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Thanks in advance for the help...

I have many years of backpacking experience, but I've done all my hiking in California. I would like some suggestions and routes that I could take my fiance out for a "trial run" backpacking trip. I'm looking for about 4 to 6 miles a day, less than 2000 feet of elevation gain. I have all the appropriate gear for her and me, just need a place to go. We live in the Prescott area. The Flagstaff or Payson area is what I'm thinking.

Let me know,

Scott

Indicating what month you are looking at would help people willing to respond.

Looking to go this weekend, August 15 and 16th.

TrailDex turns up:
Barbershop Trail: http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=427
and these 4:
http://hikearizona.com/interestDEX.php? ... ID=6&ID=34&

Slightly shorter is:
Houston Bros to Aspen Spring: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=674

I'd recommend the Houston Bros to Aspen Spring. You could always explore after you setup camp to get those extra few miles!

Hey nonot, I thought I was outvoted on the Cabin Loop being good for newbies.

Your suggestion does have three things in its favor:
1. water
2. shade
3. not as steep as the Grand Canyon.

IMO the whole cabin loop is not for noobs as its too easy to get off trail, plus it was pretty boring and the east half is on fire right now. He can hit the high point without the rest of the pain of the whole loop or worrying about getting off trail, he just has to stay in the valley!

nonot wrote:Slightly shorter is:
Houston Bros to Aspen Spring: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=674

I'd recommend the Houston Bros to Aspen Spring. You could always explore after you setup camp to get those extra few miles!

then the 2nd morning drive over and hike/explore sweet Dane Canyon: http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2158
(PIC SET: http://www.hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=8385)

Thank you very much for the input. I'm looking at all these suggestions.

Looks like we are planning on the Houston Brother's Trail. Anybody else going to be in the area?

In response to rookthepagan:
Have fun on Houston Bros'.. it's a very scenic, pine forested-lush area with pleanty of H2O.. do hope you two have a good "sense of humor" as you may get some rain up there this coming weekend..

Thanks for the heads up.

Any suggestions for "Plan B" Hikes?

rookthepagan wrote:Any suggestions for "Plan B" Hikes?

Others already recommended in this thread or another popular choice for a 1st time backpack is the Horton Creek TR (off Hwy 260 East from Payson):
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=62 (set up your camp somewhere off the trail along the Horton Creek below Horton Springs). You can dayhike the area which could also include some of the Derrick TR-Horton Loop: http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=879
(it might rain here too, but nothing wrong with rain while camping, but for a first time backpack.. it could be tricky to assure a positive experience for your fiance)

Girls won't melt in the rain, take adequate gear, something to read or discuss or ;) and make her carry her own gear!!

RedRoxx44 wrote:Girls won't melt in the rain, take adequate gear, something to read or discuss or ;) and make her carry her own gear!!

Dang straight! Don't baby her too much! It's demeaning!

No worries. She is carrying her own gear. I have everything to outfit her, including a brand new Osprey pack I helped her fit. Thanks for all the help. Hope to someday see some of you out on the trail.

Grasshopper wrote:Derrick TR-Horton Loop: http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=879

I second that!

Lots of fire activity in that area becareful.....The Reservoir fire near Blue Ridge Reservoir and the Rim fire down but the Tunnel Trail and has jumped across forest Road 300 in that area...

im also thinking of taking my g/f out for an overnighter this weekend to houston bros trail... will the roads be closed due to the fire? the directions tell you to take 87 to fr95, but when you look at the mapped directions from phx it tells you to take fr300 (rim road) to fr139a. which is the best route coming thru payson? id assume the 87 to fr95...

berkforbes wrote:which is the best route coming thru payson? id assume the 87 to fr95...

I recommend you take this route(which is recommended hike desc driving route).

You can follow the latest status of the Coconino NF "Rim Fires/Closure Status" at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/
(read this home page right hand column for latest fires status)

thank you wise grasshopper