First overnight trip in AZ

[bpo001]

New to the boards here and hoping to find some suggestions for trails to check out. I've been backpacking for a few years mostly in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. My friends and I decided we want to try and venture out to a new state to hopefully come across some different terrain. Our plan is to fly in on a Friday and set up shop the first night near the trailhead, hike in early Saturday morning, and hike back Sunday and hopefully catch a flight back to Texas Sunday afternoon/evening. We are hoping that Arizona in January won't be too cold. Would prefer to keep the temp in the 30's or warmer, so I imagine that eliminates any hikes high up in the mountains. Would like to keep the total distance traveled between 12-16 miles. Anyways just looking for some suggestions on trails to come check out. Hoping to come across some good scenery along the way. This would be our first time flying to our destination with our gear. Normally we drive to the trailhead, so any suggestions as to flying with your gear, things to bring/things to buy once you have arrived, or any additional info you think you can provide. I appreciate any help you can provide!

[outdoor_lover]

This is a good one and Camping at LaBarge Springs is always sweet and you'll have Water there.... http://hikearizona.com/decoder=197 You can also go past LaBarge and Camp at Charlebois Spring, which is about a mile further and then take the Dutchman to Terrapin and on over to Bluff Springs Trail and out....

I'm sure that others will chip in with some other great Trips as well....

Keep in mind that you cannot fly with Fuel for any type of stove you may have...Best to buy it here...

[SeekingLost]

I'm in the process of planning my planning my first flight for a backpacking trip as well. I have always driven to trailheads, even across country.

Here's some info that I dug up earlier tonight while planning my trip:

lighters - carry on (yes), checked bag (no)
knife - carry (no), check (yes)
extra batteries - carry (yes), check (no)
pills/medicine - carry or check (yes)
liquids - carry(bottles less than 100ml, stored in quart size ziploc), check (no limits)
stove fuel - carry or check (no)

Also, here is a link to a list of items prohibited by the tsa: http://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/ ... _11213.pdf

[SuperstitionGuy]

Flying in - rent a four wheel drive something with high clearance, but not an all wheel drive.

Have a plan B in case of bad weather.

If you need a shuttle back to your vehicle let us know so one of us can help you.

[nonot]

The Superstitions are nice in January. LaBarge is a nice place to camp. Charlesbois in the winter doesn't get sun until nearly noon! You could probably find a place to camp near the Lost Goldmine TH, but nothing right at Peralta TH nor the Canyon Lake TH.

[chumley]

The Superstitions are nice in January. LaBarge is a nice place to camp. Charlesbois in the winter doesn't get sun until nearly noon! You could probably find a place to camp near the Lost Goldmine TH, but nothing right at Peralta TH nor the Canyon Lake TH.

Are there camping restrictions along Peralta Road once you cross the cattle guard at the school? It's State Trust Land (not Forest Service) so you would need to buy a permit, but otherwise I think it's ok. There are a few short spur roads that might work.

[SuperstitionGuy]

Weather permitting I would drive Forest Service road 172, camp the first night at Grasshoppers Byous Butte campsite and then backpack to Rogers Canyon cliff dwellings and back the next night and day.
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=739 for Grasshoppers Byous Bute info
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=205
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=106

Beautiful views along FR 172 and many campsites as well....

Maybe someone from HAZ could guide you as well. Any takers HAZ volunteers?

[FOTG]

@chumley
good call Chumley, that is weird how that works, you do need a permit for some of those areas..I don't even know if I fully understand it all...