with strong gusty winds, heavy rain, hail, and lightning. Arizona lies at the northern limit of the North American Monsoon, which as the name implies is much more active south of the international border. The stormy weather follows a surge and break pattern, with active periods of several days or a week often followed by lulls when the moist air is pushed south of the state by minor weather disturbances. Still, take precautions during the monsoon. To avoid lightning, plan to be off high ridges and peaks by midday. Because of the potential for floods, never camp or park a vehicle in dry washes or other drainages. Heavy rain may fall in the headwaters, miles from your location, and cause streams and dry washes to rise suddenly and without warning. If thunderstorms are building during the afternoon, plan to camp in a sheltered area, if possible. Thunderstorm gust fronts can produce winds of 60 miles per hour or more. Although most hailstorms are extremely local in nature, and seldom produce hailstones larger than 0.25 inch, larger hailstones do occur and can be dangerous to hikers caught in the open. That said, the summer rains are a delight. Monsoon mornings dawn clear and sweet, with mountain meadows misty with dew, and the afternoon clouds and rain bring welcome relief from the midday heat.
Near West Baldy Trail, Mt Baldy Wilderness, Trip 10
RATTLESNAKES, SCORPIONS, AND OTHER CRITTERS
Generally speaking, animals are a minor hazard in Arizona’s backcountry. Rattlesnake bites are serious but uncommon among hikers, and they are rarely fatal. The best strategy is prevention. An awareness of rattlesnake habits allows you to avoid most unpleasant encounters. Rattlesnakes, like all snakes, are cold-blooded. They actively seek out surfaces that are about 80˚F. In hot weather, rattlers will be in the shade; in cool weather, they’ll be in the sun. In addition, they hibernate during the winter. If you see lizards about, it’s safe to assume that rattlesnakes may be out also. Rattlesnakes strike extremely fast, but only to a distance about half their body length. To avoid rattlesnakes, do not place your hands and feet within reach of a possible hidden snake. This is especially important when passing near shady spots in warm weather, where it may be difficult to spot a snake trying to keep cool. Remember that rattlesnakes are probably more afraid of you than you are of them. Most will rattle and give you plenty of warning. When you do hear the unmistakable strident buzz of a nearby snake, stop immediately and locate the snake before moving carefully away. If a person does get bitten, the main hazard is infection from the deep fang wounds and tissue damage from the venom. When rattlesnakes strike defensively, the bite is often dry. The venom is usually reserved for hunting bites, where the hemotoxic venom not only kills mice and other small prey but also starts the digestive process. Most snakebite victims have been handling or teasing snakes. But if a member of your party does get bitten, keep the victim calm and at rest, and send other members of the party for a rescue.
Scorpions have been far more fatal to Arizonians over the years than snakes, though the victims are usually the very young or infirm. The most dangerous scorpion, the Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides excilicauda), a small, straw-colored species found in the lowest desert areas, poses little threat to most healthy adults. Few of the hikes in this guide are located in these areas. The more common larger scorpions are found everywhere, but their sting is no more dangerous than a wasp sting. Again, knowing the critter’s habits lets you avoid them. Scorpions are nocturnal, and during the day they lurk under rocks and logs. Always kick such objects with your boot before picking them up. Don’t leave clothing or footwear outside your tent, or if you do, shake it out before wearing it.
Africanized bees have spread throughout Arizona, but are more common in the warmer, desert areas. They interbreed freely with the less aggressive, common honeybee, and only a lab analysis can tell them apart. Avoid all bees, especially if they are swarming. If attacked, drop your pack, run, do not swat at the bees, and protect your eyes. Africanized bees give up the chase after about half a mile. A vehicle or building is the best shelter, but in the backcountry, head for dense brush or vegetation, which confuses the bees. The sting of individual Africanized bees is no more dangerous than common bees—the danger lies in their aggressiveness.
Saguaro cactus
Of course, anyone who is allergic to bee or insect stings should consult a doctor for treatment if stung. Hikers subject to severe reactions should carry antihistamines and an anti-sting kit.
CACTUS AND OTHER INTERESTING PLANTS
Cactus is found throughout the state, though only the Sonoran Desert of southwestern Arizona has the well-known giant saguaro cactus. Most cacti grow in isolated patches and are easily avoided. The cholla cactus propagates itself by growing easily dislodged joints. The long, sharp spines have invisible barbs, so the joints cling tenaciously and are difficult to remove. Use a comb, or a pair of sticks, to pop them off the skin or clothing. Carry a pair of needlepoint tweezers to remove hard to see spines. Cactus spines are a serious hazard to air-filled sleeping pads, and they’re often sharp enough to go right through a tent floor or groundsheet. Look the ground over very carefully before setting up your shelter. In poor light, it helps to sweep the ground with a light beam parallel to the ground.
Poison ivy is found along both perennial and seasonal streams at intermediate elevations in the mountains and canyon country. An organic acid in the sap causes the nasty skin reaction that many people suffer after contact. Washing immediately with water removes the water-soluble acid and lessens the chance of a reaction. Learn to recognize the distinctive, three-leafed, low-growing plant, and also the places where it’s found, and you’ll avoid problems. Remember that the acid gets on clothing, walking sticks, and dogs, as well as human skin.
PERMITS AND REGULATIONS
One of the great things about backpacking in Arizona is that the majority of wilderness areas do not require a permit. The major exceptions are the Grand Canyon National Park backcountry, which is highly regulated due to the overuse of a few popular areas, Saguaro National Park, and a few areas such as the Santa Catalina Mountains that are participating in the Federal Fee Demonstration Program. The current permit requirements and rules are listed with each hike, but since requirements may change, you should contact the managing agency before your trip for the latest information.
HUNTING SEASON
Check with the nearest Arizona Fish and Game office before your trip to find out if a hunt is being conducted in your area. The deer season during October and November brings out the most hunters, but the hunt takes place at different times across the state. Of course, all National Parks are closed to hunting.
JF Trail, Superstition Mountains, Trip 21
Tonto Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Trip 3
Wild Areas of Arizona
This book is confined to those parts of the state most attractive to backpacking. The desert ranges in the southwestern quarter of the state are conspicuously missing from this book. While this region contains vast wilderness tracts, the region is not backpacker-friendly. The vast desert plains and low mountain ranges offer no trails, few defined cross-country routes, and almost no water. The backpack trips in this book focus on the areas that have a variety of terrain and enough water sources so that you do not have to carry punishing loads.
COLORADO
