HikeArizona.COM

Hi there. I started backpacking this year, I have completed a couple of backpacking trips with some folks from Meet-up, The thing is I don't have any backpacking buddy to go with this time this month(the week of Christmas) , so I am debating myself if I could go out alone for a few days in the area(maybe 2~3 nights out there with > 20~30 miles total). Is this doable? any risk that I have to be aware of? Your advice is highly appreciated. thank you.

Kenny

do it

Welcome to HAZ Kenny. Seems reasonable based on the info provided. Were any of your previous trips in the 30 mile range. Maybe less miles for the shorter winter days. Still likely fine if you move steady, have footwear squared away and are not carrying too heavy of a pack as is common with beginners. If you offer up your destination or trails you'll be on others may have more to offer.

I'd be a little apprehensive solo backpacking around Gila Bend but not the Superstitions.

Backpacking Solo in the Superstitions? A lot of people do it, including me...As long as you can Navigate, you'll be fine....

I just did it 2 weeks ago... so no problem at all

Just plan ahead... and Light pack helps on the Sups Trails also....

and Have fun

Refresh on all the safety things: Leave a good map and itinerary with someone reliable, stick to the route you told people you would be on, take and use a SPOT or other location device.

Absolutely go for it! Backpacking alone is fantastically rewarding.

Make sure you take something to read or otherwise amuse yourself after dark - it's hard to sleep all 14 hours of darkness at this time of year.

take Edward Abbey. Henry Thoreau. Walt Whitman. and some 'Stones. those are all the people you'll need. relax after sunset with a small fire, a can of TenFidy, and talk to the hillsides.

te-wa wrote:relax after sunset with a small fire, a can of TenFidy, and talk to the hillsides.

And when the hillsides begin to talk back stop taking the TenFidy, put your head on the pillow and go to sleep. ;)

Wow. Thank you so much for all the commnts. By the way, where is Gila Bend, is there any backpacking area near Phoenix other than Superstition mountain ? I am newbie

You might look into the Seven Springs area but the Superstitions probably has the best options and most available water. There's also the Mazatzals but it'll be a bit chilly for that elevation.

In the last 48 hours it has been raining in the Sup's so water for some time should not be a problem. Maybe someone traveling out their this weekend could give us all an updated weather report when they get back off the trail.

Ok. Here's the route what I am thinking for 3 days solo backpacking in the area in the week of Christmas. I'd like to have your comments...

Day 1
Peralta TH to the intersection of Dutchman and Peralta (1 night)
Day 2
east on the dutchman to labarge spring (1 night)
Day 3
take the dutchman and bluff springs trail back to Peralta TH

My question here is water. Is there any water source on this route or should I bring >6 liter water for dry camping?

Thank you.
Kenny

Your itinerary is fine, you may find you have plenty of time before dinner as those are some shorter mileage days, but it should make for a fairly relaxed trip with some time to explore.

There is sometimes water flowing where you are camping on night 1. We did get a bit of rain over the past 24 hours as well. Hard to guarantee anything though. Might be best to watch the triplogs and water reports.

Day 2 you are good, there is water at LaBarge spring, it will be across the wash to your north. Follow the sound of dripping water.

Oh. thank you so much for your comments.That's great that there is water at LaBarge spring, then I just carry less water than I need for whole 3 days.

after light rains like this, a small amount may be found in pools at Pinon Camp. I highly suggest you get intel on the "weavers crosscut route" and take that to terrapin, then on to the dutchman. you can climb up bull pass to the top of black top mesa too! despite passing the bluff springs area numerous times, i've never once used it as a water source.

te-wa wrote:I highly suggest you get intel on the "weavers crosscut route"

prepare for the fotg beating

It's cool but probably not a good idea if new to the area unless confident in route finding. It's short, so yeah what could go wrong... having crossed paths with a guy in the area backpacking years ago. We took a look at his map. First thing we did was determine he was looking at it backwards. That was on a trail, not in that offtrail maze

@joe bartels
@te-wa
LOL I do tend to be a little more cautious when throwing out suggestions However, those trails offer enough of a challenge to the green or less experienced hiker. Throw in a little off-trail, or unofficial route travel and some serious problems can occur very quickly. I don't know if anyone actually read his triplog, but the last guy we sent out to Supes noted having a little difficulty on Calvary Trail and I get it, because I have been there as a first timer myself. Anyways, its probably a good thing that he stuck to the established trails and a pretty mild loop and did not attempt something involving cross country "short-cuts," bushwhacking, unofficial routes, route finding etc..

all the creeks and water spots were bone dry. There was quite a few spots where the trail was VERY hard to follow and we almost ended up walking up a creek bed which would have taken us deep into the desert. Make sure you keep a sharp eye out for cairns

The entire loop was DRY except for some stinky puddles near Aylors Arch/Black Mesa, and then down by 2nd water Spring head. I didn't see much else. We would have had a bad time if we didn't head to Charlebois spring

So I assume it is not that difficult to locate the LaBarge spring for water ?

Not too hard. Easier with a GPS. The vegetation makes it fairly obvious, but it's not like a fountain or a pond.