Overnighter in Nov/Phx...

[squatpuke]

I'm from Flagstaff.

Will be in Phoenix for the week of Thanksgiving...

Was considering taking my 7 year old on his first overnight backpacking adventure..(with his trusty knife of course).

Any thoughts on a nice 3-5 mile hike with some cool things to see in the Phoenix area...maybe Whitetanks, Superstitions, etc...hopefully with filterable h20.

[hikeaz]

Look into Hackberry, Lower LaBarge box, Seven Springs area, Agua Fria river (in from Badger Springs), Reed's Water ......... all have water.
When my youngins were that age I had a lot of success in bringing (plastic, but decent) binoculars and a magnifying glass to help them in growing their 'spirit of discovery'. If time/circumstances allow, maybe pick up some pyrite beforehand and 'seed' an area so he can look for 'gold'.

[squatpuke]

Thanks for the reply...this looks interesting...worried a bit about crowds though...I see no one has trip reported in Nov. which I find odd.

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1296

[JoelHazelton]

Camp Creek Falls isn't a very desirable backpack location, IMO.

The Willow Trail in the White Tanks would be a pleasant backpacking option. I'm pretty sure in order to backpack out there you only have to give the rangers specifics on where you're hiking and camping; otherwise they'll see you're car at night and assume you're stuck out there.

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2242

Mesquite/Willow loop in the White Tanks. You can just do an out and back to Willow Springs which would be about 5 miles round trip. Willow Springs is set back in a large alcove and there's a pool there that always has water. The hike is easy and the scenery is nice. One of my favorite valley hikes.

[squatpuke]

Guess since it's only one night (and Nov.) I could pack a ton of water...or maybe cache.

[squatpuke]

Thanks pride...I'm familiar with White Tanks as I've done the goat trail out & back...looks like a perfect little hike for us.

I know there's an entrance fee...do you need a permit for overnight? Or like you say, just notify the rangers? Can you do campfires at Whitetanks?

[squatpuke]

Can anyone else here chip in a few suggestions....few folks have suggested Superstitions, but no real trails to research.

Right now I'm look at the Mesquite/Willow in WT loop for our hike...

One thing has changed, the whole family is going...so my wife and I will lug 90% of the camp weight...with my 10/7 year old something light...our 5 year old will be lucky to make 5 miles naked.

I know the Permit will be a bit pricey, but nothing too extreme.