Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Big Lake Car Camping Trip
September 3-6, 2021
clipbord   Trip Report : September 3-6, 2021
clipbord   Trip Report : September 15-17, 2017
•  General Description:

This car-camping trip description is certainly not final and may be subject to minor changes and adjustments as we get closer to September. The plan may also change during the trip itself depending on the weather or how things go. But for now, here is a brief summary of the Sept 2021, Big Lake Car Camping trip.

The group campsite reservation is already made. The cost is $248 for three nights, which will be split among those camping on that site. We are limited to four vehicles and a maximum of 16 people, so we need to carpool to the campground. Vehicles used for carpooling have priority to park the car at the site. There is an overflow parking lot if we do have additional cars, but no guarantee there will be space.

•  Location:

Big Lake is located about 25 miles south of Springerville, Arizona, in the Arizona White Mountains. Rainbow Campground sits just above Big Lake and has most of the amenities you would want out of a campground. Here is the link to view those facilities.

• Day 1, Friday, September 3: – For anyone who wants to caravan to the Big Lake, we’ll be meeting at Eastbound meeting location at Home Depot at Power and US 60 in Mesa, at 8:00 AM. We will leave at 8:15 AM. Plan on stopping at Pine Top for lunch and refuel of the car/truck. After lunch we will continue traveling to Rainbow Campground. After arriving at Rainbow campground, we will set up our tents and check out the lake at the Visitor’s Center. At 4 PM we will do our very first hike, Indian Spring, (2.1 miles).
• Day 2, Saturday, September 4: –

Option #1: Mt. Baldy Crossover Trail from the West Baldy Trailhead (8.8 miles, moderate).
map

Option #2: Escudilla National Recreation Trail - #308 (6.0 miles, Moderate). Escudilla Nation Recreation Trail #308. This 6-mile round trip to the top of Arizona’s third highest mountain is such an outstanding trail that it has been given recognition by Congress as a national recreational trail. Click here for printable information and a map. The scenery is magnificent, the surroundings are picturesque, and the walking is comparatively easy, considering the heights to which you are headed.

Free activities in the afternoon (Boating, Fishing) before Potluck.

• Day 3, Sunday, September 5: –

Option #1: Pole Knoll Trail (6.2 miles, moderate).
map

Option #2: Mt. Baldy Loop (16.5 miles, Hard). Because this loop trail needs permission, it is TBD. However, we need minimum of 4 hikers for this hike. Distance 16.5 miles, Elevation Gain 2572 feet.

Free activities (Boating, Fishing, Shower) before Potluck.

• Day 4, Monday, September 6: –

Option #1: West Fork Black Water.
map

Option #2: Thompson Trail #629 (4.7 miles, Easy).

Today is our last day of our camping trip, we will do one more hike before packing and driving back home.

• Pre-Payment of Camping Trip Fees (Please read club policy). Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.

• Weather conditions: Alpine

• Trip Leader:
   You must email Lin to confirm.
Limit of 16 people. If the trip is full, the leader will put your name on a waiting list according to the time your request was received. As we get closer to the trip date, Lin will be sending out more detailed information to all trip participants. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Lin Chao.
• Drive:
Approximately 250 miles one way to Springerville.
updated December 17, 2021