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Hi ya'll. My names Patrick and Im new to the site. My friend and I are looking into starting to backpack and or hike in different places in the state. One of the ones we are looking at now is in the lost dutchman state park. What are some suggestions? we both want some scenery on the trip.

The Superstitions are a great place to start hiking and backpacking. That area is where I started getting into these activities as well. Here's what I would do if I were you: skip Lost Dutchman State Park. The only thing different you'll get there is the privilege of paying to park your car. Go to REI or somewhere like that and get the Hiker's Guide to the Superstitions book and the Beartooth Superstition Wilderness map. Check out the book and read about a few of the described trips. In the Supes, you can't go wrong with almost any trail you pick. They are all scenic. The western half is the easiest to access and butts up against Lost Dutchman State Park. The eastern half is a longer drive, but it is higher altitude, so it's a bit cooler, and much less people. The whole area is awesome!

In response to Hoffmaster:
what are your thoughts on Devils Chasm? ive just been looking at some of the logs about it and would love to do the trail.

patburr wrote:what are your thoughts on Devils Chasm?

I'd say "check it out!" I've never been there, so I can't offer any advice. Besides, I usually stop having thoughts for the day around 5:25 pm. You missed the cut-off. ;-)

The Superstitions are getting a little to hot for backpacking. Use them for short day hikes where you start very early in the morning. It's best now to head for slightly higher country where it's cooler and there will be spring blossoms, green trees and flowing water. Get experience with day hikes first. Try routes that you may want to backpack into later. Learn how to navigate and not get lost. Check out your footwear and other gear including everything electronic before you really need to depend upon it. Use HAZ as a guide as to where to go and what to see. Read the triplogs for tips on hiking and backpacking. Learn from the mistakes and recommendations of others and be careful out there. And don't forget to bring us back some pictures and triplogs of your adventures.

patburr wrote:what are your thoughts on Devils Chasm?

Devil's Chasm is an awesome place! You won't forget that one.

As far as backpacking the Chasm, there isn't much flat ground for a tent, except for the first quarter mile or so. And even then, you would have to be creative. Or sleep Te-wa style.

Be careful in Devil's Chasm if you are new to hiking. There are a few spots up there where a fall could be lethal.

hey hoffmaster what time do things start up again as far as thoughts go

Sometimes as late as 8 AM. It varies.

OK guys new question for you. I am looking for a place to camp before i take this hike. I would prefer just a place in the woods, but if I have to settle for a campground, i will. Im not against sleeping on the ground so anything goes. thanks

Where do you plan on hiking the next day? Makes a big difference on what we can recommend. Going north to Payson or Flagstaff? Big difference in milage. Why don't you just plan on leaving very early in the morning a few weekends and try hiking in different areas of the north country first. I.E. - forget about overnights and backpack trips until you get a little experience under your belt and learn more about where you might want to explore furthur.

im going to devils chasm the next day. I have no problem on the camping part, just need to know where to do it.