Looking to hake wife (new to backpacking) on a trip this summer. Thinking 2-3 nights out 3-4 days hiking. Suggestions?

Sedona AZ? Most areas around Sedona's Red Rock/Secret Mountain are for dayhiking, though there's some backpacking if you care to go upstream, it's mostly canyoneering ("swimming" with a pack) - wouldn't be an issue for experienced backpackers, but maybe a little much for a newbie.

The Dogie trail is further west from Sedona's main touristy hiking. it is regular backpacking for a couple days with short mileages. Desert hiking which drops into a riparian area before going back up into the desert. There's a high, rocky high trail at the end if you want to loop back to your vehicle, ... or just retrace your steps back like we did.

I have no pics from that trip, so I'd have to ask my ex-girlfriend.

Edited by hknewman on 06/11/2011 19:35:44 MDT.

There's the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness southwest of Sedona. Access from Clarkdale/Cottonwood.

Sycamore Canyon is pretty excellent. A real hidden gem.

If you're adventurous, going in warm weather and have a shuttle, hiking Oak from the top is even more excellent.