New To Central AZ

[DesertFernweh]

Hey Folks,
I am glad I found this site, I just moved to Peoria, AZ from the Las Vegas area last month(if anyone wants to know about trails out there let me know, I know some great ones you won't find on any map). I have been itching for a nature fix away from the populace since I got here. I should be able to do a 3 day 2 night trip in late April. Preferably around 3 hours away and high enough to be green and cool. I have a AWD Element that can (and has) go just about anywhere I need it to go. I am in decent shape (5'6" 155) and can handle level 4 trails with easy but I don't know the first thing about climbing with ropes. Since I mostly hike solo I thought it would be in my best interest not to learn and remove the temptation for the "oh that peek looks fun" last words. I love being out in "the big lonely" as the old timers use to say. So the more removed from others the better. Don't get me wrong I like people, I am bartender so i kinda have to. But nothing recharges you soul like sitting next to a campfire, looking at the stars' your muscles swore from the hike. the wind singing her song, while you're sipping on a flask of fine scotch whiskey. But I think I am preach to the choir on this one. So I ask ya, where are some good spots?

DF

[allanalxndr]

As of right now I don't have any suggestions for you, but I'll keep thinking about it. For green and cool, you will probably be looking in the Payson area. There are only a few trips I have ever done and didn't see anyone else, but most of those have been few and far between. But almost all of my trips I have done have been nice, quiet, relaxing trips around the fire even after seeing others on the trail. What type of mileage are you looking to cover?

[DesertFernweh]

Thanks, I have been looking at some of the trails, and I am thinking of doing an over nighter on U-Bar Trail #28, any thoughts?

[allanalxndr]

Thanks, I have been looking at some of the trails, and I am thinking of doing an over nighter on U-Bar Trail #28, any thoughts?

It's beautiful country up there. I really enjoy that area. It will be hard to say if it would work based on when Forest Road 300 (FR300/Rim Road) opens back up. It is closed for Winter and reopens after everything is dried out.

[azbackpackr]

I am going to Buffalo Crossing tomorrow. It is down on the Black River. You should check out the Black River sometime. The road to it is open right now. However, it is about 5 hours from Phoenix area.

[Tough_Boots]

I am thinking of doing an over nighter on U-Bar Trail #28, any thoughts?

Any of those trails on the Cabin Loop rule! Barbershop Canyon is a killer, though. I saw it turn a couple backpackers into mushy babies last year.

[nonot]

The Cabin Loops are great...with a GPS. Without one, you'll be wondering where you made a wrong turn!

[Tough_Boots]

@nonot
very true... the U-Bar especially. Whenever you come to a forest road, the trail never picks up exactly on the other side. It's confusing as crap!

[Grasshopper]

@nonot
very true... the U-Bar#28 especially.

..and for hiking correctly the entire Barbershop TR#91, even more so.
(but these Cabin Loop Trails would be a great choice once Mogollon Rim access opens up for late Spring-Summer'11)

[Tough_Boots]

@Grasshopper

that's what I hear... I can't wait to take that challenge-- that's my top priority when that area opens. That's the only section of those trails I haven't done yet.

[big_load]

Whenever you come to a forest road, the trail never picks up exactly on the other side. It's confusing as crap!

My rule of thumb is if I don't find where it picks up within a mile, I turn around and look in the other direction. That keeps me from hiking more than two extra miles per road crossing.

[allanalxndr]

Sounds like we need to put together a 3-4 day trip for the cabin loop this spring/summer?

[supai]

Like your two rules for the wilderness DF and also your fireside rule Whiskey and campfire just go together. I would almost say Reavis Ranch around that time may be a little warm just depends on the weather. Allaxandar nice to meet you no offense to everyone else but its nice to see some people more my age here. I have gone fishing at Knoll lake almost every year for the longest time but never before it opens I saw some of your hike there looks awesome. If you guys really do put something together that sounds like a trip I might be interested.

[SuperstitionGuy]

I would almost say Reavis Ranch around that time may be a little warm just depends on the weather.

Reavis Ranch is at 4800 feet which would not be to warm even in the mid afternoon of late April. You might just also catch the end of the apple orchard in bloom. At night the valley Reavis Ranch is in will be quite cool and would still require a sleeping bag for sure.

[PaleoRob]

On an unrelated note, I'd suggest you post some of your hiking information as trail descriptions so others can benefit from your knowledge.

[autumnstars]

Agree with PageRob.
I'm in Vegas, and always looking for a good hike in the area.
Need more that don't require too much driving, since my husband and I only have 1 day per week off together.

[kingsnake]

I'll plug Aravaipa canyon. You need to get a permit as they only allow 30 people in per day. The limit keeps the canyon from getting trashed, and also makes it much quieter with less people. Permits open up 13 weeks ahead of your hike date, but are hoovered up quick. It's mostly water hiking. About 14 miles end to end, but with lots of side canyons for exploring. Most biodiverse area in Arizona.