Birthday camping trip III
Details
Hi all, two years ago put together an amazing birthday getaway on here. Last year was great. However, literally half the list were no shows. Alienating others who very much wanted to go that were relegated to the wait list. Due to that, I'll be taking control of the 2026 list. All are welcome. Although if you have a history of dropping out, others may receive first shot.
Expect a fun weekend heat escape into the pines. This is not a backpacking trip. We will not have to haul everything around. Will stay at a campsite not too far away, Canyon Vista. Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, potable water etc. Plus inexpensive. Will figure out cost per person as outing gets closer.
Will help each other out along the way.
Get away will allow us to cover lots of ground. Will do CCW loop hikes both days. Day one will be from Schultz Creek TH. Recent rain should bring green vegetation to life along Rocky Ridge. Then onto Lower Brookbank before closing out with Big Bang.
Distance: 11 mile loop
EG: 1,200 ft.
AEG: 1,635 ft
Aug 2
AZT-Secret loop
We'll be getting an earlier start so time to introduce the inaugural distance challenge! We will begin off of a small pull out from Snowbowl Road. Will be trekking along AZT San Francisco Peaks. Heading near other TH's which are currently not accessible by vehicle due to many closures. Will then hike the Secret Trail which is exceptionally pretty. Rocky Moto will take us back to where we started.
Distance: 19 mile loop
AEG: 2,250 ft.
Ok, if that seems too extreme for some of you, there is an alternative. This is a double loop so if a few of you wish to do only the initial one, that would be 8.5 miles with a 750 ft AEG.
30 mile weekend for the rest of us. Intentionally saving the lengthier outing for day 2 so we still have gas in our tanks. ⛽
Bout half the group stayed up and had a couple drinks two years ago till we were told to shut down by campground hosts. 🍹 Will bring a hiking game along for campsite. Don't worry, there are no difficult sections to the hikes. Just admiring the beauty and racking up the mileage.
Will want to go out to eat before heading back. Return time could get pushed back a bit if we get a later start to the day. Vice versa, if one opts for the shorter trek, will obviously return earlier.