Need a Hike - Phx Area - Family/Water

squatpuke · Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Flagstaff

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Taking my family on their first overnight experience...

Would like water, but feel I can dry camp with the 5 of us in November.

My kids are 10,7 & 5. Wife and I will carry 90% of the gear.

Strongly considering:

Mesquite/Willow loop in White Tanks

Any else have an spots for me investigate?

GTG · Posted: 11/18/2010, 3:20 pm Post subject:

Not sure but you may need a permit to camp out in the White Tanks.
Something in the Superstitions like First Water?
Are you coming from Flagstaff?

GTG
_________________
Good things come to those who walk.

squatpuke · Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Flagstaff

yes...we are spending the week in Glendale at my wife's parent's house.

beckett · Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Posts: 1066

I hike the Mesquite/Willow lollipop loop almost every weekend. It's about 8.6 miles with lots of up, up, up. No water to speak of but it's a lovely hike. If you hike early early you won't see a soul. If you hike later in the day there will be a few more on the trails. The trails are smooth and should be good for the kids. I ofter see deer, bunnies, lizards and even snakes. Enjoy!
_________________
"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."

-- Walter Winchell, American newspaper commentator

GTG · Posted: 11/19/2010, 3:38 pm Post subject:

That White Tanks Mesquite Willow loop would be a good one to strat the kids on. It may be a bit tough finding a really large flat spot to camp on though. You may want to look at the Ford Canyon / Willow Loop trail? There's good spots at both before and after the old dam.

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank/pdf/2010/white-tank-11x17-3d.pdf

GTG
_________________
Good things come to those who walk.