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We're hoping to take our 3-year-old (and his 18-month-old brother) on his first backpacking trek this week. I've spent all day online trying to familiarize myself with the area and I'm coming up empty. Any recommendations? We're thinking two nights max and anywhere between Chiricahua and Payson is fair game. Heck, we're even willing to head up towards the Grand Canyon. Since we'll be hauling two little ones, we'd like to stay as close to water as possible. Right now Fossil Creek is looking appealing. Is it doable in a couple of days with the kids. Thanks so much for your suggestions. This will be our first backpacking trip in about 5 years, so I'm ready!!!

The higher elevations may still freeze at night. There may still be snow above 5-6000 feet.

Fossil Creek is a heck of a hike for a 3 year old, it's not that hard going in, but going back out you'd have to carry him/her for most of it. I saw some adults having trouble on the way out, for perspective.

I did a search, but don't know anything about these trails, but based on short distance, minimal elevation change, and starting below 4500 feet here is a short list to get you started:

Tanque Verde Falls
Gisela Ruins
Cottonwood Creek - Upper Falls
Linda-Vista Loop
Jake's Corner Ruin
Mica View
Hackberry Springs from Horse Lot

I don't even know if camping is allowed or possible at any of these, except Hackberry.

since you'll be coming from Sierra Vista, why not hike into Sycamore Pajarita? You can go as far as you like as long as you dont camp in the restricted Goodding study area, there is water and plenty of neat things to keep a 3 year old busy, like frogs and butterflies. This is a treasure, a hidden gem that recieves little notice. Im surprised Im actually telling you about it. Keep it clean, and remember only hike (round trip) the kid's age, in this case 3 miles. http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=254

Thanks for your suggestions! Sycamore Canyon definitely sounds intriguing. I'll have to look into that.

A questions re: Pajarita - What is the illegal immigrant activity like? That's one reason we're avoiding the Huachuca range. We want to minimize our chances of running into some unsavory folks.

Thanks.