Slate Canyon Loop: A local Backpacking Adventure!

[Mike K]

@Mike K - Pretty sure that First Right Fork still goes all the way through, and would actually offer up lots of shade. I think it still gets used by the occasional trail runner and horseback riders. Slate/Slide is still a good one. Good camping up in the meadow at the top of Slate just after the left fork (with a real nice bathtub spring) and also good camping at 'Apache Flat' (top of Slide where the First right fork out of Rock Canyon connects, also with a spring).

Another fun route to consider is going from Rock Canyon, taking the BST over and through the neighborhood up to Little Rock Canyon, then going up that, taking the left fork where you'll find water, then northward again until you reconnect with the BST, make your way up to Squaw Peak Overlook, then over toward Buffalo Peak, and then back down Rock Canyon. Alternatively, when up Little Rock Canyon, you can take a trail southward that will take you into that meadow between Squaw Peak and Buffalo Peak. Then close the loop back down Rock Canyon.

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I'll look into the alternative route you mentioned. I knew you guys would be able to help out. I'll let you guys know how it goes. =)