Camping near Brown's Peak

[jacobemerick]

Howdy howdy!

So, planning on messing around on Brown's Peak (Mother Lode, mayhaps?) in a few weeks. Been up there twice, once to Brown's and once to Amethyst. Vaguely remember an exposed campsite in the saddle before the mountain, was planning on bringing a crew of mixed experience up and spending the night. My biggest worry is wind (and, well, related temps).

Questions...
1) For those who've camped up there, how crazy bad can the wind get?
2) Is there better options than that saddle? (thinking about #130 to Bear Spring)

[JoelHazelton]

I camped up on the saddle below Brown's with @jonnybackpack in late September 2010. I definitely don't recall excessive winds. I do remember staying up til the wee hours of the morning enjoying beers and night photography. So, couldn't have been too bad up there.

As far as your itinerary after the camping part - I wouldn't recommend bringing a crew of mixed experience hikers on motherlode. That could be a recipe for disaster. Peruse the triplogs for motherlode on here and you'll see disaster has struck some groups up there, and those were very experienced hikers.

[jacobemerick]

Should have clarified - campers are of mixed experience. Only two of us are planning on doing the 'Lode, the rest are there for the campfire and stars. Thanks for the info

[nonot]

Please consider only having a fire if you can douse it afterwards. Since there's no water on the peak side you may want to consider just going without one. That whole area is a tinderbox.

[te_wa]

each person will have to bring a gallon of personal drinking water, and 2 gallons for those doing the motherlode. i don't remember water anywhere in that area - save for a tiny spring on the northern side (four peaks trail).

have fun! be safe.

[ddgrunning]

There is a nice camp spot just off the trail, as marked on this map: http://hikearizona.com/map.php?GPS=31906

It is below the saddle, which we hoped would help out with the wind. It was still windy, but still a good spot and less exposed than the saddle.

[jacobemerick]

Thanks ddgrunning! This looks like a great sheltered option.