Anyone for a hike in the White Mtns?

azbackpackr · Posted: 7/18/2009, 4:36 am Post subject: Anyone for a hike in the White Mtns?

I'm stuck here this summer, but have this weekend and next weekend free if anyone is in the area and wants to do a nice long dayhike, let's say 12-18 miles. Trail, off-trail, whatever.

I also like road biking and mtn. biking. Eagar to Alpine is around 50 miles, nice highway ride, very good highway. My mtn. biking skills are moderate, but RR Grade is fun, easy singletrack, about 18 miles, if there is no thunderstorm!

PM me, and plan to meet me at Bashas' in Eagar and carpool. I can give you directions, of course!

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

Maybe my camping trip, thinking about the White Mtns.

azbackpackr · Posted: 7/18/2009, 3:48 pm Post subject:

We hiked Thompson Trail along West Fork of the Black River today, just a short stroll about 4 miles r/t, with me stopping and clicking pictures the whole way. I have never before seen it so green. The wildflowers are stupendous! Yes, yes, I will post photos later on. You just would not believe it.

I can't remember how long it's been since they stopped grazing cattle along that stretch, but what a difference it makes!

Nighthiker, let me know if you are up here next weekend! I haven't made any solid plans for it as yet.

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

I go on a multi-day camping trip every three weeks, next trip will be at the end of July. One of my coworkers is camping this weekend neary where you did your hike.

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

desertgirl · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 3350 Location: Chandler, AZ

BTW -- I will be coming up with AZ Highways photoworkshop up there from Aug 7-10, We will be staying at Hannnegan ,meadow lodge and adventuring out from there ...
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azbackpackr · Posted: 7/18/2009, 4:42 pm Post subject:

Are you car camping? Lots of at-large areas near the Thompson Trail, plus Big Lake is very close. Plus you could do a super easy backpack along that trail. We checked out several nice campsites.

Hannagan should be awesome! There are so many flowers right now and more are coming up!

jessica · Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 15

When I am a little more expereienced I would love to explore the White Mtns!

azbackpackr · Posted: 8/6/2009, 1:22 pm Post subject:

Not sure if you need much experience. Lots of easy trails.

jessica · Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 15

In that case I would love to try it with you anytime, just let me know.

azbackpackr · Posted: 8/6/2009, 5:02 pm Post subject:

I'm working a lot right now and have an unpredictable schedule, so I tend to make decisions about a hike on the day of the hike, which doesn't help you as it is a 4 or 5 hour drive for you. I'd suggest driving up to Greer and camping at Hoyer Campground for your first time up here. There are 5 or 6 nice hikes right out of Greer. West Fork, East Fork both very nice. (Info below)

Or camp at Big Lake, several campgrounds there. There are several trails out of that area as well. Info available on the Springerville Ranger District trails here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/trails/sprgrvlle_rd/pdf/Trail_Guide_Pages.pdf

Here is an easy trail near Big Lake:
http://www.hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=615

If you don't want to drive that far, head for Payson (Horton Creek area) or Forest Lakes.

jessica · Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 15

wow that looks beautiful! Thanks!

Erock · Joined: 07 Aug 2006 Posts: 87 Location: Taylor

It's been a while since I've poked around this site, things have been pretty busy at work.

azbackpackr - I'm just an hour or so away so I can meet up on short notice provided I don't have anything else going on (i.e. work). I haven't been down to Hannegan yet.

jessica - I highly recommend the Horton Creek area. It's gorgeous and easily doable as a day trip from Phoenix, with time to spare.

sam_hikes · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Posts: 383

Mt Baldy is about 15 minutes from the Greer Lodge via Northwoods Rd and a true gem especially for us desert folks. Temps at the base snotel weather station have yet to reach much over 75F with lows about 45F.

A few weeks ago I called home to find it 50F warmer in Phx!

My favorite approach is East Baldy Trail as it's very quiet (often hours of quiet) but West Baldy Trail is also beautiful.

Monsoons can be an concern so bring some light rain gear and avoid top during storms.

Great place to snowshoe in the winter where you'll never see anyone.

azbackpackr · Posted: 8/8/2009, 6:48 pm Post subject:

Well, thanks, and I'll let you guys know when I have some free time! I originally started this thread in mid-July. Now school is starting, so I am going back to driving the school bus M-F and working weekends at the dude ranch. I don't know when my next full day off will be, except for tomorrow!

I haven't been to HannAgan yet this summer, either, even though I heard from the trail crew chief that he and crew had cleared Lower Fish, KP, North KP, KP Connector, Steeple and Foote. (Not sure about Bear Wallow, forgot to ask him.)

Also, my car doesn't work. Mostly, I ride a bike. Haven't been more than about 50 miles from here since early May.