Reavis Ranch Trail - Superstition Mountains:

April 21^st - 22^nd 2007

Trip Leaders:  Mr. Link & Mr. Moore with Mr Hawkins

20.5 mile backpack trip to Reavis Ranch in the Superstition Mountains, Philmont Crew Shakedown & Gear Checkout. 

Post Trip Report:

Crew: Alex, Bryan, Chris, Kevin, JJ, Riley, Robby - Alan, Jim, Ken

Friday night we had a major downpour... We met Saturday @ 6:00am in the dry and set out in good time for the Reavis Trailhead off the Apache Trail just before Apache lake. The trailhead has great views down to the lake - and there was just one other car at the trailhead before us.

We set off at 8:10am at a good pace - it was cold and foggy we could not see any of the scenery of the trail. After a few miles it started to rain and with the wind it was quite cold... we geared up and continued for a while in the rain - the trail turned to mud pretty quickly.

After a few more miles the rain stopped and visibility improved a bit. We were finally able to see enough to determine where we were on the map - Windy Pass (and it just about lived up to its name...).

We took a side trip on Plow Saddle Springs trail down to the springs - mainly to check for water. The springs looked like they had seen much more productive days. Emergency supplies only here and hard to believe there would be any surface water in summer. We stopped and had lunch at the 'spring'.

We carried on - the spring side trip actually added 0.5 mile and about 300' of extra elevation gain to our hike in so at about 1500' gain for the inbound leg. We passed a lone backpacker who presumably owned the only other car at the trailhead.

The last part was flat to down on into the meadows at Reavis valley - we camped in a great spot right below the Reavis Ranch foundation - right by Reavis Creek which was flowing nicely. We arrived at 1:30pm for a hiking time of 5 hours allowing for our 30 minute lunch break. So 2  miles per hour - an excellent pace for 35-40(+)lb packs and 1600 feet of elevation gain.

There were several groups of people camping in the meadows - including a BSA Troop from Mesa. It seems all had come in from the Rogers Trough Trailhead - a much shorter hike.

Weather was cool but pleasant and for the evening we had a nice fire. Planty of good food and early to bed at about 7pm - everyone was tired after the ~10.5 miles in.  

We awoke at 5:40 on Sunday to a very white scene - all the tents were frosted - water left out was frozen slushy - so right about 32F overnight. We warmed up quickly cooking breakfast and breaking camp and the sun was on the campsite before we left.  We were back on the trail at 7:40am - we need to sharpen up the teamwork on doing this faster!

The hike out was the direct route on the Reavis Trail the whole way. This time we could see all the scenery we'd missed on the way in. Including Castle Dome - quite impossible to miss without any fog.

We hiked straight back to the trailhead with only a few short stops arriving back at 11:30am to eat our lunch with the view of Apache Lake. This was an excellent pace for a 'day 2', 10 miles and another 600+' elevation gain.

On the hike and at the Ranch we saw (or heard) hawks, swallows, woodpeckers, big beetles, furry caterpillars and squirrels.

We did test out some new gear on this hike -  Alan's new bear bagging plan - worked well. Lots of new menu options - all  good, some new sleeping bags and mattresses and stools & chairs.... its all a trade off comfort for weight!

Everyone hiked well and was well enough prepared, I think everyone learned something - I for one will bring gloves next time! The crew is getting stronger & stronger as evidenced by the great pace - so clearly our training is paying off. All in all another very good trip!

- Mr. Moore.

Original Trip Announcement:

This is an alternative or addition to the Fast Start Campout the following week. This is primarily a training hike & gear checkout for the 2007 Philmont Crew but the venture patrol & backpack experienced Scouts are also welcome to join.

We will hike the Reavis Ranch Tr. from Reavis Trailhead off the Apache Trail, to the remains of the old Reavis Ranch in Reavis Valley - this is a little more than half way along the whole Reavis Ranch trail. We will return the same way.

Its an approximately 10+ mile hike in & out with approx 1500 feet steady cumulative elevation change and water is not totally reliable right at the ranch - so we'll add some additional distance to get to springs and will carry extra water... just in case!

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