New to AZ

[long2jump]

My name is Michael and I just recently moved here and found this site. I am looking for some good hiking/backpacking overnight trips. Does anyone have some good ideas? I don't like sitting at home all the time. Need help in finding some good spots and where there at. Thanks for all who help.

[chumley]

Hi Michael.


Arizona has a wealth of beautiful hiking and backpacking. A great place to begin is the TrailDex located in the top left corner of the screen. You can narrow down what you are looking for by selecting any of the options (start with "backpack - yes", and select mileage and elevation gain preferences), and from there, check out the resulting hike descriptions, triplogs, and photos to see if it fits your skill level and interest. Narrow it down by selecting specific regions in the state, time of year, etc.

The question in your post is a little bit too broad to give you a good answer without knowing more about what your hiking skills, desires, and experience are like. If you see some trails on TrailDex that interest you, and want more information than provided, some more specific questions will likely get helpful responses.

Welcome to Arizona. Where did you move from?

[azbackpackr]

Yes, you'll find people on here to be responsive and helpful. Also keep in mind that the hot season is upon us (at least in the desert), so if you want to do a backpacking trip, you may want to go to a higher elevation. There are quite a few areas fairly close to Phoenix that fit that description.

[long2jump]

I've spent 7.5 yrs in this Nations Army rucking up and down with loads. With only what we had on out backs, but thanks for the help I will take a look at that.

[long2jump]

Where are these areas close to Phoenix you are talking about?

[JimmyLyding]

With respect to hitting high-country areas close to Phoenix my standard response is to check out the Pinal Mountains. Start at Icehouse CCC and hike up to one of the semi-primitive campgrounds on top. I'm guessing there's still water at Ferndell Spring, but it sounds like this last winter was very dry back home in AZ.
However, the Mazatzals are probably your best bet for rugged backpacking: very long trips are possible, and the terrain is very challenging for the most part. There are also a lot of interesting areas along the Mogollon Rim that can be reached after a drive of a little over 2 hours.

[kevinweitzel75]

@long2jump
First off, . Second, thank you for your service. And third, there is so much to hike, backpack, walk, jog, run, bike, trek, canyon (correct term?), climb (oh god, it goes on) here in AZ. Where would you start. Awnser to that, is here at HAZ. Anything and everything related to the above mentioned (and more ) is here. There are every type of personalties on this site. Have fun.

P.S. Just beware of the burrito eating, gun carrying, non-leash useing, naked hikers. They have also been known to house homless cats.

[SuperstitionGuy]

Before you commit to an area for an overnight backpack you might just want to spend a day in the general area day hiking from one or more of the trailheads to familiarize yourself with the access roads, terrain and water conditions.

[long2jump]

Thats what I was just looking for, was water sources on the TrailDex. Any suggestions?

[joebartels]

AZ > April or Oct( like April ) > Backpacking > Creek Perennial > 10-24mi

Several good ones in here, Reavis #109 South among my favs
http://hikearizona.com/location_g.php?QX=628

[te_wa]

keep an eye on the Event page to see if anything posted strikes you: hazcal.php