Help for Texan coming in January

[steelfrog]

Hello Arizonans! We're coming to Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl, and wanted a hike convenient to our route (I-10 into Phoenix). I am at the beginning of my research on this, and have looked into the Chiracahua Mts., the Huachaca Mts. and the Santa Ritas, but I am thinking about trying to do something in the Superstitions it looks like. BUT I would very much like all of your recommendations for what to do. Could also do Saguaro.

So, taking into account the weather and basically one full day, and that we are experienced hikers (just did Whitney in September--have done much hiking in the Sierras, Yosemite, Utah, Colorado, Texas), what do you think we should do? I'm thinking of something without ropes. Thank you very much!

[JoelHazelton]

That's the perfect time of year for the Superstitions, and if we get a couple more storms like this week's, you'll be in for a real treat.

I would base the specific trip on whether or not the creeks are running, so check back here frequently. We'll all be out there and we'll be able to tell you whether or not there's water.

Perfect all day hike with water: First Water TH to Battleship Mountain summit, with a side trip to Lower LaBarge Box. About 12 miles with some super fun non-technical climbing and scrambling, rock hopping through a creek, a spectacular box canyon with waterfalls, and a summit with some amazing, unobscured views of the western wilderness (see my avatar for a small sample of the views from Battleship Mountain).

[joebartels]

IMO I wouldn't drive to Saguaro NP period. Granted you are probably interested in desert and that translates to Saguaros for visitors. This spot here blows away Saguaro NP in density and views http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?L ... 7&Z=15&M=6 though there's no trails, you have to hump it in the wild. The access is via Indian Springs Canyon and it is 4WD sand, perfect for a rental.

Perhaps Chiricahua or Huachuca if you really want to drive and see the countryside. The Superstitions are in prime, to single out the best dayhike isn't an easy task. Battleship is nice as azpride mentions, you can step it up into overload mode by visiting Geronimo Head or Malapais.

[Jeffshadows]

Keep bagging on Saguaro NP and I'm liable to take it personally!!

[joebartels]

It's okay if you are in Tucson already, the fees just seem retarded for what you get. Especially since the Sonoran desert literally explodes just below the chaparral zone on the drive to Payson.

Now... if they were in Tucson I wouldn't recommend driving to the Superstitions yet alone anywhere north of the Catalinas for the single dayhike.

[dysfunction]

in Tucson, for the single dayhike that nets you a good example of Arizona, I'd do Romero to Lemmon though... but it's a LONG day hike.

edit: Although maybe not in Jan, it'd depend on how much I was feeling like the weather up there.. what can I say, sometimes I'm a wuss. If I wanted to stay 'warm' I'd stay on West Fork instead of going up.. or... better still do Sycamore res to Hutches.

[Jeffshadows]

If you're traveling along the I-10 corridor, the best bang for your buck without going too far out of your way is probably Dragoon Peak.

[joebartels]

True, if they're driving in from Texas that changes the game plan. Unless the creeks are running in the Superstitions as azpride mentioned... then it's a toss up with the creeks on the southern flank of Lemmon, however those are generally later like March with snowmelt.

[fricknaley]

Sycamore res to Hutches.

oh yeah, now you're talking

[steelfrog]

Thanks, Arizonans! Keep them coming. Seeing if I can find Dragoons and Battleship TRs.

[Jeffshadows]

One final option that should not be ignored would be making the slight drive off I-10 to the Sweetwater trail-head and hiking up Wasson Peak. Great views of the valley and some classic desert mining country, as well.

[imike]

If you're passing through Tucson, skip all the wussy hikes and just hit Mt. Kimbell up Finger Rock trail... easiest and best day hike

[writelots]

If you're passing through Tucson, skip all the wussy hikes and just hit Mt. Kimbell up Finger Rock trail... easiest and best day hike

It is an awesome, awesome trip... Desert to pines and back!

The Chiricahuas are ALWAYS high on my list, though - and the drive to the monument is only about 1/2 an hour off I-10 (which matches the drive to Finger Rock TH on a bad day!) Rock Hoodoos, poss. streams, amazing views - if you get to the monument by 8 or 9 am they have a shuttle which takes you up to the top trailhead and you can hike around all day, ending back up down at the visitor center. Some of the best of AZ (though admittedly no saguaros - but winter isn't the best season in the lower brush, imho).

[Jeffshadows]

If you're passing through Tucson, skip all the wussy hikes and just hit Mt. Kimbell up Finger Rock trail... easiest and best day hike

What is a "wussy" hike exactly?

[azbackpackr]

What is a "wussy" hike exactly?

Tumamoc Hill.
Sabino Canyon to the end of the pavement.
Montrose Pools.
Pima Canyon to the "dam."

Etc. etc. etc.

[Jeffshadows]

What is a "wussy" hike exactly?

Tumamoc Hill.
Sabino Canyon to the end of the pavement.
Montrose Pools.
Pima Canyon to the "dam."

Etc. etc. etc.

Those all serve a purpose in their own right. Running up and down Tumamoc is no laughing matter, for example.

I guess I'm confused how something can be described as the "...easiest and best day hike" but then all other hikes in the area are slammed as "wussy" in the same sentence. Why are they "wussy" if Finger is supposedly the "easiest day hike?"

[dysfunction]

In response to Jeff MacE:
Most of my favorite running trails would be an overly easy hike.. Pink Hill, Cactus Forest, Cholla, Shantz, Carrillo, Squeeze Pen.. I just start making bigger loops adding distance.. or increasing pace to increase intensity.

That being said, it's all relative anyway isn't it.

[JimmyLyding]

Finger Rock Trail to the top of Mount Kimball would certainly leave a mark on your soul. That's a no-joke hike. Saguaros to ponderosas is never easy. That hike is like going 4200' vertical feet on stairs, but with half of the stairs missing and the rest of the stairs having gravel on them. Definitely one to remember.
I know they go big in Texas...

[azbackpackr]

It's funny about that trail. I have a couple gal pals who've backpacked the GC with me several times, including BA-Tonto-Hermit. I always suggest to them that they should try training on Finger Rock Trail, but they just flat refuse! They say it's "Too hard!" Very funny! Thankfully, they seem to train enough elsewhere around Tucson to do well on the Canyon trips.

[Jeffshadows]

A dose of realty: It isn't even the hardest trail in the Catalinas...not by a long-shot. What really makes it get the reputation it has is the fact that it's accessible. The "difficulty rating" of any trail or climb is *always* inflated at a rate that is directly related to how many people accomplish it. It's human nature. It certainly isn't the easiest either, though.