A Santa Rita loop

[amblinman]

I'm thinking of a Super/Crest/Four Springs/(Bog?)/pipeline/super loop. Anybody been there, done that? And how about a mid-way campsite, any suggestions? I'll be going this weekend or next. It's my first time in the Santa Ritas, and my sons going with me.

[rwstorm]

Done all those trails many times. Baldy Saddle is about halfway and is a nice place for camp. Pine Saddle would be next best I think.

[amblinman]

Thanks, I was wondering about Baldy saddle but one report I had read told of a very windy night. Was that just misfortune and not the norm?

[rwstorm]

It's true that is windy there much of the time, same for Josephine, but they are the best campsites. You might be able to find some flat sites nearby that aren't as exposed.

[SkyIslandHiker]

If you're familar with the short (<1/2 mile) "route" between the Super Trail and Roger's Rock, there is a great little campsite about a third of the way to Roger's Rock just before you cross the south fork of Kent Creek. It's rarely windy there and you are less than 100' away from water which is flowing quite nicely now. However, may be at a lower eleavation than you want to be.

[joebartels]

For those that don't know (like myself) it would be helpful to pinpoint it on this map http://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=1071
Simply zoom and center (red crosshair in the middle of the map) to that spot. Click "Go" in the upper right corner to mark. Then click "Link" in the upper right corner to get the link to share.

[SkyIslandHiker]

I don't have the exact gps coordinates for the campsite but this is pretty close:
http://hikearizona.com/map.php?QX=1072

The campsite is about 200 yards east of the lower Super Trail along the Roger's Rock "route" which does not get a lot of use since it is not on any maps, nor is there is signed trail junction. If you find the "route" you can't miss the campsite just before the creek crossing.

[amblinman]

Thanks for the info on the campsites. Rogers route does sound nice but it would be too early into the hike and since this is my first time in the Santa Ritas I think I'll stay on marketed trails. So then I'll just find a little protection on Baldy saddle or there about. Also, I get the impression that the super trail is easier but maybe not quite as lush/green would I do well to take old baldy to Josephine saddle then switch to the super trail to avoid some of the switchbacks? I am doing the loop counter clockwise. And thanks for the map Joe, I've got the green trails map but I'm gonna print yours as well.

[Jeffshadows]

Thanks for the info on the campsites. Rogers route does sound nice but it would be too early into the hike and since this is my first time in the Santa Ritas I think I'll stay on marketed trails. So then I'll just find a little protection on Baldy saddle or there about. Also, I get the impression that the super trail is easier but maybe not quite as lush/green would I do well to take old baldy to Josephine saddle then switch to the super trail to avoid some of the switchbacks? I am doing the loop counter clockwise. And thanks for the map Joe, I've got the green trails map but I'm gonna print yours as well.

I think you're on the right track. There are a number of awesome sopts to came along or near the Crest trail, as well. Have fun!

[amblinman]

Many thanks to everyone for the guidance. See ya in the triplogs!