Backpacking scouts-seeking experienced advise in AZ

[hayzor]

Hi everyone,
I am a scoutmaster in the Phoenix AZ area and looking for information on overnight backpacking hikes.
Our troop has done several hikes in the area, Flatiron, Picacho Peak, some from the Peralta trailhead, etc. These have all been day hikes, carrying only water and snacks.

One of our goals is to hike the Superstition Ridgeline. Go up Flatiron, camp on top and finish the hike the next day. We will obviously be packing all our gear. I’d like to do this in late October or November. We are learning about backpacking preparation & gear. We have done mostly truck camping up to this point, and will be going on shorter overnighters (backpacking) to test our gear, packing, weight, etc.
Any recommendations for overnight backpacking hikes in the area, 3-6 mile range?
Also – any advise, cautions etc for the Ridgeline trail. I plan, at a minimum, to hike up each end of the trail prior to tackling the entire length.
I’ve read about a water source on the ridgeline. Is that a reliable source in Oct-Nov time frame??

Thanks in advance for any information.

[joebartels]

There is no reliable water source on the ridgeline. There are low seepage creeks East of Peak 5024 and NW of the Three Sisters after winter storms, typically around February. Even then I'd recommend seeing it with your own eyes days prior before committing a groups welfare.

[nonot]

For a first backpack, the Supes ridgeline would be a poor choice IMHO.

As you know, Oct/Nov is a crapshoot as far as weather goes, difficult to plan ahead because it could be nice or it could be 100 degrees.

Edit:
In the meantime, get backpacking practice up on the rim, lots to do in the area...out and back on part of the cabin loops, camping in West Clear Creek, etc. anything up on the north rim of the GC?

[bobatyc]

I would suggest take sections of the High line trail Off the Mogollon rim:Recon every trip you take a group on !!!

[Al_HikesAZ]

How old are these Scouts? How experienced are these Scouts? Have you done much around Geronimo outside of Payson?

[sundevilstormin]

go to your Council Roundtable and get the age-appropriate activities info that is presented there. Do Reavis Ranch as a first trip instead of Ridgeline

[SuperstitionGuy]

Do shorter loops or out and backs as you will need some time to teach and work out the problems with pack fit and attachment of sleeping pads and sleeping bags. Find a Scouter at your monthly roundtable who is an experienced backpacker with boys and use him to teach and guide you on a one or two of these first overnight outings. Then consider the difficult treks such as the 10 mile out and back to Reavis or the Ridgeline.

Save the Sups for mild and cooler temperatures. Contact me when your ready for that 50 miler in the Sups during winter break as I have guided hundreds of older scouts in such trips out there.

[nonot]

IMO it is already too hot to do the high line trail...at least the central-west portions...I cooked myself there last year on a solo trek to the point of heat exhaustion, and temperatures were 10 degrees lower than they were today.