Mt. Graham Camping

[chumley]

As valley temps approach 115, it's time to head to higher climbs. I've never been to Mt. Graham. Normally I find remote dispersed camp spots near little-used roads on the Mogollon Rim.

Can I find reasonable seclusion anywhere on Mt. Graham? Looking for truck-accessible dispersed camping that is off the main road. I'd be happy to not see another person all weekend, but looking at the map, that seems unlikely.

Thoughts, ideas, observations from those who've been there before would be appreciated.

[fricknaley]

Trail-wise you can certainly find seclusion in the Pinalenos. I've hiked there a number of times only rarely coming across others on the trail. At this point I am only a dayhiker though, so as far as camping goes let's see what our Pinaleno campers/overnighters have to say....Preston? RedRoxx?

Oh, by the way, it rocks up there.

[chumley]

Thanks. I'm definitely planning on a couple of easy hikes while up there. But mainly I want to make sure I can find a "base camp" that doesn't involve constant quads and other noisy visitors passing by.

[big_load]

I'm watching this one, too. After crossing over on the way back from Bassett Peak, the Pinalenos are near the top of my list of unexplored places.

[PrestonSands]

The only area I can suggest is near the end of the Swift Trail, past Riggs Lake. There are a couple 4x4 roads there, that might offer privacy (I have not explored them yet). Backpacking would be your best bet for finding solitude, though. Judging from RedRoxx's Clark Peak Trail pictures, I think she may have been on the roads I'm speaking of.

[chumley]

Thanks Preston-

I'll answer my own question since I spent last weekend up there (pictures and hiking logs to follow). For anybody looking to "car camp", the Pinalenos don't offer many options outside of developed campgrounds. I actually sleep in the back of my truck most of the time, and that's not even possible at the Hospital Flat Campground, where you have to park in one area, and set up camp a short walk away.

Nonetheless, there are probably about a dozen spots off on one of several 4x4 roads that are suitable for camping and solitude with vehicular access. Don't count on finding them empty unless you're there early though, as I found most occupied by Friday mid-afternoon.

As stated above however, I found numerous great spots for dispersed camping while hiking the trails. That seems to be the way to go when spending the night on Mt. Graham.

On a positive note, presumably due to the lack of roads and 4x4 trails up there, there's not a lot of traffic. So you won't be frequently disturbed by Quads, 4x4, or motorcycles cruising past your serene wilderness experience (as frequently occurs along the Mogollon Rim and White Mtns.)