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i am looking for a long backpacking trip of about 5days, it will be in the third week of july, i am looking for something that has reliable water, and wont kill my buddies coming along , elevation change doesnt really bother me, so thats not a concern, i would also like to stay away from GCNP, i was thinking of something in the white mountains, i have already done the grant creek / kp rim loop though, i was thinking of hannah hot springs i am just not sure how i would turn that into 5days - i would like to relax but hike at least 6miles a day. if anyone knows of any good long loops anywhere with h2O let me know

Check out the book Southern Arizona Trails, there's some good descriptions of extended hikes in the Blue Range Primitive Area. You might also consider the Chiricahuas.

How about the Gila Wilderness? Hannah Hot Springs area would be pretty warm this time of year, but maybe that doesn't bother you?

Drought is affecting everything this year, so if it were me, I'd check first with rangers about springs, creeks, etc. Some have dried up.

In response to Crocodile Ryan's reply:

Ryan,

You could probably string togrther sections of trail around the Mt. Baldy area in the White Mtns for 4 or 5 day of BP'ing with reliable water.

Other options would be Sycamore canyon w/ a layover day for exploring or an out an back.

Aravaipa, if you can snag permits. East entrance is closed so hike in from the West, set base camp and explore for 2-3 days before hiking out.

Enjoy. BTW - I'm 5 for Whitney. Let me know and I'll hold a spot for you, but no one else w/o $$$.

J

Depends on a number of factors, but it may be possible to hike the LCR corridor from its head downstream. You'd need to talk to some landowners, as well as arrange a shuttle, though.

jay-
i would have to look into mt baldy for a loop that long, was thinking of doing it later in the summer as prep for 3 IDIOTS WENT BACKPACKING PT2, and aravaipa is booked for weeks, maybe i can talk you into a baldy loop later in the summer??

Lizard -
thanks i will check out that book, and i had thought of the chiricahuas, i have wanted to hike ash creek for a long time, any other good trails in the area that you know of ??

Azbackpackr -
the gila wilderness? thats in NM opposite the blue range right? any trails you might recommend from there i could look into??

Pagerob -
sounds tempting but i dont think i could set up a shuttle with the people that are going, were gonna all cram into one car - ugh

If you are interested in the Gila in New Mexico get the Falcon guide "hiking the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico" or something like that.
Multiple 30 mile plus trips. Highest altitude one and coolest will be something on the Crest trail the runs around upper 9-10,000 feet. Better check with the ranger station on spring availability. Some nice (easy) peak bagging along the way, can go to the fire lookout at Mogollon Baldy, a side trip to the only standing cabin in the wilderness, Apache fire cabin.


You mentioned Ash Creek; that is in the Pinalenos not the Chiricahuas. Of course in the Galiuros too and I think in the Huachucas. Best trail in Chiricahuas is again the Crest trail, and variations of it, stays about 9000 or so.

Mt Graham has some nice day hiking, car camping, at high elevations, and maybe some overnighters, but not a long trip unless you want to endure some hot temps by going up and down the mountain.

In response to RedRoxx44's reply:

The crest trail is what I would suggest too. You can set up a nice basecamp at Anita Spring with all the raspberry bushes and easily spend 4-5 days bagging the various peaks via this trail system.

Except for a couple of the higher parts, the Gailuros may be a bit hot this time of year. Just my opinion.

Also, have you considered the Highline trail?

The Highline trail would be good, however not if you're unable to shuttle. 5 days would make for a nice 10 miles or so per day

Oh, yeah, just to clarify all I meant was there is a named Ash Creek in the Galiuros; would be way hot and I suspect every spring is dry, including Powers. Not a good summer choice.

In response to Crocodile Ryan's reply:

I'd love to join you later in the summer but I don't have the time off. My next adventure won't be until Whitney. Although I am planning a North Rim of the GC & Bryce / Southern utah trip over the 4th. It's car camping and road tripping for 5 fun filled days. You're welcome to join.

Here's a new "long route."

http://blog.summithut.com/post/2012/03/ ... izona.aspx

Maybe a bit more than 5 days.