Arizona Trail / Tonto National Forest
Friday, March 27, 2026 -
Friday, April 3, 2026 --
$1900
★★★
Join Fitpacking for an unforgettable hiking adventure escaping the cold and stepping into the remote beauty of Arizona’s high desert on a weeklong backpacking adventure through the Mazatzal Wilderness. Just 90 minutes northeast of Phoenix, this rugged and scenic section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail winds through the heart of the Tonto National Forest, offering expansive views, rich solitude, and a truly off-the-grid experience.
Beginning at the Doll Baby Trailhead, the route follows a dirt access road to
LF Ranch—a working cattle ranch where we’ll camp for the night (primitive) before joining
the Arizona Trail. From there, the journey quickly becomes more challenging
with a steep 2,000-foot climb into the high ridgelines of the Mazatzal Mountains.
Over the course of seven days, we’ll hike more than 30 miles, topping out at
6,777 feet with commanding views of Mazatzal Peak (7,903’), the iconic Four
Peaks, and even distant landmarks like Picketpost Mountain to the south.
This remote stretch of trail is rarely traveled and inaccessible by car,
making it an ideal opportunity for those seeking wilderness, quiet, and
adventure. The spring timing offers warm days and cool nights, with the
possibility of lingering snow at higher elevations. With expert guides
handling all logistics, permits, and backcountry safety, you’ll be free to
fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rhythm of the desert.
Whether you’re looking to escape snowy climates, challenge yourself physically,
or simply experience one of the Southwest’s most scenic and seldom-seen
landscapes, this Arizona Trail trek offers an unforgettable way to connect
with nature far beyond the pavement.
Topographical Map of Proposed Route
See Topo map
Weather
Weather is always a key consideration when planning a backpacking trip, especially in the diverse terrain of Arizona. In late March and early April, the Mazatzal Wilderness typically offers mild and pleasant hiking conditions. Daytime temperatures usually range from the low 60s to mid-70s depending on elevation, while nighttime lows often fall into the 30s or 40s. Higher elevations along the Mazatzal Divide may still see occasional frost or sub-freezing temperatures overnight, especially in sheltered or exposed areas above 6,000 feet.
However, as with much of Arizona’s backcountry, conditions can vary widely. It's not uncommon to experience a 40-degree temperature swing between day and night. In some years, temperatures have reached the low 80s in sun-exposed canyons and valleys, while others have brought late-season snow or hard frosts along the ridgeline. Spring storms can still move through during this time of year, bringing sudden wind, rain, or even snow flurries at higher elevations.
Looking at past years, the range of extremes is notable. In 2011, 2017 and 2024, late March snowstorms blanketed the high country with several inches of snow, while 2012 and 2018 brought above-average heat, with daytime highs climbing into the 80s. Wind is also a consistent factor in the Mazatzals, particularly along exposed stretches of the Divide, where gusts can quickly lower the perceived temperature.
While such variability isn't the norm, it’s important to be prepared for a bit of everything—sun, wind, cold nights, and the possibility of spring precipitation. That said, this window of time is often one of the most rewarding for hiking in central Arizona. The days are longer, the wildflowers may be blooming, and the cooler temperatures make the big climbs and remote ridgelines of the Mazatzal Wilderness far more manageable than they would be in the heat of late spring or summer.
Probable Trip Leaders
Steve Silberberg
Julie Quibodeaux
Any Other Guide(s) TBD
Cost
$1900
per person double occupancy.
Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant.
Single room accommodations are available for purchase. You will also be responsible for
transportation to and from Phoenix, AZ (PHX) as well as personal equipment, restaurant
meals (typically 2 dinners) and any gratuities for guides. You may also be charged for
any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel all week if you drive.
Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, storage fees, 6 days of trail meals, airport
transfers, ground transportation to/from/within the National Forest, park permits, park
entrance fees and awesome guides.
Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to)
other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve.
Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make
up this shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important
part of a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the
trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally
account for 30-60% of their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the
greatest extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted
to solicit tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing
exceptional customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well,
please support them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles
of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small
holes they've dug.
Important Notes about this trip
Participants should be prepared for freezing temperatures at night. While daytime conditions are
often warm and sunny in early spring, the combination of elevation, arid air, and clear skies in
the desert can lead to significant nighttime cooling. Temperatures can easily dip below freezing,
particularly in exposed or high-altitude campsites.
The route replaces the original Superstition Wilderness trip trails because of the extensive damage done in the 2019 Woodbury Fire. The Arizona Trail connects the Superstition, Four Peaks, and Mazatzal Wilderness areas, and this year we’ll explore the iconic and less-traveled Mazatzals—an equally scenic and remote section of the trail.
Water availability is limited in this region, and participants should be prepared to
carry up to 8 liters (approximately 16 pounds) of water at the start of some days.
We've carefully planned the route and selected campsites with proximity to water
sources where possible to help minimize this load, but the ability to manage long
water carries is essential for this trip.
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