Backpacking Arizona. Bruce Grubbs
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Creek, Superstition Wilderness, Trip 21
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Scenery
This is the author’s opinion of the trip’s overall scenic beauty, on a scale of 1 (ugly) to 10 (unsurpassed). Obviously this rating is highly subjective and dependent on the author’s tastes. Remember that all of the trips have been carefully selected from a plethora of candidates, and all of them are scenic. Some are more scenic than others, so use this rating as a guide to relative scenic qualities.
Solitude
Most backpackers prize solitude. With this rating, you can get an idea of the degree of solitude to expect, from 1 (you’ll be elbowing your way through crowds) to 10 (you won’t see a soul, even on holiday weekends). Remember that even popular, crowded areas may be very lonely during mid-week and off-season. On the other hand, a quiet, remote area may be invaded by a large group sponsored by an organization.
Difficulty
This is another subjective rating that is intended to rate a trip’s difficulty in relation to other backpack trips. Dayhikers unaccustomed to carrying heavy loads will probably find the easiest of these trips to be strenuous, and couch potato non-hikers will have a very tough time. If you have some backpacking experience, expect a 1 to be a straightforward hike on good trails. At the other extreme, you’ll find that a 10 will probably have such obstacles as serious cross-country walking, tedious bushwhacking, difficult navigation, scarce water sources, and possible rock scrambling where packs may have to be hauled and some group members may want a belay. Backpackers attempting these most difficult trips should be fit, and at least one member of the party should be an experienced desert backpacker. Most trips in this book fall in between these limits.
Miles
This is basic mileage for the primary trip, with no side trips or options. Since official trail mileage varies widely in accuracy, the author measured the trip distance on 1:24000 scale U.S.G.S. topographic maps. Such map-derived distances tend to be slightly shorter than mileages measured with a trail wheel on the ground, but they are very consistent. A second mileage figure in parentheses below the primary number gives the total distance for the primary trip and all optional side trips described. Some of the loop trips have short-cut options that make the loop shorter. In this case the mileage in parentheses is less than the main loop mileage.
Elevation Gain
This number is an attempt to give the total elevation gain on the primary trip. It doesn’t count minor ups and downs that are too small to show on a U.S.G.S. 1:24000 topographic map. A second number in parentheses shows the elevation gain or loss for the primary trip plus all optional side trips. Some of the loop trips have short-cut options. In this case the elevation gain in parentheses may be less than that of the main loop.
Days
One hiker’s three-day backpack trip is another’s dayhike! Nevertheless, this number is the author’s recommendation, based on an average of 8 miles per day—a reasonable figure with a big pack in rough country. This figure is strongly influenced by the availability and spacing of water sources and good campsites. A second number in parentheses below the first gives the number of days required for the primary trip and all optional side trips in the description. Some of the loop hikes have an optional short cut, so the number of days required may be less.
Shuttle Mileage
If this number is 0, and the trip is a loop or an out-and-back hike, no shuttle is required. Otherwise, it shows the shortest driving distance between the beginning and ending trailheads. Remember to schedule enough time at the start and end of your hike to drive the shuttles. In a few areas, it’s possible to hire a shuttle service that will drop you off at the starting trailhead, and then move your vehicle to the exit trailhead. Such services save a lot of time, and are listed under the contact information if available.
Maps
Each hike in the book includes an accurate sketch map to give you a general idea of the layout of the trip. You should also carry a topographic map covering the area. The most detailed maps are the U.S.G.S. 7.5 minute series of quadrangles, and the names of the maps covering the hike are always listed. If there is also an agency-issued or privately produced wilderness or recreation map covering the hike, its name is listed. These maps may have less terrain detail, but road and trail information is usually updated more often.
Season
The months listed are those in which the hike is possible, either snow-free for mountain hikes, or when the weather is reasonably cool for desert hikes.
Best
These months represent my opinion of when it’s the best time to do the trip, a decision that is strongly influenced by the availability of water. Lesser factors include fall colors and wildflowers. Of course, most areas are at their most crowded during the best season; if solitude is your primary consideration, consider an off-season.
Water
The availability of water controls the planning of most Arizona backpack trips. This section lists all known springs, natural tanks, water pockets, and streams along the hike. I use the term “seasonal” to refer to creeks and springs that may have water only during the cool season and after wet weather. Very few water sources can be considered permanent.
Warning: Never depend on any single water source, and always have an alternate route, or even retreat, in mind if water sources are unexpectedly dry. All backcountry water should be purified before use, by chemical treatment, a water filter, or by boiling.
Permits
Permits are required for some of the hikes in this book, and in certain areas only a limited number of backpackers are allowed. The permit requirements at the time of writing are described, but since the permit situation is changing rapidly on Arizona public lands, you should contact the land management agency before your trip for the latest information.
Rules
As land managers deal with increasing impact on the backcountry, they are often forced to impose special rules on hikers, such as campfire restrictions and group size limits. These rules are listed here, but do not include common backcountry rules such as the requirement to leave no trace, keep pets quiet and under control, and pack out everything you brought in.
Contact
This is the telephone number for the local land management agency that is responsible for the area of the hike. I also list a web site if a useful one is available. It’s a good idea to call ahead and check on road and trail conditions, as well as permits and special requirements.
Highlights
This paragraph focuses on outstanding features such as the opportunity to see wildlife, exceptional views, narrow canyons, and other appealing attributes.
Problems
Unusual difficulties such as lack of water, poorly maintained trails, rough access roads, crowds, and other potential problems are listed here. Please remember that it’s impossible for a book to list all the problems you may encounter in remote country.
How to Get There
This section describes the best access route from the nearest sizable town. Alternate routes are listed where appropriate, as is the route to the end of the hike if a shuttle is required. With a few exceptions, you’ll need a vehicle to get to these backpack trips. While you can reach some trailheads on paved roads, most require travel on dirt roads that can be traversed by a normal vehicle. Some approaches do require high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles. Because some trailheads are very remote, it’s a good idea to carry extra water, food, and a change of clothes in your vehicle.
Description and Tips and Warnings
The detailed description includes clear navigation directions using natural landmarks and trail signs. Directions are given as left and right, and are backed up with the compass direction in parentheses. Although mileages between trail junctions