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My buddy and I are looking for a good trail for a two night backpack with some water. Looking for it to be under twenty miles and would prefer a loop. We are both taking our girlfriends out for the first time and dont want to scare them away with something too strenuous or long. I have done some research on the trail dex but cant seem to find anything appealing to me. I have had my eye on west clear creek but dont feel it is long enough. would prefer it to be within 2-3 hours drive of the east valley. Thanks in advance.

@Mattrgrs12
Anything in western Supes, some pretty standard loops and camping options plenty of water..popular destinations Charlebois, La Barge Spring, dripping springs, anything from the First Water THs...Reavis Ranch is another great destination in Supes, but you wont have to many under 20 mile loops...good book to get for tons of options Hiker's Guide to Superstitions....

search the following trails under search...
Bluff Springs, Dutchman, Calvary, Whiskey Springs, Terrapin, Boulder Canyon, Peralta, Coffee Flats, Red Tanks.... you will find tons of possibilities..

When are you planning on doing this trip? Next few weeks or as the weather gets warmer?

@chumley
I guess I should have asked time of year before saying there was water oops, now water no prob...June you better know where springs are..

Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness from the West Entrance.

I would have suggested the Highline Trail as a Shuttle, from 260 TH to the Tonto Fish Hatchery, but it will probably get Snow this Weekend...1st Night alongside Christopher Creek, 2nd Night along Horton Creek...It's a really nice Backpack but not too grueling and the Trail is normally nice...Not sure about now....

we are planning on going 2nd weekend of April. i wanted to do araviapa but there were no permits available for that weekend. as far as reavis ranch, i've done that multiple times and im looking for a change of scenery. I have been looking at the cabin loop up on the rim. How is the weather that time of year? the only photo set i saw in posted in April it was covered in snow

Depending on the weather they usually do not open access on the 300 road until mid April or the first of May. However due to the weather we have been having would not be surprised if they opened earlier. Maybe further then you would want and it would also depend on the weather but you would have access. Arizona Trail segment from AZ87 East of Clint's Well to the Happy Jack area.

April is hard to plan. Might be 95 in Phoenix, might be 75.

If its hot, something in Sedona or slightly below the rim about 5500 ft, perhaps the highline trail loop horton with drew or a barnhardt/ybar loop

If its cold, something closer to 3000 ft. Maybe a loop in the Cave Creek Wilderness?

@Mattrgrs12
I just read 2-3 hours away from east valley so that def rules out Supes, they a little close.. I would just keep using that region map, something will eventually intrigue you, it has worked for me..click a spot then just start clicking on ones that meet your mile criteria etc...I am sure you would not be disappointed with any of the above suggestions though...

The Cabin Loop is awesome, but I wouldn't recommend bringing anybody up there in April who isn't fully-prepared for it. Nights are regularly still in the 20s, and that's tough for first timers who probably don't have the equipment to stay warm, and/or don't want to carry the extra weight required to stay warm and comfortable.

Secret Canyon in Sedona is a great hike for April and it's relatively mild hike/backpack. It's beautiful as well! Just watch out for the Poison Ivy.
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=116

You could also check out the Hell's Hole Trail in the Salome Wilderness.
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=616

To clarify when i said 2-3 hours away I meant I am willing to travel 2-3 hours. Im open to something even within an hour of the valley. Thanks for all the suggestions so far

If you want privacy and solitude do not use any of the common trails in the Superstitions. This time of year there are crowds of people out there enjoying the fine weather and colorful flowers. If you still insist in doing so camp far far away from any trail!

Mattrgrs12 wrote:as far as reavis ranch, i've done that multiple times and im looking for a change of scenery.

why not try Haunted Canyon, that was nice. Short hike in, shorter hike out, steeper hike out, or go back the way you came, water is not an issue and the camping sites were superb.
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=56

@John9L
are there any loops possible with the hells hole trail you suggested?

Mattrgrs12 wrote:@John9L
are there any loops possible with the hells hole trail you suggested?

As far as I know Hells Hole is an out and back. I'm sure a loop can be put together but the going gets rough as you work your way towards Salome Creek. It also might get technical down there. Just go out and back if you choose this trail. I really enjoyed backpacking down there. There is perennial water but only a few campsites to choose from.

It may have been drier here but there is still lots of water on the rim there are a couple of roads that are swapped with water and will get worse if this storm comes in... so I don't expect them to open the roads up much before mid April .. for anything up on 87 north anyway...

Mattrgrs12 wrote:Looking for it to be under twenty miles and would prefer a loop. We are both taking our girlfriends out for the first time and don't want to scare them away with something too strenuous or long.

Like John9L says this one can be an enjoyable 1nt/2day backpack with a limited campsite area, but for you having 2nts/3days available and this location a fairly long drive from the Gilbert area, a recommended out and back hike, and could be considered somewhat strenuous for a first time backpack, I personally think you could pick a better choice and have a loop too

@Mattrgrs12
out and backs are not so bad...at least the scenery changes on the way back, what was in front is now in behind ;) unless you walk backwards on your way back of course...