from there.

[te_wa]

that puts us at the visitors center shortly after 9

thats going to put me in camp at about 9:06
then what?

[aa7jc]

There is an awesome photoset of the Manning Camp area just uploaded (by writelots) at:
http://www.hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=7781
I checked the date on the pictures and it was April 11 & 12th
Excellent photos!

[aa7jc]

I drove up to the Miller TH today to have a look.. Plenty of primitive campsites in the area.. especially going a little further towards the Turkey Creek TH.

FWIW, It took me 40 minutes to drive from the interstate off ramp at J6/Mescal road to reach Miller Creek TH. I figure probably another 30 minutes from the visitors center and maybe 15 - 20 minutes getting permits etc and that would have you at the TH pretty close to around 10:30AM

The drive to Miller TH is super easy.. Turkey Creek is a different story. I drove about a mile towards it in my van before I found a place to turn around .

[deserttarheel]

My wife (Sharon) is interested in going now and the two of us are pretty slow (read VERY slow).

You're probably right about my speed. Everyone is slow compared to Mike.

[aa7jc]

You're probably right about my speed. Everyone is slow compared to Mike.

Ha-ha! Well I have not been out for months and I am not going to pretend that I am in shape. Sharon loves to hike with me because I always allow for rests and dont make speed an issue.. My plan is simple.. enjoy the hike at my own pace, take pictures often and arrive at camp early enough to relax and savor the triumph.

[rally_toad]

aa7jc got the permit today for 6 of us.
That means we need to get him our full names, emergency phone numbers, and license plate of the vehicle at the trailhead (confirm who is driving.)

That also means that there are 5 people going and the permit is for 6, so 1 more person can jump in.

[writelots]

There is an awesome photoset of the Manning Camp area just uploaded (by writelots) at:
Excellent photos!

Thanks aa7jc! It's nice to hear that you and your wife have a good rhythm for hiking together. Now, if only I could convince my dear hubby that walking all day was fun! He thinks I'm more than a little nuts. What, hike with a fishing pole? Why? he says!

I'm afraid I forgot to bring the Centenario that I was going to stash up on the top for you guys...I was a bit distracted by the snow!

[Shi]

Sorry, I have an event that I have to be at Sun. morning! I will not be able to make this trip!

[Jeffshadows]

You guys are going to have a great time...it's supposed to cool down a little this weekend just in time for your trip.

[rally_toad]

After 100 degrees yesterday, camping at 8000 feet is EXACTLY where I want to be this weekend. I believe all the permits are worked out now thanks to aa7jc!

[aa7jc]

I looked up the weather forecast for Mount Lemmon which I figure to be a pretty close approximate to what will be happening up in the Rincons and it says..
Saturday: Partly cloudy, High 68F, Low 37F, Winds SW 22mph. Sunset 7PM. (Guess I will pack my Caldera stove)
Sunday: Mostly sunny, High 62F, Winds SW 10mph

[dysfunction]

Fairly accurate, well.. somewhat warmer in the Rincons, but shouldn't be uncomfortably high. At least it's cooling down which I'm very glad about