Backpacker Magazine – January 2011

Trip Finder: Southwest

Your favorite Southwest hikes—from dayhikes to weekenders to multiday trips.

by: Annette McGivney

Tags:
• Destinations
|
• Utah
|
• Arizona
|
• New mexico
|
• Texas
|

---

SLOT West Clear Creek, AZ
Hit the upper six miles of this 25-mile gash in the rugged Mogollon Rim near Payson. Prepare for frequent wading and a swim at mile 1.2 as the canyon walls pinch tight. Camp at mile five and return–or add two days to tackle pools and drops in the central section. fs.fed.us/r3/coconino

PEAK Mogollon Crest Trail, NM
Spend a few days in the Gila Wilderness—summiting big-view balds, scrambling through canyons, marveling at ruins, and relaxing in hot springs—and you’ll wish for more than a weekend. From Sandy Point, this 24-mile out-and-back traces ridges and hits three highpoints.fs.fed.us/r3/gila

CANYON Elephant Canyon Loop, UT
The astounding crack-and-needle landscape of Canyonlands National Park will make you think you’re walking on some distant planet. Connect the Chesler Park and Joint Trails on this 11-mile loop (camp at Chesler Park). Got time? Add a four-mile sidehike to Druid Arch.nps.gov/cany


Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter