Backpack Secret Mountain/Cabin via Loy Canyon - Strenuous - Dog Friendly

The setting:
This collection of cliffs, buttes, and canyons has to rank as one of nature's most magnificent masterpieces. It certainly is one of the most colorful. Red is the predominant hue here among these 43,950 acres of wind and water sculpted pinnacles, windows, arches, and slot canyons. The area is criss-crossed with trails that take you everywhere from the deepest gorges to the most prominent panoramas. Along these pleasant paths you'll discover wonders made both by nature and by some of the area's earliest human inhabitants. Watch the canyon walls and high cliffs for rock art and abandoned dwellings as diligently you keep an eye to the horizons for vistas and breathtaking overlooks.
- fs.usda.gov

Description:
I've done this trip multiple times. There are good Indian ruins we can get to. Awesome sunset views.
Last year I posted this as an "intermediate" trip and I was thoroughly cursed at by multiple people around mile 5. So I've changed the rating to "strenuous". You should have some backpacking experience and be prepared to do the miles and elevation gain.

Highlights:
- Sedona!
- Cliff Dwellings
- Old Cabin Ruins
- So much pretty stuff to look at your mind might melt

The Plan:
Saturday, Dec 20th: 10 am we start from Loy Canyon TH. This is usually car accessible when the road is dry. Definitely the most basic suv can make it. We'll hike about 7 miles to camp near the Secret Canyon Cabin ruins (trails: Loy Canyon Trail #5, Secret Mountain Trail #109). There are some cliff dwellings we can explore. It's only like a 1/2 mile detour about 2 miles into the hike, with some scrambling fun. We'll set up camp and go explore further up the Secret Mountain. We'll have a large campfire and enjoy the sunset from a great vista overlooking the Verde Valley.

Sunday, Dec 21st: We'll hike out the same way we came in. We can have lunch in Cottonwood or Jerome if people are up for it.

Details:
Distance: ~14 miles (round trip)
AEG: 2000+ feet
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced - solid workout.
Dogs: Yes
Kids: Yes
Water: Probably near camp Saturday night.
Weather: 20's for lows, 60's for highs. So far no rain in sight.

Disclaimer:
The planned hike is listed above, but the group'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.
Life is dangerous. It ends in death 100% of the time. Try not to speed that up on my trips please.

Writeups/Maps/GPX:
https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=71
https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=1851

Fee:
$2 per person to help cover Meetup club fees.

RSVPs:
Trying something new here: the RSVPs will open Thursday, December 11th at noon. I think this trip will fill up. If you're serious about wanting to go, set a reminder and log in at that time to make sure you get a spot.

Gear (MUST HAVE):
- Water for the entire day (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.