Weekend Trip, need advice

[lgarcia80]

A couple friends and me are planning on doing an over-nighter somewhere (we live in Phoenix)...problem is we've only ever done the Grand Canyon. Would anyone recommend something within 3 or 4 hours driving for a nice backpacking trip? I was thinking maybe Parsons or somewhere in Sedona, but up north might rain this weekend (which could be fun). Anyways, we're in decent shape but not superstars...any advice is greatly appreciated.

Lee.

[JoelHazelton]

It might rain up north and down south there seems to be an even greater chance for rain. But hey, as long as you're prepared it could be fun! You'll get some really good response if you give some specifics as to what you're looking for. Distance, elevation, creeks, etc.

[SuperstitionGuy]

Whatever you do, because of the weather have a plan B in case your first choice would be totally rained out. If the weather is really bad camp near Lava River Tube and explore it. Except for the Forest Service roads to it, It is pretty much immune to bad weather....

[azdesertfather]

There are 124 backpacking locations in Arizona that comes up in HAZ that are good in June, that are on trail, 15 miles or less with less than 3000 ft of gain. Can see them here, sorted by difficulty. You can filter it down by region of the state to get a much shorter list:

http://hikearizona.com/interestDEX.php? ... 0002&ID=34&

[Al_HikesAZ]

This is exactly what TrailDex was programmed to answer. Go to Traildex. There is an option for backpacking - check yes. You can choose the month (June or July) and the region. You can also specify additional selection parameters. I like to sort by "Rated". You will get lots of choices.

[te_wa]

go south. i think one of the premier hikes ive been on this year is Manning Camp from Miller Creek, then a loop with Turkey Creek trail. Manning camp is fantastic with clear pure springwater, tables and toilets, bear boxes too - all at 8000 feet.
its a maze of trails up there so take a map.

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=452

[azbackpackr]

go south. i think one of the premier hikes ive been on this year is Manning Camp from Miller Creek, then a loop with Turkey Creek trail. Manning camp is fantastic with clear pure springwater, tables and toilets, bear boxes too - all at 8000 feet.
its a maze of trails up there so take a map.

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=452

Oh, hush, you! I'm dying to go back there! Haven't been as far as Manning Camp from Happy Valley Saddle yet, you see, so it's there, right there, on my list! And now I no longer live nearby.

[te_wa]

well Liz, its worth the drive sister! besides, you are pro'lly dying for some real mexican food and/or Zachary's Pizza.
Heartbreak Ridge is fantastic. Seriously.. Rincons rincons rincons

[azbackpackr]

AAAArgh!

[lgarcia80]

Thank you all for the suggestions, I guess I have more research to do. I will look into the specefic suggestions too. We're looking for something between 5-10 miles and really anything that isn't extreme.

[lgarcia80]

We're thinking about tackling Parsons Trail because Sedona looks like it might not rain. Any advice on equipment? We have most of the basics for an over-night adventure. Is this disperesed camping or will we find a primitive camp site at the end of the trail? Can we do a campfire? I've read a couple descriptions but none of them have descriptions as to whether it's an over-night backpacking hiking trip or not. Thanks!

[te_wa]

NO FIRES in Prescott Forest. Here's a map of Coconino, red rocks district where fires are also prohibited: http://www.redrockcountry.org/about-us/ ... -02-tf.pdf

its a great area to explore. I spotted Bald Eagles there back in January. Check out this video of our cool campsite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5y5ggZUVTA

[hikeaz]

We're thinking about tackling Parsons Trail because Sedona looks like it might not rain. Any advice on equipment? We have most of the basics for an over-night adventure. Is this disperesed camping or will we find a primitive camp site at the end of the trail? Can we do a campfire? I've read a couple descriptions but none of them have descriptions as to whether it's an over-night backpacking hiking trip or not. Thanks!

Check the Coconino N.F. website for potential campfire restrictions - campfires are disallowed in the Red Rock Ranger District. There are camping opportunities, but the first 4 miles are "No Camping", so you will need to camp ABOVE the spring. This info can also be found on the Coconino N.F. website.

[writelots]

I concur with the squirrel - you can't go wrong with any of the Sky Islands! How about spending the night in Wilderness of Rocks on Mt. Lemmon. You've got Lemmon Creek right there, and a whole grown-up playground of rock formations all around you. I've been wanting to do that one for a while. The chance for storms is low down here as well - we get completely different weather than the areas North of Phoenix (hard to believe, but there is more to the state!).

[Jeffshadows]

I concur with the squirrel - you can't go wrong with any of the Sky Islands! How about spending the night in Wilderness of Rocks on Mt. Lemmon. You've got Lemmon Creek right there, and a whole grown-up playground of rock formations all around you. I've been wanting to do that one for a while. The chance for storms is low down here as well - we get completely different weather than the areas North of Phoenix (hard to believe, but there is more to the state!).

NO FIRES outside of established fire rings in Coronado right now, though. Just in case that was a qualification.

[dysfunction]

In response to writelots:
That's my plan for next weekend!


Who needs a fire?

[Jeffshadows]

In response to writelots:
That's my plan for next weekend!


Who needs a fire?

Les Stroud

[lgarcia80]

I would love to have a nice campfire after a long day of hiking..in fact my love for campfires inspired a 2 month road trip bouncing around campgrounds from Alabam, California, Maine, and everything in between. At any rate, I 'll check into Mt. Lemon. It looks like it might rain everywhere this weekend so I'm wondering should I just go for it or patiently wait until next weekend? Anyone else venturing out?

[writelots]

On my San Jacinto trip we weren't allowed to make fires, so I brought along 5 led "tea lights", which I set on the ground in a circle. They flicker with a soft light like fire embers, but they don't have smoke, consume fuel or require maintenance. When we were done, all we had to do was turn 'em off. Of course, the heat would have been nice, but you can't have it all, can you ;)

I thought it was a wonderful way to provide the light needed for camraderie without the hassle of a real fire. Very little weight for the effect, really. And they last forever. I've had one on in my house now for 4 days straight!