Taking fiance out backpacking for the first time...

[Rook]

Thanks in advance for the help...

I have many years of backpacking experience, but I've done all my hiking in California. I would like some suggestions and routes that I could take my fiance out for a "trial run" backpacking trip. I'm looking for about 4 to 6 miles a day, less than 2000 feet of elevation gain. I have all the appropriate gear for her and me, just need a place to go. We live in the Prescott area. The Flagstaff or Payson area is what I'm thinking.

Let me know,

Scott

[Rook]

Thank you for the update.
Maybe we'll see berkforbes and his gf on the trail this weekend.

[berkforbes]

ill be there saturday afternoon, hopefully not too late..

will keep an eye out for ya!

[te_wa]

the coco website mentioned nothing about the almost spur of the moment closure of FR300 just beyond fr123 (which leads nowhere, but a pump station near blue ridge)
i was detoured and camped at boring Pivot Rock campground instead.
Im not sure if fr95 leading to the start of HB trail near Pinchot cabin is closed, but id bet on it. better you call the ranger shop first!

[Grasshopper]

Im not sure if fr95 leading to the start of HB trail near Pinchot cabin is closed, but id bet on it. better you call the ranger shop first!

Squirrelock could be right.. better double check with the Blue Ridge Ranger Station in Happy Jack, AZ at 928-477-2255 (June Hermann usually answers the phone). Ask her for present road status for driving Hwy 87 to FR95 to FR139A. Might also just reconfirm that Houston Bros TR#171(was#18) is open for business.

[Rook]

Called the ranger station and talked to June. No road closures and the HB trail is open.

[te_wa]

thank the flying spaghetti monster for that! yeehaw!

im doing the cabin loop in a week, so this is good news.

[sirena]

thank the flying spaghetti monster for that! yeehaw!

I see you too have been touched by His Noodly Appendage...

[writelots]

Ramen, Sister.

[Nighthiker]

Double check info regarding fires in the area. Since they are not calling them wildfires the volunteers will advise everthing is open, and its not the case. Besides access the smoke from the fires may cause some concern (asthma etc) in adjacent areas. May suggest an Arizona Trail segment between AZ 87 and Flagstaff.

[Rook]

Thanks for the advice.

I am unfamiliar with any of the trails adequate for an easy backpacking trip. I'll look around the site and see if I can find an alternative.

[azbackpackr]

thank the flying spaghetti monster for that! yeehaw!

Well, have to say, I learned something new today! Never heard of this movement! Great idea, using satire to fight those who would send us back to the Dark Ages.

[Rook]

Ending up doing the Houston Brother's Trail to Aspen springs. Great small backpacking trip. Had an elk run through camp as we were setting up. Thanks for all the help.

[Grasshopper]

Ending up doing the Houston Brother's Trail to Aspen springs. Great small backpacking trip.

Always good to hear positive feedback! Hope you will consider doing your first triplog on this outing..

[azbackpackr]

Glad to hear it, also!

[nonot]

:bigth: