The Grand Enchantment Trail is a roughly 770 mile hike spanning from Phoenix Arizona all the way to New Mexico. Through low desert valleys, ancient washed out canyons, and high up into mountains above 10,000ft of elevation. Water sources vary wildly from troughs that are meant for cattle, to raging rivers one must cross. This is an extremely difficult hike, and mile for mile, it is the hardest hike I have done by far. Though it has 'trail' in its name, it is anything but, and overall very far removed from the experience you'd find on the Arizona Trail or Pacific Crest Trail. There is no comparison when it comes to difficulty and remoteness.

The Gear I Used On This Hike!

Quilt https://tinyurl.com/yc2h5d54
Sleeping Pad https://amzn.to/3Jx85cB
Tent https://tinyurl.com/yc8kdj35
Tent Stakes https://amzn.to/3bKgoRq
Backpack https://palantepacks.com/
Pack Liner https://www.gossamergear.com/

Rain Jacket https://tinyurl.com/8kw56dsk
Fleece https://tinyurl.com/ym7y8hn5
Socks https://amzn.to/3DDlk73
Beanie https://amzn.to/3n5XpZJ

Spoon https://amzn.to/3LwH76l
Food Bag https://amzn.to/3rOVfeu
Water Filter https://amzn.to/42pAIQ7
Stove https://amzn.to/3LkAd3Q
Cook Pot (650ml) https://amzn.to/3LgqVWr

Trekking Pole https://tinyurl.com/yc2xbnpr
Yoyo https://amzn.to/3TqMWEi
Toothbrush https://amzn.to/3tkN4GY
Floss https://amzn.to/3FnONTa
Lighter https://amzn.to/3zLQkyD
Knife https://amzn.to/3r3psb7
Trowel https://amzn.to/3u6VIMr
Blister Tape https://amzn.to/3qZ55f9
Chaffe Cream https://amzn.to/3bNorNu
Lip Balm https://amzn.to/35Gs1Zk
Sunscreen https://amzn.to/3wadTRt
Umbrella https://tinyurl.com/33zm6psr

Headphones https://amzn.to/3KhEPVi
Flashlight https://amzn.to/3tmjRM6
Camera https://amzn.to/3uMp7MW
Memory Card https://amzn.to/3vrBOdZ
Micro Fiber Cloth https://amzn.to/38FIyLh
External Battery Ravpower PD Pioneer 20,000mAh 60w
Wall Charger Ravpower PD Pioneer 30w 2Port

Sunglasses https://tinyurl.com/mrx785s6
Shorts https://amzn.to/36VWUJV
Sun Shirt https://amzn.to/3FgUXpu
Shoes https://amzn.to/3u6FMKm
Shoes 2 https://amzn.to/41WOA4e
Smart Watch https://amzn.to/3mz7ePp
Hat https://amzn.to/3yBmI8c

Unfortunately for me, starting out on this hike which is quite hard in itself, everything that could go wrong does go wrong! In just the first 30 miles my brand new shoes had the rubber sole peal off of one of them. The replacement pair I bought and had sent out is the wrong size. A mouse chewed through my backpack strap, and to top it all off I broke a tooth! It was quit unfortunate to be thinking about quitting before I had even really begun. In the end it was a good lesson to take things slow, be methodical about how I proceed, and to let things roll off as I continue on my journey.

The trail begins with a wonderful section through the Superstition Mountains, followed by sharing some tread with the AZT for a while. After the Arizona Trail portion, the route finding and navigational problems begin. Following canyons and washes, old unused ranching roads, climbing over or under barbed wire fence, and a whole lot of bushwhacking. I didn't know it at the time, but the first 100 or so miles of this hike are the easiest of this entire trail.

My route took me through Aravaipa Canyon, which required a permit and was both quite beautiful, but also very popular among backpackers from Phoenix. It's funny to see the difference between there, and the section that immediately follows. Tons of people vs ZERO people. Nice trail, vs no trail. Incredibly beautiful the both of them, but such a stark difference in the hiking and experience.

The Santa Teresa Mountains were both incredible but brutal. Bushwhacking through thick thorns, following more canyons, and getting turned around constantly. Followed by the Pinaleno Mountains which rise above 11,000ft of elevation and still had snow! I had some scary times in that snow. Knowing how alone I was, and how bad a mistake could be. An amazing area and mountain range though, just really had to take my time and think things through.

In the town of Safford I finally got some dental work done, got a pair of shoes that actually fit me, and am off on a whole new foot! It's been a rough start.

You can find more info about my hike here:
https://jupiterhikes.com/2023/05/22/g...

And from the official website here:
https://www.simblissity.net/gethome....



Hiking Essentials Shirt! http://jupiterhikes.com/product/hikin...

THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:
http://www.jupiterhikes.com/gear/

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  / jupiterhikes  

If you'd like more info about me, my hiking, or painting:
https://www.jupiterhikes.com
  / jupiterhikes  
  / jupiterhikes