Newbie Hiker questions, Reavis Ranch via 109 North

[pyro4lif]

Hello HAZ people I would like to first off thank everyone who participates in this site it is a great resource and I have learned a lot already.
I am going to go on my first multiple day hike the plan was hike to reavis ranch via 109 north http://hikearizona.com/decoder=246 My buddy and I leaving Saturday afternoon set up camp and then spend Sunday hiking maybe to castel dome exploring then hiking out Monday morning.

But now that its raining I am thinking it might be a good opportunity to visit reavis falls. so i could see the falls when its flowing heavy http://hikearizona.com/photo=13820
http://hikearizona.com/photo=123067

But will the camp near the falls be flooded?

Also I have never filtered out water I know of three methods
1 filter then boil
2 filter add iodine tablet
3 filter and add chlorine drops and let air out.

My question is what filter should I use? Any suggestions?

[azbackpackr]

Use just a filter, such as a katadyn, or other brand (lots of different ones available at REI). In most cases, no need for anything else if you have a filter.

I often boil without filtering clear creek or spring water in Arizona. I don't boil and fill a canteen, (uses too much fuel) but I do scoop water with my pan and bring it to a rolling boil for cooking.

I have used bleach drops although I don't prefer that method. Iodine is very bad for you. It can cause seizures if you have an un-diagnosed thyroid problem. Nasty stuff. Better to filter or boil the water.

[SuperstitionGuy]

But will the camp near the falls be flooded?

You do not camp near the falls for two reasons.

First there are no good places to camp there.

Second it would be way to cold as the canyon below the falls is like being in the draft of a swamp cooler when the falls are running.

Camp before where the trail crosses the stream for the first time and then just day hike without your gear upstream to the falls.

[pyro4lif]

@SuperstitionGuy

Second it would be way to cold as the canyon below the falls is like being in the draft of a swamp cooler when the falls are running.

Camp before where the trail crosses the stream for the first time and then just day hike without your gear upstream to the falls.

Yeah that's the camp I was referring to I think it is the one in this picture actually. http://hikearizona.com/photo=123070
I still can't decide if it is a good place to camp in the rain or if I should just camp at reavis ranch.

[pyro4lif]

@azbackpackr
So with the rain there will probably be plenty of spring water to just drink strait you think?

[SuperstitionGuy]

With this rain the trail from the turnoff to the canyon bottom will be slippery mud as will be the campsite.

Not a recommended trip for this type of weather. I would recommend a plan B for this weekend unless the rain is predicted to end Friday evening.

[azbackpackr]

@azbackpackr
So with the rain there will probably be plenty of spring water to just drink strait you think?

Spring water does not come with rain, creek water does. A spring normally runs year-round, although they can dry up during a drought. Although it is not recommended, sometimes I do drink from springs and creeks. But it's better and much safer to filter it. If you are cooking dinner you can boil it without filtering, and pour it into your freeze-dried dinner. But if you are filling canteens from the creek, better to filter it or treat it with tablets. Use Aqua Tabs (REI) if you can't afford to buy a filter. It has a chlorine base, is NOT iodine.

Look at other threads on here in the gear section where people are talking about what kind of filter they use. Here you go: viewforum.php?f=31 Go ahead also and go to REI and see what they have as to filters. I hear there is one at Wal-Mart that works, too. Not too sure about that!

[FOTG]

sounds like you have it all down...I would just use Iodine tablets with a light filter to get debris out of water..ie: T-shirt...and then just follow directions on bottle. For future reference just purchase an MSR Pump filter, gravity filter, bag filter etc..you will never have to worry..they probably filter water to a higher degree than water in the city.

Secondly, you are on right track and so is Superstition guy, just camp at that nice spot under the large boulder, when trail crosses creek for first time, you cant miss. It would take some intense rain to make that area too flooded, but remember you are talking about a very large drainage area that goes all the way to Reavis Saddle, so an inch or so of rain up stream could make water levels high, but probably not too high.

Taking that into consideration you will probably get wet feet making your way to the falls, but if you stay true to your route there are usually always ways to stay dry. The water north of the falls under the canopy is pretty much year round in those deep pools so a little rain will make it precarious, but probably not that dangerous, now two straight days of rain you might want to play by ear. I have gone in Spring with high water and it is still pretty accessible. Finally, even with a lot of rain, the falls probably wont be raging, however, they will certainly be worth the trip. Have fun, stay safe, I think you will be fine...FYI never trust spring water unless it comes from pipe..its not the water you have to worry about, but the animals that go to bathroom in the water That hike description is solid, remember its not a "formal" trail, although, the Boy Scouts did put up a sign there a few years ago, so I would download any route just to be safe, but it is relatively well-worn path and easy to follow in most spots, once you hit creek, just head south, upstream...oh and make sure you are not in the Lime Creek Wash, some have headed up that way in the past..lol..I think you will be fine..good luck!

[azbackpackr]

Iodine is poison. Use the ones with chlorine in them, which is also poison but won't cause seizures.

[pyro4lif]

Thanks guys for all the advice and tips, my buddy got sick so we rescheduled for next month but I am still looking forward to it.

as for a water I decided that I am going to get a UV light pen. they are about $40 and a good fiend recommended them.

[Tough_Boots]

I decided that I am going to get a UV light pen.

I use UV but what model are you buying for $40? The cheaper steripens have a really crappy water sensor that will cause it to malfunction-- you can actually get it too wet. Buy the Adventurer if you're going that route and only on clear water. Also, buy the camelbak pre-filter that fits over nalgene bottles. You'll be glad you did.

[azbackpackr]

Has Nalgene come out with an SUL version yet? I quit carrying them years ago, now I use them only for river trips and car camping, where weight is not a factor. I know, I'm being cranky.

I worked hard on messing around with gear, to lighten my load, but am not to Te-wa's level yet. I still need a light water filter and cook kit, and a 1 pound tent. I don't think I will be able to remain more than five minutes in a hammock. I do have one, and lasted 10 minutes last time I tried, and that was because I forced myself to stay in it. I don't even like porch hammocks--you won't find me lounging in one. I might try it again in the backyard, make some adjustments to how it is set up, and get some insulation underneath me. But I really felt cramped. I could not hold my book comfortably to read it, and there were not enough places to put all the things I need at night--headlamp, water bottle, handkerchief, Blistex, book, toilet paper, etc. Then when I turned off my headlamp to go to sleep I noticed my back was killing me because I could not lie as flat as I need to be.