Need a great destination for 14 & 15 year-olds overnighter

[bretttolsen]

I have a large group of 14 & 15 year-old Varsity Scouts. They vary greatly in streangth and endurance. Any ideas for an easy to moderate hike we could do over one night? I need a big payoff so they are excited to do it again someday. Thanks.

[joebartels]

When are you going?

[bretttolsen]

October 16th & 17th.

[joebartels]

You options are wide open, probably upper 30s to lower 40s at these fine spots.

Reavis Ranch via #109 South (or to Angel Basin would be easier)
Horton Creek
A loop on Pine Mountain (between Dugas and Verde River)

Others will know more. SuperstitionGuy will know the ability of your scouts as he's well experienced in that category.

[te_wa]

what about the sierra ancha mountains.. there is a nice meadow on the old Peterson Ranch with a nearby stream, and the apple trees may be in full bloom. the trail leading to this ranch is only 3/4 of a mile, but more great stuff can be found in the area complete with a crazy old fireman named Red in the lookout tower atop aztec (peak) mesa

or you could check out one of my favorite Rim hikes, starting at the Tonto Fish hatchery and going up the babe haught trail to knoll lake and dont forget to bring the trout rods!

[SuperstitionGuy]

You said "hike". Did you mean backpack? And have they backpacked before? Or are you going to base camp and then hike? Your from Queen Creek, how far are you willing to drive?

P.S. Stay out of the Superstitions as apparently your new Sheriff isn't interested in rescuing anyone out there.

[bretttolsen]

I do mean backpack. I would like for them to carry their own supplies in and out. Ideally, we would like to hike in to something fun to do or see, camp close by, then hike out the next day. We have varying degrees of experience in the group, and I want them to work a little bit. I want them to learn that they can do hard things.

The closer the better, but we will drive if it's worth it. The goal is to leave them with a good impression so they will learn to love hiking and want to come back for more.

Thanks for the responses so far!

[SuperstitionGuy]

Advice from an old Superstition Scouter....

A short drive with a loop back to the parked vehicles would be the First Water Trailhead to Garden Valley to Hackberry Springs and back to the First Water Trailhead. Explore the mine tunnel north of Garden Valley and camp either in Garden Valley or north of Hackberry Springs off trail on the west side of the stream/wash just after you enter the valley. This camping area is almost never used and will have shade and firewood.

Make up a scavanger hunt game the boys can participate in the following morning with points for various desert items that can be found. Divide the boys into small groups (patrols) for this competition.

Read the photosets, posts and triplogs of this route to help you understand where you will be hiking and camping. Hike it yourself before you take the boys so you will know the route and know where you will want to camp. Where ever you camp do it quite some distance from the trails to give you privacy and other hikers a wilderness experience as well.

Do not rely on using water from Hackberry Springs as I wouldn't trust it at all!

Also do not camp at the hardened campsite by the spring as the trail runs right through it and you would have many day hikers going through your campsite the next morning.

[Nighthiker]

See Canyon Trail, just north of Christopher Creek. Take note of their gear ratings and expected temps. The Trailhead is apx. one mile north of the Christopher Creek Store, great setting for new hikers/backpackers.

[JoelHazelton]

Hackberry Springs is a good beginner backpack. Moderate elevation gain and distance, scenic, nice camping. As far as mid-October though... In my opinion, the payoff for that hike isn't nearly as great when the creek isn't running. I'm also a sucker for running water...

I would recommend something like West Clear Creek trail 17, Parsons Trail (camping upstream of Parson's Spring) or Aravaipa.

Fall colors will also be going off in various places, if that would peak the scouts' interest at all. Horton Creek was already suggested, which will combine running water with the beginning of fall colors (doesn't peak for about a week or two after that I believe). The various trails on Mingus Mountain will be colorful from all the oaks right around that time and offer amazing views. Check out Preston Sands' photosets for the "View Point/North Mingus Loop". Not sure about the campsite situation on that trail... Would be worth sending private messages to those who have hiked it.

[nonot]

See Canyon though has alot of burned trees, it's less scenic than it would have been a few years ago. I'd agree with the Reavis Ranch recommendation, from either north or south. North is less strenuous.

What about the Cave Creek Trail, camp at intersection w/ skunk tank?