HikeArizona.COM

Hi guys and girls,

New to the forum.
Returning to backpacking after much too long of a hiatus.

Where can I go to get out of the oppressive heat of Phoenix?

Looking for an easy to moderate hike in / hike out overnighter or possibly a two nighter. Having a good water supply would be nice, so that I don't have to pack so much water...

The Rim maybe? Or Flagtaff area?

Suggestions are appreciated!

~Frank

check out this one
http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=2442

Or any of the cabin loop trails

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

Judging by the number of photosets this summer, Colorado seems popular.

Mainstem Black River, South Fork Trail #97, Bear Wallow Wilderness, KP Creek, Grant Creek, West Baldy Trail, East Baldy Trail--all are up here in the cool country and all of these hikes follow creeks. For the South Fork #97 be sure to start at the lower end by the campground and follow the creek. Don't go up to Mexican Hay Lake at all, just keep following the creek. For Mainstem Black River, start at Wildcat Crossing bridge, and go either up or downstream, and be sure to wear old tennis shoes--you will be crossing the river a lot! For Grant Creek follow the directions here: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=341

Mt. Elden has no water! No place around Flag has any significant running water! It's a desert with pine trees! You want creeks, and lots of surface water, go to the White Mtns. and the Blue Range. Hannagan Meadow. Black River. Greer. Baldy. Big Lake.

If you are really wanting to beat the heat in the summer, check out southern New Mexico during the monsoon season. I camped out for seven weeks up above 9,000' July and August... with average daytime highs in the 60's... and lots of mid afternoons down in the 50's! I did not run into any other hikers over the two months on the trails (I like that!)... and instead of backpacking I simply car camped... no need to pack along anything enjoying the 100's of miles of dayhiking available on the old abandoned logging roads. Avoid the "real" trails... ATV's use them on most summer weekends.

If heat is the issue... it is an area hard to beat.

Thanks for the suggestions!