HikeArizona.COM

I'm looking for a hike! Didn't see that one coming, did you?

I have come here to tap into that infinite mass of knowledge that is the collective HAZ community. Here's what I'm looking for: A buddy and I are planning on taking out our kayaks in a couple weeks, we'd like someplace cool (temp not awesome, although...), water access from the trailhead. We're hoping to strap our gear to our boats and paddle some place where we can set up camp and take a day hike or 3 from there. Fishing is a plus, 4x4 access is fine, any and all suggestions will be considered and possibly mocked. If you have any questions, I will be in my office, possibly sleeping.

What about the Lee's Ferry/Marble Canyon area...

We're also thinking about finding a river and parking at point a, kayaking down to point b, camping, kayaking to point c, locking up the kayaks, hiking back to point a, and then driving back to point c to pick up the boats. Is that possible w/ marble canyon? is there places to camp along the side? is there trails/roads that you can hike up river?

kylemorgan wrote:We're also thinking about finding a river and parking at point a, kayaking down to point b, camping, kayaking to point c, locking up the kayaks, hiking back to point a, and then driving back to point c to pick up the boats.

I actually have an idea that might fit your description. It's somewhat ambitious and would require good navigational skills to get back to your truck. There is a stretch along the Salt River within the Salt River Wilderness, downstream from Horseshoe Bend. You could put in at Horseshoe Bend and take out downstream at the bridge crossing Highway 288. Very wild and scenic area with good fishing and plenty of camping opportunities along the river with endless off trail hiking (see Redmond Flat in the Trail Dex). This time of year, the Salt River is at lower flow rates, creating some shallow areas that would require portaging. The good news is that you wont have to deal with any heavy rapids. Just upstream from the bridge is a sand wash the heads all the way back into the hills to access a road that would take you back to your truck. There is a spring along the sand wash to replenish water. Although not high in elevation, the temperatures around the state are dropping every week and are becoming comfortable.