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I'm new to hiking and really want to do an overnight trip. Any suggestions? Anyone want to go with?

(Looks like Joe moved it to a new thread--thanks, Joe!):

Froth, you might want to start up a new thread with your question, as it might attract more viewers. People on here usually will jump in to help a newbie decide on where to go on a first backpacking trip (but probably it won't be RtoRtoR), and we'll help with what gear to buy (and not buy!) and knowledge.

Just in general, if you've just started doing dayhiking, you might want to mention on your thread where you've been hiking, how far, etc. As for a first overnight backpack, most of us would recommend something very short and easy, no more than 5 or 6 miles round trip, to get used to using the gear, etc. And don't run out and spend $500 on gear, instead try to borrow some, rent some, get some used gear, etc. If you do get into backpacking you will almost certainly not keep the same gear you start out with if you buy it.

I moved the post out of the middle of a different conversation. Others are generally more than willing to help. You'll need to offer up some more details as your question is too vague to offer much advice. Are you looking to overnight on a R2R2R?

Bare Necessities:
When are you going?
What is your fitness level?

Best Response:
Members with posted triplogs will get the most accurate responses. It helps evaluate your experience and ability.

Resources:
Hike Arizona has over 2,000 hikes listed. Use the Regions Map. Select an area, then continue through to use TrailDEX to refine your search.

Considerations:
Solitude in easy to reach areas with huge perennial waterfalls does not exist close to Phoenix or Tucson...

azbackpackr wrote:If you do get into backpacking you will almost certainly not keep the same gear you start out with if you buy it

what are you talking crazy?! you still have that old external frame and that Frost vest kit from back in the 70's
and its going to look great on the wall of my gear shop should i ever open one..
Froth, there are some gear heads on here that will put you in the right direction so you dont have to buy stuff that doesnt work.

for beginner backpacker, do something 4-6 miles one way and in good weather. Reavis Ranch is a nice hike with a stream and camping sites with good weather (low 50's for this w/e)
and about 12 of my friends are going there this weekend. maybe we'll see you there? (look for hammocks)

te-wa wrote:

azbackpackr wrote:If you do get into backpacking you will almost certainly not keep the same gear you start out with if you buy it

what are you talking crazy?! you still have that old external frame and that Frost vest kit from back in the 70's
and its going to look great on the wall of my gear shop should i ever open one..

That I do, that I do. Love those old things!

BUT it wasn't my FIRST backpack! So there! I had a Camp Trails before that. Piece of s**t. Got rid of it pretty darn quick, found something that fit and worked well, and kept it for 35 years! 'Course, now it needs a new packbag on the frame, and Frostline is out of business, and A-16 no longer honors their lifetime guarantee, because no one should live this long and keep on backpacking, I guess.

A couple years ago I did buy a new backpack, though. But I gave it to my daughter. Dang thing felt like a strait jacket. Hated it.

te-wa wrote:for beginner backpacker, do something 4-6 miles one way and in good weather. Reavis Ranch is a nice hike with a stream and camping sites with good weather (low 50's for this w/e)
and about 12 of my friends are going there this weekend. maybe we'll see you there? (look for hammocks)

Reavis is a great trip, but I probably wouldn't have wanted to do it as a first backpacking trip as a beginning hiker. Isn't it 9 miles one way?

Considering your location and the season, I would suggest something relatively short around Phoenix.

In the Superstitions you could do the Bluff Springs loop (9 mile round trip) or Hackberry Springs Loop (5 miles round trip).

Or, even closer to where you live and almost certain solitude, head out to the Hells Canyon Wilderness next to Lake Pleasant. Cottonwood Creek would be an easy overnighter. You can hike out anywhere from 1 mile to 7-8. There are campsites along the floodplains next to the creek, and it's difficult to get lost as long as you stay in the creekbad/keep it in view. You're also almost certain to see some wild burros.

You could also head out to the White Tanks, since those are really close to where you live. Camping at Willow Springs would make about a 4-5 mile round trip. Just let the rangers there know ahead of time and the day of so they know your car will be out there overnight.

ya this time of year id go with the white tanks, or hells canyon... theres tons of exploring to do near hells canyon and its very remote out there, considering lake pleasant being so close and what not...

Wow, thanks for all the advice! I'll admit to not knowing how to ask the question, so I just kinda asked it in the middle of another. I figured you guys would help me out.

I've only done some easy hikes at the White Tanks and EMR. Fitness level is great. I have no gear, but I understand using used stuff. (I have a crappy mountain bike and am ready for an upgrade.)

Guess I'll start at White Tanks since it's what I already know.

Thanks again, I'm sure I'll have more questions to come!

Glad you came back, Froth! I thought you'd end up being one of those disappearing types who starts a conversation, and then all of us jump in with advice, and then that person never shows their face again!

Just keep showing up around here with questions and comments, you'll find it's fun and informative!