Fitpacking

Just an hour East of Phoenix, in the Tonto National Forest, lies a beautiful mountain desert called The Four Peaks. The Four Peaks are some of the most prominent landforms you can see from the city of Phoenix, yet it remains a remote wilderness area. We will hike across the entire wilderness 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 24 - April 1, 2012. Here is the proposed itinerary

Our journey will begin in a low desert area on AZ Route 87 at the Ballantine Trailhead in the Tonto National Forest. We'll head up to the Pine Mountain area, the Cline Trail, and into the West end of the Four Peaks Wilderness. We will then circumnavigate all 4 of the peaks, joining with the Arizona Trail at Black Bear Saddle. We'll see sweeping views of Roosevelt Lake, the far off city of Phoenix, and the wonderful rock formations and saguarro cactus of Ballantine Canyon.

Weather is always an important concern when backpacking. Historical March weather averages in the mid-70s during the day and mid-40s at night. However, be prepared for the possibility of day temperatures in the 90s and the 30s at night. In 2011, there was a freak snowstorm that melted the next day. But overall, expect a warm respite from your end-of-winter blues.

Steve Silberberg, lives in Hull, MA and 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, The Four Peaks Wilderness in AZ, Shenandoah National Park, VA, and Olympic National Park, WA. Deb is a WMI certified Wilderness First Responder and a Certified Food Handler.

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.

$1175 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.