Backpack - Navaho Pass

We will meet at 9:30 AM at the Stafford Creek Trailhead ready to go. This is a popular trail with both hikers and backpackers, and both the parking lot and campsites can fill up quickly.

Northwest Forest Pass required. Toilet available at the parking area.

We will be hiking at a pace of about 1.5-mph (conversational pace) with stops, to adjust layers, have a snack, bio-breaks, re-tighten/loosen shoelaces, i.e. on an as-needed basis. We may make some quick stops at scenic points to snap some pictures. The goal is to get to the campsite at a reasonable and relaxed pace. We will stay together as a group and always be in view of each other while hiking.

When we get to the campsite we will proceed to set up camp before lunch.  After lunch participants may choose to either relax at the campsite, or join us for a short group day hike up to Navaho Pass to  admire the beauty of the Mount Stuart Range.  On Thursday we will consider a few (of the many) day hike options and proceed as a group.  

On Friday, we will start packing camp up after breakfast, with the goal of starting to hike back to the trailhead around 10:00 AM and get to the cars around 1:00 PM.

Note that mileage and elevation gain posted is all the way to Navaho Pass and back to the trailhead. We may decide to camp at the group camp at 3.8 miles or continue up to the meadow 5.5 miles with 2,800 ft of elevation gain.

Since this is an early season backpacking trip, there should be very few bugs (hurray!) and hopefully not as busy as usual. There's a nearby stream very close to the campsite where we will be gathering water. There's no privy of any kind at the campsite.

The Forest Service road to the trailhead isn't paved and there are several potholes, so driving slowly and carefully is needed. A low clearance car could have some difficulty.

Sickness of leader(s) or inclement weather will cancel the trip, that is, constant precipitation that leads to 1 inch of rain per day, sustained high winds or wind gusts that make it dangerous having a tent close to trees. Keep an eye on the weather forecast for this area.

This is a mentored backpack trip for Gail.  Please direct all questions to her.