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I have some time off of work in early November, and am thinking of doing a backpacking trip. Probably 4-5 days, 40-50 miles. It would likely be a solo trip. I've done a good amount of day hiking, but only about little backpacking. My main concern is water availability. I am thinking about the mazatzals, the superstitions or maybe the Sedona area. Will there be dependable water in these areas? Does anyone have any ideas for a trip in any of these places? A loop would be best, but an out and back would be OK. Even if I just had a few dependable water sources, I could map out a route around them. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

LARichardson73 wrote:Even if I just had a few dependable water sources, I could map out a route around them.

https://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=6482

Thanks much. That'll be helpful.

@LARichardson73
Bear Spring, Barnhardt Canyon, Deer Creek and Horse Camp Seep tend to be reliable in the Mazatzals but by Novevember temps may be in the 20's overnight.

Many times it pays off to have a warm weather backpack and a cool weather backpack planned for November. The temperatures can vary 40 degrees. All your suggestions: lower Superstitions, upper Superstitions, Mazatzals are usually good in November, with one or two in season and the other out of season.

I always backpack in the last two weeks of November or into the first week of December and all of those places are good for me. I don't mind temps in the 20s, though.

Thanks dudes. I'm leaning toward the lower superstitions. I'll keep an eye on the weather, and see what seems best. The info is much appreciated.

If you have that much time you just might plan on two or three loops from different Trail Heads. That way you do not have to carry as much food, water and whatever and can replenish between loops. Of course it also helps to get a shower and shave every other day or two. Also what do you want to see? Indian ruins, ranching ruins, mining ruins, riparian canyons, mountain peaks, etc., etc. Study up on the various trails and loops than ask us a few more questions based on what your interests are.

Superstitionguy. That is tempting. It would certainly make things easier. But I'm planning on doing the John Muir Trail next summer. So, a big part of this backpacking trip is to test my gear, as well as my mettle. So, setting up a base and doing loops wouldn't really meet that requirement.

Based on weather forecasts as they currently are, it looks like it might be the Mazatzals.

@joebartels
I'm taking the whole family (2 bigs, 2 littles, 1 furry parasite) to hike in the Charlebois/LaBarge Spring area. Do you have any suggestions on good camp sites in the general vicinity or off on nearby side trails? I'm content to wander, but will be a hero if I find a good spot.

@desertadapted
You won't have any problem with finding a Campsite at either LaBarge or Charlebois Springs actually, there's a few to be had at either location. There is also a couple between the two Springs.....

As outdoor lover puts it, there are several campsites in the vicinity of both, as well as along the Dutchman trail nearby. The ease of finding a good campsite will depend on your pickiness. On a busy weekend, most established sites are taken and due to proximity to each other and the trail, I wouldn't classify any as particularly "good" if you are seeking a solitary spot.

FYI, camping in the Charlebois canyon will make for cold mornings - no sun until about 11 AM ish. Likely it will be frosty. LaBarge area gets more morning sun.

Enjoy your trip, and please keep your furry parasite on a leash due to wilderness regulations and to make coyote dinner time a bit more of a challenge.

@outdoor_lover
@joebartels
Thank you both!