Meet at the local REI store for a trip orientation and group dinner
An orientation will be held at the local REI store this evening followed by a group dinner. You may walk or transfer to the store on your own. It's important that you bring your loaded pack to the orientation with you as the guides hold a gear check, distribute group gear (10 to 15 pounds per person comprised of tents, cooking equipment, and food), and talk about efficient packing and preparation tips. Our guides also provide tips about proper pack fitting for the female physique, and discuss various other gear necessities with women's considerations in mind.
The pre-trip orientation will give you a chance to meet fellow travelers and provide your guides an opportunity to walk through the trip itinerary. This is also a good chance to pick up some last minute items. Over dinner we get to know each other in eager anticipation of our adventure. Picnic style dinner included.
Important Note: Tonight's lodging is not included in your trip cost. Hotel recommendations will be provided in your Pre-Departure Information after signup.
Backpack through high desert landscapes and learn wilderness camping skills
After breakfast, we meet in the hotel lobby to begin our backpacking adventure. We'll leave our cars at the hotel and shuttle to our starting point on the southern side of the Superstitions Mountain Range. Beginning at an elevation of 2,420', in a sea of Saguaro cactus, we climb past the imposing Miner's Needle. Today's traverse continues through incredible volcanic geology to bring us past panoramic views dominated by the towering Weaver's Needle, an enormous volcanic plug whose presence has inspired legends galore. In the late afternoon we arrive at our first campsite, where ancient cottonwood and sycamore trees stand in stark contrast to the surrounding desert. Before dinner, our guides provide a primer on wilderness camping that covers such subjects as proper tent set-up in all conditions, sleeping comfort, fire building and backcountry bathroom etiquette. Breakfast on your own. Lunch and dinner included.
Backpacking: 7.5-8.0 miles +1,260' / -1,285', Transfer time: 1 hour
Explore West Boulder Canyon and enjoy a primer in backcountry cooking
After breaking camp, we continue through Marsh Valley and on to West Boulder Canyon. Our guides offer a variety of side adventures and detours throughout today's hike. Drop your pack and venture into the narrows of La Barge Box. Before dinner tonight, our guides discuss a variety of backcountry cooking tips and techniques including stove and fuel choices, lightweight ingredient options, caloric goals, basic recipes and backpacking drink options. West Boulder Canyon serves as our home for the night. All meals included.
Backpacking: 5.93 miles +392' / -930'
Traverse the Boulder Canyon trail, with views of Weaver's Needle
We ascend the Boulder Canyon trail, which leads us out the eastern ridge of the canyon before cresting and descending back to Canyon Lake. The views are expansive and Weaver's Needle dominates the landscape. This imposing spire of weathered lava, named after famed frontier scout Pauline Weaver, has challenged the imagination for more than a century. Most versions of the legend of the Lost Dutchman gold mine claim that the lost mine lies somewhere under the Needle's shadow. After we are picked up at the trail's end in Canyon Lake Marina, your guides will prepare a delicious picnic lunch before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon. Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner on your own.
Backpacking: 3.83 miles +955' / -1,213', Transfer time: 1.5 hours