Old ranger, you sure have that right! My first day will be Rincon Creek to Manning camp. A nice little loosening up stretch of over 13 miles. Should go through a few ecosystems in that climb I think. Never been to Saguaro National Park before...should be good!

I've been told the microspikes are pretty good. Maybe not as durable as they could be. I'm getting a pair for my wife for hiking up Tahquitz and Suicide Rock this winter. The thing about crampons is that you need to store them in such a way that they don't tear holes in the rest of your stuff. Whereas Yaktrax store easily and are lighter.

I'm bringing poles if I get a whiff of it being pretty icy up there. As I am spending Christmas near Payson and will get up to the rim, I should have a good idea.

sK