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Winter backpacking areas with water
Posted: Nov 29 2012 12:08 pm
by Gatekeeper
Hello, I am currently going to school
in Flagstaff and winter break is coming up. Its getting to cold out up here at night. I am returning to Phoenix for a month off. I was wondering where some long distance winter backpacking trails are with water available. Any suggestions are welcome just need ideas. I am looking for areas that aren't too cold and still have water. My winter break starts on Dec 12th until Jan 14th. Any ideas?
Re: Winter backpacking areas with water
Posted: Nov 29 2012 2:41 pm
by chumley
You can put together any number of hikes in the Superstitions. There are several water sources that are reliable.
It wouldn't be a long-distance backpack due to the length of stay limitations, but you might enjoy spending 3 days in Aravaipa canyon.
Re: Winter backpacking areas with water
Posted: Nov 29 2012 3:05 pm
by Sredfield
The AZT, start at the Mexican border, hike north till you need to go home.
Re: Winter backpacking areas with water
Posted: Nov 29 2012 10:20 pm
by writelots
Hutches Pool/Romero Canyon - if you're willing to drive down to Tucson. I know it's south, but trust me, it's not downhill ;)
Re: Winter backpacking areas with water
Posted: Nov 30 2012 6:47 pm
by Trishness
Numerous trans-Superstition hikes. Start at Miles trailhead and hike out at First Water. Kurt (hikeaz) has done this route so he would be a great source for information.
Trish
Re: Winter backpacking areas with water
Posted: Nov 30 2012 6:56 pm
by Hippy
I was also going to suggest anything in the Supes. With the amount of time you have you could become a temporary lunatic and go Dutch Hunting
Re: Winter backpacking areas with water
Posted: Dec 01 2012 7:21 pm
by aztazer
Check out the Grand Enchantment trail (
http://hikearizona.com/map.php?X=2 http://www.simblissity.net/get/). The western portion starts, which starts in the Supes, is ideal for winter hiking.
Re: Winter backpacking areas with water
Posted: Dec 02 2012 2:32 pm
by Gatekeeper
@Trishness
Thanks everyone! I narrowed it down to the Superstitions and bought a Nat Geo map of the wilderness area. Trish, when you say the miles TH do you mean the Miles Ranch TH? Starting on the east side of the wilderness and hike to the west side out of First Water TH?
Re: Winter backpacking areas with water
Posted: Dec 02 2012 4:28 pm
by Trishness
tturner
I think Miles TH and Miles Ranch TH are the same. I have a Beartooth map so it's a little different than the NatGeo one. Another person to ask about this trans-Supes Hike is te-wa as he has done this. I know there is water at Reavis Ranch and there might be some at Dripping spring but it's been a really dry fall so far. Maybe others who have been out in those part recently can give you a better idea of water sources
Trish