AD Bar Trail No. 14 to VT Cabin and HU Cabin - 11/26/2025
Over the Thanksgiving holiday week I joined ten other backpackers from the Arizona Backpackers Club to backpack in the Blue Range Primitive Area.
After a long drive from the meetup point, through a crazy mine, and winding mountain road we made it to the trailhead. We all car camped for the night. The next morning we hiked nine miles down to the cabin, where we made camp. Tired and hungry from the long hike in, we made dinner, and then crashed early. Kim, and I decided to bunk together in the cabin where it was warm, while everyone else slept in their tents, and hammocks outside. The cabin was warm, but potentially infested with rodents. Luckily we had raised cots so we took our chances with the little creatures.
Friday we woke up to a chilly 28°F morning. That first hot cup of coffee by the fire was pure bliss. After breakfast we hiked about 8 miles out-and-back to the HU Bar cabin by the river. We spent some time eating lunch, and exploring the area. Ed was determined to find a secret cache of buried weapons, but no luck. After getting back from the second cabin we had a potluck with all of the food we brought with. Greg, our wonderful host, brought several raw chickens, and a rotisserie. I brought 4 lbs of cooked sweet potatoes, and everyone else brought other delicious side dishes, and desserts. We used the wood burning stove in the VT cabin to cook, and warm up everything.
Saturday morning was even colder, with a low of 20°F. Our dish washing bucket froze in the night, along with everything else outside. We drank hot coffee, and warmed up some quick breakfast by the fire. After we cleaned up the cabin, we hiked nine miles back out to the cars. The hike out was a little strenuous being mostly up hill, especially the last couple of miles. Erik, Mark and I made it to the cars before everyone else. Even though my pack no longer contained any sweet potatoes, Kim attached a few animal bones to my pack, which meant my pack was the same weight as when I started. She had quite a collection of bones, and several of us were happy to assist with carrying them out.
Overall this was an incredibly epic adventure, where we all made new friends, and life long memories. Thanks to Greg for organizing this!
