Fitpacking

Just an hour East of Phoenix, in the Tonto National Forest, lies a beautiful mountain desert called The Four Peaks. We will hike across the entire wilderness area traversing many intriguing, seldom used trails. Why not escape your frigid climate and hike a wild and largely unseen section of the country that cars cannot reach?

Then, after you've sparked your fitness level and lost some weight (or more accurately, improved body composition), come back to bask in the hot tub at the Fiesta Inn Resort for a well deserved soak.

The Arizona Fitpacking Trip will be from March 20-28, 2010.

Our journey will begin at the East end of the Four Peaks Wilderness on the Arizona Trail and circumnavigate all four of the peaks, climbing up the slopes of the mountains and dipping down into the desert. We'll see sweeping views of Roosevelt Lake, the far off city of Phoenix, and rocky Ballantine Canyon. Proposed Itinerary

Weather is always an important concern when backpacking. Historical March weather averages in the 60s-70s during the day and mid-30s at night. However, be prepared for the possibility of day temperatures in the 80s and the 20s at night. But overall, expect a warm respite from your end-of-winter blues.

Steve Silberberg, who lives in Hull, MA has many years of backpacking experience over a variety of terrains and guides most Fitpacking trips. He is a SOLO certified Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and Certified Food Handler.

Deb Lusk, lives in Phoenix, AZ and has hiked all over the Arizona Desert. She had guided Fitpacking trips to the White Mountains in NH and is a WMI certified Wilderness First Responder.

Here is a list of equipment we suggest you bring. The list is extensive and can seem daunting, but please don't let this deter you from the trip. You can rent top notch quality gear for reasonable prices from Lower Gear. It may also be possible for us to provide some gear for you at a nominal fee if you let us know far ahead of the trip. Unfortunately, we're not in the gear business so the selection of our available inventory is unpredictable. Please feel free to discuss any gear with us before the trip.

We don't believe in austere eating regimens. Backpacking is a rigorous, rewarding activity. You must feed your body in order for it perform. Your body will dictate that you eat often, so it's important to have fuel to feed it. Please check out the sample menus. This list is not comprehensive and may be altered or augmented. If you want to bring personal food, say a 5 pound chocolate cake, go for it. After carrying it over 50 miles through the desert, your body will reject the empty calories and prefer nutritious food.

$1125 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Phoenix, AZ (PHX) as well as personal equipment and any restaurant meals.

Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, 7 days of trail meals, ground transportation, permits, fees and awesome guides.