1 Night Winter Backpack?

[slightlydope]

Hey everyone,

Looking for some help. My crew and I do a lot of summer/warm weather backpacking all over AZ but we are looking to give our first cold weather/snow backpack a try. I know you can't control the weather but does anyone have a good suggestion for a location? We are looking for a single night driving out from PHX. White Mountains has seemed like the most likely option but are concerned about figuring the best chance to find lingering snow and yet still have access to a trailhead.

Thoughts? Thanks!

[outdoor_lover]

How many miles? Do you have Snowshoes? Or Microspikes?

[Dukedante]

@outdoor_lover
I'm a crew member. Looking for just a mile or two for the first trip in case we need to bail. We're all experienced in camping, just cautious with the temp. No snowshoes but can rent them if it's worth it. We want an adventure.

[Tough_Boots]

You could hike up the Mogollon Rim from below and venture into the snow as far as you're comfortable with. The Pine trailhead on the 87 will give you access to hike up to the Milk Ranch Point area. The road to the Tonto Fish Hatchery is paved so there shouldn't be any access issues there-- you can hit the Babe Haught trail and take that all the way to Knoll Lake if you're snowshoeing. There are other trails leading up the rim (See Cyn, Drew, Colonel Devin, West Webber) but I'm not sure how road access is this time of year.

[chumley]

Just drive up onto the rim on either the 87 or 260 and head in on any of the closed roads up there (like the rim road). Go as far as you want. Set up camp.