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Any suggestions on a trail for a first-time backpacker? My girlfriend and I do a little hiking each year, but I've only recently talked her into an overnight trip. Any trail suggestions? We're looking for something fairly easy, some good scenery to remind why we're lugging around all the stuff, someplace not too chilly, and preferably a water source to filter. Oh yeah, we drive a sedan, not a jeep, so no 4x4 access roads. Any trails fit the bill?

Thanks!

When were you thinking about doing this? It's going to be a bit chilly if you want all of the things on your "wishlist".

Horton's Creek and Kinder Crossing would fit most of your needs. One being North of Payson, and one East. There is a bit of elevation change making the lows fairly cool for the next couple of months.

Horton's would be my choice. Complete with a fun "Bedrock Campsite" on the East bank of the creek about a mile and a half up the trail. The road all the way to the trailhead is paved, and there is plenty of cool, clear, filterable water. The views are outstanding this time of year. The temps might dip down to the mid 30's for a low right now, if you can handle that.

Take a look at the write-ups.

I second Horton's Creek.

WELCOME to the top 5%!! Only five percent of dayhikers ever crossover to backpacking. WARNING: there is no turning back... As for a first time hike? May I recommend three!
1) Cave Creek, near Seven Springs camp has easy hiking and nice shaded camping at about 2.5 miles in. Perennial stream with good elevation for this November weather (3400 ft.)

2)West Clear Creek, near Camp Verde has year round water in an easy to access canyon if you hike in from the south (mouth of Canyon) just off hiway 260. Neat! Camp as far in as you wish.

3)Wet Beaver Creek, just East of the Sedona exit 179(?) has gorgeous surroundings at a reasonable elevation, 3900 ft. Just because I listed this one last means nothin'. It may be the best introduction to the "oasis in the desert" hikes out there. I promise you will like this one. You will find fantastic camping at 3.8 miles in. Large flat redrocks (think Sedona) accomidate big tents and a "kitchen". In fact, a group including myself plan on re-visiting this area on Nov. 15-16. Come join us! It is always a pleasure to meet new hikers and share the wealth of info we have aquired over the years. Good luck and Happy hiking!

Thanks all! We're heading out tomorrow for Cave Creek Trail. I've done the first mile or so of the hike several times before, but never get past the first stream crossing...I always get too sidetracked relaxing and listening to the gurgling water to continue on.

I'll log the other suggestions into my memory for our next overnight jaunt...thanks again. My girlfriend and I take weeklong car camping trips to national parks or other good hiking spots about 4 times a year (this year we did Joshua Tree, Sequoia/King's Canyon, the CA Coast up to the bay area, and Olympic NP). I'm hoping this experience will get her interested in including a night or two of backpacking in our next trip.

Thanks again!