Big Lake Car Camping Trip
Aug 30 - Sept 2, 2024
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Trip Report : September 3-6, 2021 |
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Trip Report : September 15-17, 2017 |
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 Labor Day Weekend 2024, Big Lake Car Camping trip.
Campsite: Please book your own campsite at Rainbow Campground, remember to use your pass (50% offer). We need 5-6 people to book the campsite. Each site limited one vehicle. Therefore, if you are inviting anyone to stay at your campsite, make sure you are carpooling together. if you need help to book your campsite, please let me know. My campsite is #78, and one more hike booked site #79.
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.
Aug 30 (Friday) – For anyone who wants to caravan to the Big Lake, we'll meeting at Eastbound meeting location at Home Depot at Mesa at 8:00 a.m. We will leave at 8:15 a.m. We are planning on stopping at Pine Top for lunch and refuel for 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 visitor’s center.
At 4 pm we will do our very first hike Indian Spring (2.1 miles), Indian Spring, (2.1 miles).
Option #1: Mt. Baldy Crossover Trail from the West Baldy Trailhead (9 miles, moderate).
Option #2: Escudilla National Recreation Trail - #308 (6 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.
Option #1: Pole Knoll Trail (6.2 miles, moderate).
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 17 miles, Elevation Gain 2600 feet.
Free activities (Boating, Fishing, Shower) before Potluck.
Today is our last day of our camping trip, we will do one more hike before packing and driving back home.
Option #1: West Fork Black Water.
Option #2: Thompson Trail #629 (5 miles, Easy).
Each site limited to one vehicle, so if carpooling and sharing a site split the site cost
Sharing gas expenses with the driver.
The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
You must email Lin to confirm.
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.
Approximately 250 miles one way to Springerville.
updated March 5, 2024