Arizona Backpackers Club (ABC)

The Miller Peak Wilderness is especially striking in the fall. We’ll hike a point-to-point route requiring a shuttle. Starting at Ramsey Vista Trailhead, the trail climbs 2,000 feet in under 2.5 miles to Carr Peak (9,200 ft) with views spanning the border, Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca, and surrounding peaks.

From there, we continue toward Bathtub or Bear Spring, our first potential water sources, then join the AZT along the ridge for ~5 miles before descending Pat Scott Canyon to camp near the historic Hamburg Mine.

Day two takes us through Ramsey Canyon often glowing with sycamores and maples before a short climb and descent into Brown Canyon, finishing at Brown Canyon Ranch.

Difficulty – Challenging/Strenuous

• ~15 miles total
• ~9,600 feet of elevation change (3,600 up, 5,900 down)
• Steep, varied terrain, potentially rough trails

Logistics

• Friday, Nov 7: Depart Phoenix after 12:30 pm (JCPenny), stage vehicles at Brown Canyon Trailhead by 4:00pm ; car camp at Ramsey Vista Campground.
• Saturday, Nov 8: Start at Ramsey Vista TH, camp near Pat Scott/Wisconsin/Ramsey junction.
• Sunday, Nov 9: Hike out to Brown Canyon Ranch.

Water
Bathtub Spring and Ramsey Canyon.

Weather
Expect cold, windy conditions. Overnight lows near freezing.

Campground and Fires
Yes. Depending on conditions and restrictions.

• Campground fee: $15 per site per night (costs split).

Carpooling and Shuttle
Carpooling encouraged.

• Brown Canyon Trailhead.
• Ramsey Vista Trailhead (near the campground): Free, may require clearance. Sedans with low clearance will not be able to make it.
• ~45 minutes (~12 miles) between trailheads.

Dogs
Yes.

Hiking Pace
I hike slowly uphill, ~2–2.5 mph on flats and descents. If you expect a fast leader, this may not be the right trip for you. Plan for steady pacing.

RSVP Questions
Incomplete responses = no spot on the trip.

Commitment
Life happens, but if you sign up, please be serious about it. Don’t take a spot unless you’re prepared or are sure you want to go. This trip involves tough terrain, unpredictable weather, long water carries, and a shuttle. Read the description and know what you’re joining.

Safety and Liability
This is an informal backpacking meetup, not a guided trip. I am not a professional hiking guide, and each participant is fully responsible for their own safety, choices, and well-being on the trail. Hiking and backpacking come with inherent risks, which may include personal injury, gear failures, or vehicle break-ins at trailheads. I cannot assume responsibility for any personal injury, damage to equipment, or property loss by theft.

By joining, you acknowledge these risks and understand this is simply a group of people hiking and camping together. Please arrive prepared, make responsible decisions, and look out for one another so the experience is safe and enjoyable for all.

17.6 miles
Point-to-point hike
1,400 ft of elevation gain
Starting Point: Canelo Pass Trailhead
31.51288, -110.55829
Ending Point: Patagonia town
31.5959, -110.72439
40 min drive between trailheads
Parking/Trail Permits: None
Water Sources: none-we’ll need to carry in our water.

Highlights: This passage might be ‘meh’ but if you’re section hiking the AZT, then you have to check off this section at some point!

The plans are to drive up Saturday morning and meet at the ending point (31.5959, -110.72439) at 9am sharp. Drop off some cars, and shuttle to the starting point (Canelo Pass Trailhead) to begin our hike. We'll hike in about 8 or 9 miles on the first day before setting up camp for the night. The following day, we’ll hike out and retrieve the cars. You could also drive up on Friday night and car camp. I already have commitments that evening, so won’t be doing that. If you’re interested in carpooling, just drop a message in the group chat.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/arizona-trail-passage-3-canelo-hills-west?sh=ug5zhc&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Prescott Circle Trail - a 56 mile loop, 6000 AEG, around the city of Prescott. We'll pass our famous granite boulders, many miles of forest, chaparral, grasslands, and Willow, Watson & Goldwater Lakes. We'll also hike to the top of Quartz Mtn, Wolverton Mtn, and Badger Mtn with the Prescott "P" on it. This is a 4 day, 3 night trip, with about 15 miles a day, on very well maintained trails.

56 mile loop that we'll hike counterclockwise, 6000 AEG, spread fairly evenly over the four days.

Start: segment 11 - trailhead parking lot at Pioneer Park. We'll meet across the street from the pickleball courts

Day 1 Sunday 7:30am 11/16

• We'll have a car at the Iron Springs trailhead and camp a few miles past there.

Day 2 Monday 11/17

• We'll hike to the top of Quartz Mtn, it only adds a mile and a few hundred feet of elevation.

• we'll hike to the top of Wolverton

• We'll have a car at White Spar trailhead

Day 3 Tuesday 11/18

• We'll have a car at Turley trailhead
• We'll hike to the top Badger Mtn with the Prescott P

Day 4: Wednesday 11/19

• We'll finish the loop and go back to the cars near Willow Lake.

• They are changing the parking lots for segments 11 & 1. Right now, there is a 1.5 mile gap where we walk on the street to get to the segment 1 parking lot. The new parking lot is being built, and may be done by November. Elle will stay on top of this. It will only be a minor change for us.

City Prescott Circle Trail Map

https://prescott-az.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PrescottCircleTrail_Map.pdf

Link to Alltrails map
Prescott Circle Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/prescott-circle-trail?sh=0qx6wj&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Prescott weather
In November, there will be 10 hours and 20 minutes of daylight per day. The daytime temperature will be about 60, with nights about 30.

7-Day Forecast 34.57N 112.49W

They offer patches, bumper stickers or bolo ties along with a certificate of completion. Adding your name here helps with funding for the trail. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfihMAkaz4-QLPkWsZfnZRM6SUCIlRRTaX8wRLcI-ZMFiZhUQ/viewform

Fires
We currently have fire restrictions. Since we most likely won't be camping in a designated camping area, fires won't be allowed.

Dogs
Friendly dogs are welcome. We will be in populated areas, and there are leash laws. You choose what is best for you and your dog.

We will park cars at different trailheads that we will pass each day (Iron Springs, Aspen Creek & Watershed). You can store water & supplies in the cars to lighten the load. We will pass lakes & creeks, but water levels are very low now, so I will report on that closer to our dates.

If you plan on coming, please leave a comment, or send a message, about when you'll arrive. We'll need to coordinate on leaving supplies in the cars and driving them to the trailheads. You can come up the day before and camp at Elle's house, or she can direct you to dispersed camping. We may have some locals joining us.

Danielle and Elle are co-leading this hike. Elle lives & leads hikes in Prescott. She has day hiked the circle trail & is familiar with the area. Danielle lives in Phoenix and is excited to get back into the Prescott area for a good hike.

Disclaimer:
WAIVER, RELEASE, AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

All hikers show up at your own risk.

Neither this group nor myself take any responsibility for any health risks that might happen during this event. When you RSVP you are accepting these terms upon yourself. By attending any group hike you agree to the following:

I hereby waive, release, and discharge the Meetup Group and its Administrators, moderators, volunteers, organizers, sponsors, members, and participants from any and all claims for personal injury, property damage, or death resulting from my participation in any of this group's events. I acknowledge that hiking can be a high-risk sport. I realize there are certain dangers inherent in hiking, and I assume these risks with the full understanding that injuries may result from my participation in any event. I intend this release to discharge the above named from any and all liability arising from or connected in any way with my participation in any event, even though that liability may result from the negligence or carelessness of the above named. I certify that I am in good physical condition, and that I am able to participate in the event.

I have read this waiver and release and fully understand its terms and agree that it shall be binding on my heirs and assigns. I consent to emergency transportation and care at my own expense if I become injured or ill. My RSVP and/or participating in this event is my signature on this waiver.

The hike to the top of the mountain is mostly unshaded, steep and difficult in places. Great views the whole way. The trail begins at a broad path at the parking area, crosses two washes and then starts a gradual ascent 1/4 mile to the wilderness boundary at the base of the mountain. The trail narrows and begins a 450 foot switchback that is steep and rocky in places. It levels out following narrow plateau area and then begins a steep rocky 500 foot climb in a narrow side canyon to a broad plateau. It crosses the plateau gradually ascending, dips down, and then climbs another 400 feet to a false summit. Fay canyon views are to the right (northeast). The trail continues a moderate climb to true summit. There are great panoramic views here. Continue over level ground another 200 yards to the Red Canyon overlook and a view of the San Francisco Peaks in the distance to the north. Return by the same route. Do not attempt this hike when there is significant snow on the mountain.
- fs.usda.gov

I did this as a dayhike a while back and thought it would make a nice backpack with the caviot that we have to carry all the water. Hence the rating that this thing will be a workout.

The Plan:
Saturday, Nov 22nd: 10 am meet at the Doe Mountain Trailhead in Sedona. There is a parking fee (Red Rocks pass). We'll take our time hiking up this mountain. 2000 feet in 2.5 miles. We'll set up camp at the top and enjoy the views. We should be able to have a fire at night.

Sunday, Nov 23rd: We'll hike out the same way we came in. We can have lunch in Sedona if people are up for it.

Details:
Distance: ~5 miles (round trip)
AEG: 2000+ feet
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Dogs: Yes
Kids: Yes
Water: NONE - you have to carry all your water!

Fee:
$2 to cover Meetup costs. Send me moneys via PayPal or Zelle (gorlewicz@gmail.com) or bring cash to the TH.

Disclaimer:
The planned hike is listed above, but the goup's ability takes precedence. If I think someone may not make it for whatever reason (injury, out of shape, solar flares, etc...) I'll change the plan and do my best to tailor the trip to the groups wants and capabilities.
I will not leave you stranded in the middle of the trail.

Writeups/Maps/GPX:
https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=310

Recommended Gear List:
- Water for the entire trip (this means 4 Liters/Quarts for someone weighing 100 - 200 lbs, you weigh more, ring more water) and some way to treat/filter water.
- First aid kit.
- Backpack... duh.
- Sleeping bag, Tent, hammock.
- Clothing: I recommend one set of hiking and one set of sleeping clothes.
- Small dish towel. This comes in very handy.
- Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, deo and quick dissolving toilet paper).
- Headlamp.
- Utensils for the food.
- Food: you must feed yourself.