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I have a group of four (plus 1 dog) and we go hiking in the Phoenix area every weekend (2-4 miles a trip). My boyfriend and I enjoy backpacking but haven't been in several years. Our two friends have never been but seem very interested. I'm looking for a fairly easy trip to get us all started. Probably 3 miles in, camp, and 3 miles out. We have a high clearance truck but not a 4x4. We probably won't be going for a few months but I'd like to visit some places and check them out first. Also, any advice or recommendations I could make to someone who's never been backpacking before? When we first started talking about it, one of them mentioned bringing a cooler! I don't think they know what they're getting into and any advice on how to mentally prep them would be appreciated!

Given that time of the year, it will be too warm in the valley, you might want to try the Telephone ridge trail #203 as a good starting backpack. The dogs would love the water in the creek. I actually do know of someone who DID carry in a cooler here, but I wouldn't. Other places on the rim would be an in and out along the Cabin Loop, you can make it as long or short as you would like. You might want to take your friends on a 'conditioning' hike with gear prior to heading out in the wilderness to give them an idea of what to expect. Mary

the Bell Trail is a nice intro hike into the Wet Beaver area, just shy of 4 miles each way but with nice sections of hiking, and the bonus of year round water. Makes a killer swim hole in June. Dogs will love it, both 4 and 2 legged varieties!

Peace

I was going to suggest the bell trail as well. I think it would make a great intro trip, especially with the availability of water.

I've been wanting to do Bell Trail also. I would be up for joining y'all. I just got back from Powers Garden... what a trip!


I know that Horton Creek is really easy too. Never been but planning something with my kids very soon.

Thanks for all the help! Last week I went up to Bell trail to check it out. We only hiked the first 2 miles in and then took Weir trail down to the water for lunch and then back out. It was a great easy hike though. We're definately going back!

I recommend an air drop into a no-rescue wilderness, with jack knife, 30 ft of parachute cord and a snickers bar. Sink or swim guys!

Alternatively, Horton Creek is a nice beginners trip.

secret canyon would be good. There is nice camping right at 3 miles. Or a really nice spot among the junipers at around 2 miles. You would have to bring water though.

you might try the cabin loop trails, i was just up there last weekend, everything is starting to green up, and the trails are very well marked and very little elevation gain, lots of water also, good for beginners we brought some up there with us and they really enjoyed it, we hiked fred haught to pinchot cabin and then returned on the houston bros trail, its a few mile between the two trail heads at the end of the hike, posted 4 i think but you can hike along the road or on a trail

In response to Crocodile Ryan's reply:

I was planning a trip up there in May. Did you guys carry water our was there water on the hike?

Fossil Springs trail, out and back. It's about 3 or so miles one way and has the most awesome swimming holes ever and some great places to camp just upstream from the dam.