HikeArizona.COM

Hello!

My husband and I have been trying to find a variety of good locales for 3 - 7-day base-camping/hiking trips in January through late-March. We've been in KOFA, Organ Pipe, Guadalupe Mtn NP, Big Bend, and Cabeza Prieta in the past year or so and would like to try something new. I should also mention that we're going to the Boulder City, NV/Valley of Fire area in early January. I spoke with a ranger at Mojave National Preserve and she thought the best time to go there is more like late March thru early May. We've had short visits to Joshua Tree and it's a possibility, but we're searching for more ideas. We love southeastern Utah, but it's probably too chilly at night in the aforementioned months.

Here are our thoughts:

* We drive a modified FJ that can tackle high-clearance/4WD roads for car-camping. Another option for us, if the overnight temps are too low, is to tow our RV with the F250. The limitation with the Ford/trailer combo is that the trailer's 26 feet long and should only be taken in 2WD areas and the truck, while it has 4WD, isn't meant for truly high-clearance roads (there's some silly concern about puncturing the underbelly of the over-sized gas tank....).
* Driving 4 - 6 hours from Apache Junction, AZ is fine.
* For tent-camping we prefer to be 30 - 32 degrees or higher overnight. Overnight temps aren't as big a concern if we have the RV.
* We don't require facilities.
* The word "remote" is one that we very much embrace, but it isn't a must-have.
* We like to be active every day with a strong emphasis on hiking.
* Some history/ruins/four-wheeling thrown in, if nearby, is nice to break things up.
* Blake would like to include some fly-fishing, but I'm guessing that's going to have to wait for later months.
* Full-body massages, private tour guides, sherpas, wifi, and gourmet meals are an absolute necessity. Ha!!!

We would love to hear your thoughts.

Many Thanks and Happy Holidays!

Stephanie (and Blake)

I'm a big fan of the Anza-Borrego area in Southern California. Big state park with lots of free camping options. Low enough in most places to be relatively mild for tent camping during the colder months. Not as jammed with people as Joshua Tree (exceptions would be the OHV hot spots like Ocotillo Wells and near the Salton Sea). Plus, more interesting and diverse than Joshua Tree (and with fewer restrictions).

I'll be heading for an overnighter to Mopah palms in the Turtle Mtn Wilderness in mid January. Lots of possibilities beyond the palms for peak bagging and canyons.

This hike will follow a four-day kayak trip down the river from below Blythe to Fisher's Landing, thru the Imperial National wildlife refuge, with hikes and camps on the CA side in the Picacho State rec area, a CA state park. So many places to wander!

Gila Box, Indian Bread Rocks, etc in my area ...

@rwstorm
Thanks for the idea about Anza-Borrego. Actually, that area's been in the back of my mind ever since we saw it featured on The Desert Speaks or some other PBS show. In fact, I ordered their brochure. The brochure was, unfortunately, not very inspiring and Blake kinda' wrinkled his nose at it. I'll have to give it a closer look. Are there specific places you like to camp and/or hike there? I should add that we'd prefer not to be in the OHV hot spots. Thanks!

@azbackpackr
Hhhmmm...I've not heard of Turtle Mtn Wilderness nor Imperial NWR. Thanks for the ideas and good luck with your trips!

@cactuscat
Indian Bread Rocks...The name alone sounds interesting! With everyone's suggestions I'll be tethered to this computer for hours. ; - )

@Steph_and_Blake
Look at my page from fall of 2016 for Mopah Palms/Turtle Mtns. Just don't ask me to copy and paste with a cell phone! I'm in N. Carolina without my laptop! There should be some GPS routes, too.

2-16-14 for one of a bunch of kayak trips down the river in that area. I guess I didn't post the others.

@Steph_and_Blake
It is interesting - not a lot of trails around, but plenty of wide open desert and mountains. You can even make it up to Dos Cabezas from there ... I'm delaying that one until I acquire a SPOT beacon!
IBR is also very close to Fort Bowie, Chiricahua's, and you could hit Hot Well Dunes for a soak!
Let me know if you come this way.

Anza Borrego is nice but is getting busier. The southern end is a little more remote feeling I guess, the northern area near Borrego Springs and the off road areas are more packed. It is southern Cali after all!
I noted your drive time but Saline Valley in Death Valley NP is a great place. Lots to see and do and again has a more remote feel in the park. Also the interesting folks at the hot springs.
The Turtles are nice I've been in there several times now. Not a real I must go destination but nice none the less.
Of course my personal favorite for Az is Grand Canyon Parashant NM. It takes some work and some of it's more scenic places are not easy but it is well worth it.