HikeArizona.COM

Hey guys,
I was considering planning a trans supes backpack for this December. Miles to either First Water or Peralta. Im not worried to much about weather in the western supes, but Im not too familiar with the Eastern Supes, what are high lows usually at around that time? I guess what Im worried about is the cold, Im not that big of a cold weather guy. The coldest I've been camping is when it got down to 29, I was shivering in my 30 degree bag with a few blankets.
Just trying to get some ideas about what I should expect if Im doing this one at that time. I know last year you guys did it in November I think I dont know what the weather was for those of you who went on that. Just trying to figure out if that would be a good time to do it or if I should hold off till March.

December is a great time in the Eastern Supes. I would expect low-mid 50s / mid-upper 20s.

That doesnt sad too bad. Im gonna have to do it then. I guess the tough thing will be finding some good water sources that time of year so I dont have to lug 4 gallons with me.

When in December? I used to guide older Boy Scouts on five and six day backpack trips during the Christmas breaks between Christmas and New Years. We saw temperatures as low as 11 degrees at Reavis Ranch which is at approximately 4,800 feet in altitude. We also did some trips during spring break which were in late March. Can get quite warm while hiking in the afternoon. We used natural shelter whenever possible (caves, cliff dwellings, Reavis ranch house, etc.) but did carry plastic or shelter halfs in case we needed it. We did experience rain and sometimes snow during the Christmas break trips. PM me if you want more info....

I assumed the first two weeks based on "early to mid", and those are averages. In recent years there have been some big snows at the Ranch around Christmas, too. I carry a 15F bag with enough extra insulating clothes that low temps aren't much of an issue.

If I remember right, it hit 95 in November in the Western Supes, but also in December it was below freezing at Charlesbois.

The problem with the big trans-supes hike is that to get alot of people you have to pick a date so far in advance that you have no idea what the weather will be on the trip.

Well Ive got to check when my classes let out. Then I should be setting the dates and posting on the events forum. But yes in order to coordinate you have to pick dates early. So I guess the best advice on weather would just be to be prepared. But I was just looking for averages so I knew what to expect.