mazatzals - Saddle Mtn to Plateau Pt.

[te_wa]

This is an invitation for an overnight backpack.

I have a few buddies joining me on this trip for a night in the mountains. Weather has been good, around 60 and 35 so we're going in to see the great views to the west.
We plan to camp at a site about 2 miles from the actual Plateau overlook, so it will be a 5 mile ONE way trip to the camp, with an optional day hike to the Overlook that is 2 miles ONE way.

So you can do the 10 mile backpack, or take on the extra bit of walking to make it a 14 mile overnighter. I have hiked the portion of Saddle Mtn from Mormon t/h to the intersection of Thicket Sp trail. This section is IMO a easy/moderate trip, no elevation gains to speak of (follows an old road mostly) and the rest of the trail that "starts" at the Thicket intersection doesnt look too demanding either. A mellow but steady gain uphill.

read the description of this great hike, and take a look at the photosets. http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1263

prepare for temps in the mid 20's. we may encounter snow patches and water runoff. i'll post details as the date nears.

[te_wa]

snowmelt n. of saddle mtn should result in running creeks
outback is named that for a reason... ;)

[Crocodile Ryan]

I might be persuaded in going, its been awhile since Ive been on a trip so something easy might be a nice slump breaker

[te_wa]

I might be persuaded in going

there will be some good company, marc-doug-juan-felecia-kate-myself
us hangers are outnumbered so we need you to help even the score

[BobP]

A short bad quality 1 minute video I took from Saddle Mtn trail from last Fri. morning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJrJA-IQnuE

[PrestonSands]

Has anyone been through McFarland Canyon along the Sheep Creek or Thicket Spring Trails recently and noted if there was water or not? I will be backpacking into McFarland Canyon this weekend. Thanks!

[te_wa]

we found good water just west of the corral in sheep creek - water along thicket too.
our camp was (looking north) to the right and north of the corral. its a nice little oak grove. see my photoset?

[PrestonSands]

Thanks Mike!