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Can anyone help me choose a trail?

Posted: Jul 13 2011 5:38 am
by Corva
Hi everyone,

I have recently convinced my friend to try backpacking with me. Yay! Since all of you are way more experienced than me, I thought I would see if I could pick your brains for trail ideas.

We are only doing an overnight to start... but if you know of any longer hikes that you like, please mention them, too, because I hope to get there someday soon! I am new to backpacking and have only done three trips since last September. My last trip was a 2-nighter about a month ago with 14ish miles total and a couple thousand feet of elevation change overall. With her, I'd like to do something less than that and would ideally like the trip to be focused on how FUN backpacking is and how PRETTY and how she should do it again, so any trips that have especially beautiful scenery might be good.

Ideally, I'd like the total length of the trail to be under 7 miles, although we can definitely hike a shorter portion of a longer hike.

A water source would be best. I haven't tried dry camping yet, although I plan to, but don't think trying it for the first time with an inexperienced hiker/backpacker would be the best idea.

I'd also prefer to keep the hike within a 3.5 hour drive of Phoenix.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU in advance for taking the time to reply to this! I really appreciate it, as I've been staring at my Trail Dex results for hours without being able to find a good fit. :(

Re: Can anyone help me choose a trail?

Posted: Jul 13 2011 7:48 am
by PaleoRob
Are you looking for something near Phoenix, or are you going to drive a bit away?

Re: Can anyone help me choose a trail?

Posted: Jul 13 2011 6:50 pm
by nonot
The OP said driving within 3.5 hrs of phx.

I don't know, it's a little hot everywhere right now. I do like the cabin loop - the east is better than the west I think. Other places nice this year with water- West Clear Creek? Maybe a few parts of the sierra anchas - not the most popular, but there's a few springs about.

Wish I knew more about the catalinas, maybe Tucson folks will post.

Re: Can anyone help me choose a trail?

Posted: Jul 13 2011 7:41 pm
by Trishness
I agree with NoNot. Cabin Loop area is just gorgeous and there are reliable springs. It's relatively flat all along Houston Brothers and there is a nice camping area at Aspen Spring. If you go in the next few weeks though just beware of the high chance for some T-storms!

Re: Can anyone help me choose a trail?

Posted: Jul 14 2011 6:40 am
by PaleoRob
Oops, missed that part. I've got nothing then.