HikeArizona.COM

New to the forum.

Would really appreciate any recommendations for a 2 night/ 3 day hiking backpacking trail in June. Doesn't *have* to be in Flagstaff/Sedona. Just assumed that'd be my best shot at bearable temps this time of year. Ideally there's a water source nearby.

I'd like to set up camp (backcountry okay) and do three different hikes anywhere between 7-12 miles. No technical climbs or strenuous elevation gains please (moderate to difficult is okay). I'm traveling alone. No stranger to backpacking but new to the desert.

Thanks in advance!

Cabin loop will be warm...any place in AZ will be warm in June though, even Flag. I actually don't know of any backpacking spots in Flag and would be interested...the problem is typically water.

http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=797

If you're from Texas, you might not know that it can be warm in Flagstaff in June, but it also can be cold. We need a clearer picture of your expected dates, because June 20 is usually a lot warmer than June 3rd. Yes, the low deserts are hot, but it can be only in the 60s in the day in Flagstaff, and in the 30s at night, at the start of the month. 20s, depending on location around town, are normal when it is cooler. This year has been a little warmer than usual, so that probably won't be the case. Backpacking around Flagstaff, but not through, is hard to do, especially with water being a concern. Unless you want to do a loop over and over, you're looking at stuff far from town, like down near the Rim as nonot posted. If you lived in Flagstaff, that isn't Flagstaff anymore, but everything is relative. Sedona is similar, except that you'll find it to be warm to hot, and not too cold at night. 40s at the chilliest is my guess.

If you are willing to set up a base camp and do day hikes, the Schultz Pass area is a spot to consider. I believe that is open up to the camping areas. There is a spring west of there, but I have no information on it. I hiked past it last year (or down stream) and it was flowing, so if you have a filter, and are willing to risk it being dry, there is that option. You will need to have an alternate source, or buy, though. Also, Elden Spring near the base of Mount Elden is a source, but that is practically urban. The location was fixed on the map, but it has moved to the incorrect location the USGS had it at. One point of information, from my experience, the USGS topo maps have consistently placed springs in the Flagstaff area in the wrong location on their maps.

You would definitely want to do Humphrey's peak (highest point in Arizona) and at the top, on a nice, clear day, if you are looking in the right direction you can see the grand canyon. Which brings me to my next recommendation. After hiking to the highest point in arizona, hike down the biggest canyon in the world! There is great back country camping in Cremation Camp grounds, and with a little exploring you can have some of the best views of the Colorado river!

Since when are backpackers allowed to camp at Cremation? I had always thought it was for private river runners with exchanges, only.

I have permit camped at a place called Cremation something which is midway between the rim and the river. It is primitive with no facilities. Perhaps this is what he is referring to.