Quick overnight suggestions for March near Phoenix?

[matthewkphx]

I've searched for other threads on this subject and not found the results I am looking for...

I'd like to do a quick overnight backpacking trip in the next couple of weeks (mid/late March) with my son. We won't be able to leave Phoenix until mid-day so the hike on the first night should be short, maybe 3 or 5 miles max. It could be a bit longer on the return trip (He's done lots of hiking including Havasupai with a full pack so he's good for distance).

In the summer we've been up on the rim around Clint's Well (Cabin Loop and Maxwell's Trail #37) but I'm under the impression that will be a little chilly this early in the season.

Any suggestions? Maybe in the Superstitions or Carefree/Cave Creek?

[chumley]

Hi Clean-

Your suspicions about weather sound right on. It'll be too cold to be up on the rim right now ... not to mention most of the dirt roads up there are still closed for the winter, so accessing the trailheads may be the biggest issue.

The Superstitions are a great place right now, and the Cave Creek area would also be a good option.

I used the HAZ TrailDex to search for hikes in the Phoenix area that are good in March, 7-14 miles long, and these are the results that came up:
http://hikearizona.com/traildex.php?SHO ... PN=1&ID=34
(for some reason the "loop" function isn't working, so change the loop option to "all" to get the results I was looking at).

Of those, I would think Black Mesa, Bluff Spring, or Boulder Canyon loops would be best in the Supes. Up north, the Cave Creek or Seven Springs loops would be nice.

If you asked me to pick one? Boulder Canyon.

[matthewkphx]

Thanks for the recommendations, Chumley.

I tried using the search engine with the Backpack option turned to Yes but none of my results mentioned anything about where it might be good to camp or if camping is even allowed. This is a total noob question and perhaps this is not the best place to ask it but how do I know if I am allowed to pitch a tent and spend the night?

Your link to Boulder Canyon looks perfect and the writeup does mention places to camp. I'll probably just do that one. Thanks again for the recommendation.

[chumley]

The Superstitions are in the Tonto National Forest, where dispersed camping is generally permitted anywhere that it isn't specifically posted as prohibited.

For the most part, you are permitted to camp anywhere. Some trailheads will have signs indicating that you can't camp at the trailhead, and you can never camp within 1/2 mile of a developed recreation site. But that's not relevant on this loop.

State law says it is illegal to camp with 1/4 mile of a stock tank, or a lone source of water for cattle or wildlife. But that also isn't relevant in the Superstitions at this time of year. There are plenty of sources of water for wildlife to feed at.

[FOTG]

@clean
Remember though leaving Phoenix midday, figure with traffic you will be at TH around 3-4...that is a small window to knock out 3-5 miles, find a spot to camp, and etc..before dark..

Camp early, find a loop option and do all of your miles and site seeing on day 2...

[cactuscat]

There is a great spot to camp where 2nd Water trail meets Boulder Canyon - across the creek, below Battleship ... I've spent many pleasant nights there ... sigh, I do miss the Supes a bit!

[FOTG]

@clean
You may have seen, but it popped up on home page today..looks like the loop for you..


http://hikearizona.com/decoder=1481