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My buddy and I are looking for a good trail for a two night backpack with some water. Looking for it to be under twenty miles and would prefer a loop. We are both taking our girlfriends out for the first time and dont want to scare them away with something too strenuous or long. I have done some research on the trail dex but cant seem to find anything appealing to me. I have had my eye on west clear creek but dont feel it is long enough. would prefer it to be within 2-3 hours drive of the east valley. Thanks in advance.

@John9L
I might actually put both those places on my short list...total newbie question, but does Salome Wilderness have anything to do with the "jug?"

Unless girlfriends are already doing a lot of day-hiking on their own without any prompting from you, I'd say hike no more than 3 to 5 miles one way to first camp, and 3 to 5 miles back out again. Yes, I am serious. Even that may prove to be too much.

I would say the same thing if you were a woman, asking to take her boyfriend out for the first time. Keep it short, make sure there is a creek or spring nearby the camp. And for heaven's sake don't go during inclement weather!

This is the hardest part about backpacking... finding a trail that fits your needs and style.

Mattrgrs12 wrote:This is the hardest part about backpacking... finding a trail that fits your needs and style.

One that has ground below and sky above?

Is the La Barge Lower Box loop a good trail to do at that time of year? And is there usually water present?

@Mattrgrs12
I would honestly recommend anything in that area, Supes Guy is partially right trails get a little crowded, however, you will not be fighting for campsites I promise, generally..the foot traffic will be within short distances of the two major THs First Water and Peralta...You said you needed something different then Reavis and western supes would fit that criteria, trails are also easy to follow, and I think more suitable to bringing along the GFs..you have countless loop options, water though could be an issue, but if you plan around any of the major "reliable" sources in area you should be fine...ie: Charlebois, La Barge, or even second water..

But that time of year will be getting near dry times in most of creek, unless more rains, you will probably only encounter isolated pools etc..however, the above springs always have water...just chime in with a question about water in area, when you time is near, and someone will probably be able to give you an up to date report I am sure..

I am partial to Supes, however, I don't think you would be disappointed with anything in the lower to upper La Barge areas, tons to see, great scenery, flowers will be in bloom, also lots of side trip options see Hikers Guide to Superstitions by Jack and Elizabeth Carson..I think most who have been to those areas will agree as well..cool little area...

crowds will not be a problem...plenty of camping options, you may see other backpackers/day hikers, but it wont be like a weekend in Sedona I promise..

Mattrgrs12 wrote:Is the La Barge Lower Box loop a good trail to do at that time of year? And is there usually water present?

If you want a Nice Trail, then no...Lots and Lots of Boulder Hopping...However, with that being said, you could go in at First Water TH, take the Second Water Trail out and come back out on the Dutchman...There would most likely be Water along the Second Water Trail just before you hit Boulder Canyon and there is almost always Water in "The Box"...Whether there will be Water in Boulder Canyon and in the Creeks along Dutchman will depend on precipitation before then....That would be a nice Loop...If you go on a Weekend, you may encounter a lot of people on Second Water and the Dutchman, but you will lose them the farther back in you get....It's a beautiful area back there...

You could also look at doing the Marsh Valley Loop http://hikearizona.com/decoder=644 and incorporate an out n back to the Box from there....And there are variations to that Loop, so you can make it shorter if you like....

@Outdoor Lover
I would put my vote in for any variation of that Marsh Valley loop you posted...

Has anyone done this loop recently? http://hikearizona.com/decoder=213
If so is there reliable water and what is the condition of the trail?

Mattrgrs12 wrote:Has anyone done this loop recently? http://hikearizona.com/decoder=213
If so is there reliable water and what is the condition of the trail?

Here is the brief, latest triplog posting from 2/16/14 on "trail/water" conditions for ~1/2 of this 12-13 mile Mazatzal Wilderness loop:
for the South Fork Trail #46 --> http://hikearizona.com/trip=99780
(Keep in mind that this loop hike description you reference above was initiated in Nov 2001, before the devastating Willow Fire of Aug 2004, so the most recent triplog details are important to review for latest conditions. Also, I recall this loop being a better day hike than for an overnight(s) backpack trip.)

@Mattrgrs12
I went along South Fork on 2/16 and there was a light flow in the creek after about a mile. After this weekend I don't think water will be an issue. The trail is a little overgrown after you get in 3-4 miles and you need to watch for crossings but it's in the best shape since before '04 / Willow fire.

You could go up the Deer Creek Trail a ways until you (hopefully) find water. Near the junction with the Gowan trail there are some good campsites, but prior to this there isn't much level ground, except near Davey Gowan's gravesite. The Gold Ridge is a ridge, so there won't be any water. South Fork may have water, but I get the impression it is overgrown.