Needle’s Eye Wilderness Exploratory Backpack - Intermediate

The Needle’s Eye Wilderness near Winkelman is one of the most difficult Congressionally-established wilderness areas in Arizona to access. It is bounded by the San Carlos Reservation on two sides, and private land sits astride two of the most obvious access routes. The 4x4 roads that approach the wilderness are terrible. There are only a few vague reports on HikeArizona of hiking in this area. There are no trails in the wilderness. Does this sound like adventure?

I have checked out an access that should get us to the southwest edge of the wilderness and the Gila River. I talked to a landowner who confirms we can at least touch the edge of the wilderness here. Our enthusiasm for working our way through or around tamarisk or walking in the river will govern how far we get inside the wilderness. We’ll drive about 2 miles of easy jeep road, then walk about 3 miles of jeep road that is too rough to drive.

We will pass through state trust land and be camping on BLM land. We avoid all the private and San Carlos Apache land.

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

Distance: Saturday, minimum 3 miles, 400’ AEG, 500’ AEL, more along the river depending on brush and ability to walk in the river. Reverse the walk on Sunday.

Terrain: Easy old road walk to the wilderness boundary. Difficult and overgrown or shallow wading thereafter.

Water: We will camp near the Gila River. Bring reliable water treatment or plan to carry water for the trip.

Weather forecast: If the weather is bad, this trip will be postponed. Expected daytime high around 70ºF, nighttime could get as low as 28ºF. Check the forecast link here: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.08895&lon=-110.68535&site=psr&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text#.YK1bqKhKiUm

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs ok.

Packing considerations

• Water for 3 mile hike plus a reliable treatment system.
• Sleep system that is good for the forecasted temperature. Near the river, hammocks should work.
• Clothes and shoes for walking in the river. Dry bags for critical gear in your pack.
• A sense of adventure.
• Cash for gas money if you carpool.
• High clearance vehicle is necessary once we leave the highway. 4x4 is better. I have one.

Cost: $2 for the Meetup Fees and $4 for the state land group permit. Bring cash to the meeting point, please.

Meeting place:
Bashas, 5311 S Superstition Mountain Dr · Gold Canyon, AZ
Look for a white Jeep Cherokee near Jack in the Box. I recommend organizing carpools ahead and not leaving cars at the meeting place. If you come from Tucson, we can meet at the gate on Route 77 at N 33.0898, W 110.7169.

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.