HikeArizona.COM

Hello everyone,

My girlfriend and I are planning a backpacking trip on the weekend of July 4th. I am looking for a place that isn't too crowded, has some decent views, and wont be too unbearably hot. We have 2-3 days and are looking to complete about 20 (+/-) miles. Anywhere in the state is fine. Typically I would just look through the trail list (and I have been), but i really need this trip to be perfect because I will be proposing!

Please let me know what you think and what you would choose.

Thank You!

Depending on your abilities, I'd go to the Blue Range Primitive Area, just based on @Chumley and @FriendofThundergod triplogs and photos. May still be cool-ish there, too.

I wouldn't personally head to the Blue Range in July. It's a little bit warmer than I prefer, and it is very likely you will experience thunderstorms everyday. Not to mention it's a very long drive!

You're asking for a few things that contradict each other unfortunately: It's 4th of July. Places that won't be unbearably hot will likely be at least somewhat crowded. That's just how it is here in the summer. Especially on a holiday weekend!

I really think one of the better options is the popular Cabin Loop. It won't be crowded, but you'll almost certainly pass a few other groups of backpackers. The catch will be whether any of the ideal camping areas near the springs have other groups camped nearby or not.

There aren't expansive views up there but it's scenic pine forest with picturesque small canyons and ridges.

Not knowing your experience level, it's difficult to recommend much else. Some people like to spend a night or two exploring up the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon. You have to go quite a ways before camping is permitted and you will have to be walking in water much of that hike.

If you don't mind a big climb, great views can be found in some of the sky islands of southern Arizona. I might recommend the Huachucas. A Carr-Comfort Springs loop features some big elevation gain to start, but there are some great camp spots along the ridge with great views, and I'm pretty sure Bathtub Spring is reliable year round. A trip over to Miller Peak would be a nice side trip/day hike on this loop.

But, if she says yes it won't matter where you are. It'll be perfect just because it is. Good luck!

chumley wrote:I really think one of the better options is the popular Cabin Loop.

If you want to avoid crowds, keep to the east side (U-bar, Barbershop, Houston Bros). The south end of the Fred Haught trail near General Springs Cabin is where all the traffic always is.

I had been eyeing up cabin loop for a while now. Carr Comfort springs looks pretty great too!

My original plan was Ash Creek Trail #307. Would that one be a good option?

L0tr_Saruman wrote:Hello everyone,

Typically I would just look through the trail list (and I have been), but i really need this trip to be perfect because I will be proposing!

Let's just hope she's also not a HAZ member.

Black River Mainstem. You walk along the river upstream or downstream from Wildcat Crossing Bridge. There are almost no people around after the first mile. You have to cross the river many times and there are places to swim. It's green and pretty. Yes, there may be thunderstorms in the afternoons, but you're down low, and the lightning generally strikes the ridges. See my triplogs: http://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=326

Ash Creek would be a nice place to backpack.