Fishhooks Wilderness Exploratory Backpack-Strenuous

The Fishhooks Wilderness near Fort Thomas is rarely visited. It is bounded by the San Carlos Reservation on the north but easily accessed by dirt roads from US 70. There are only a few vague reports on HikeArizona of hiking in this area. There are no trails in the wilderness. There is a good dirt road to near the beginning of the hike. It is manageable with most SUVs.

We will drive to the parking area a little beyond Diamond Bar Ranch. From the parking area, we will follow a lollipop loop encompassing the Upper and Middle Fishhook Canyon, altogether about 7.5 miles, 2000’ accumulated elevation gain and loss. We will camp along the loop. There might be a spring, but it cannot be counted on, so we should carry water for 2 days.

I have posted the driving route once we leave the highway and the walk in the wilderness at HikeArizona. You must be logged in there to see the track. If you have a HikeArizona account, you can download the GPX track:
https://hikearizona.com/map.php?MY=76717&M=1

I have also posted the track to Dropbox. Anyone should be able to access the tracks with this link.

Make sure you adjust your Meetup settings so I can contact you for last-minute changes.

Distance: Saturday, about 4 miles, gaining about 2000’. Sunday, maybe 3.5 miles, all descent.

Terrain: Wash and canyon. No trail. Probably some scrambling.
Water: Plan to carry water for the trip.

Weather forecast: If the weather is bad, this trip will be postponed. Expected daytime high around 65ºF, nighttime could get as low as 15ºF. Check the forecast link here: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.2158333333333&lon=-109.978611111111&site=psr&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text#.YK1bqKhKiUm

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs ok.

Packing considerations

• Water for 2 days
• Sleep system that is good for the forecasted temperature. Some areas are forested. Hammocks may be possible.
• A sense of adventure.
• Cash for gas money if you carpool.

Limit 8 people
Cost: $2 for the Meetup Fees. Bring cash to the meeting point, please.

Meeting place:
Bashas, 5311 S Superstition Mountain Dr · Gold Canyon, AZ
Look for a white Jeep Cherokee. I recommend organizing carpools ahead and not leaving cars at the meeting place. If you come from Tucson, we can meet in Fort Thomas.

About me: I've backpacked all my life. I’ve organized trips for pre-teens to seniors. I’m posting meetups to have fun and meet others and share my love of the wilderness. Please load your GPS with the map if you can or print out the appropriate maps. I am not a guide but will use my best judgement and experience and that of the group members to keep everyone as safe as possible.