Answering my own question: Bailed at end of section 23 of the CT at Carson Saddle - clouds were stacking up. 2 bike packers were < 1 hour ahead of me, and I heard they went to Cataract lake. I'd be curious to know how they fared, because climbing up towards Cinnamon Pass on the Alpine Loop, I could see the divide was socked in something fierce. Trip report to come.

Fellow bike packers. I have some days this weekend and I'm trying to decide what route to bikepack. I was originally thinking of starting Sunday morning at the Spring Creek TH on the Co Trail, riding Stoney Pass Road down and into Silverton, and then taking the Alpine loop back to Lake City. The weather is iffy for Sunday day and evening - 40% chance of rain, possibility of TS - predicted rainfall is .018 inches/hour for about 6+ hours. Normally I'd say "meh, normal mountain weather", but considering I'll be above 11K for the entire first day/night, I'm actually questioning the wisdom of this. I have all the necessary rain gear, etc, but I'm still on the fence. My general concern isn't safety as much as comfort  - I want to enjoy my holiday weekend, not hunker down in a bivy in the tundra. For those who have raced the CT in bad conditions, or just have more experience than myself riding in this stuff, what would you do? Cheers, Scott.

Thanks for the info , Scott. Is your route suggestion the same as the previous poster, i.e. go back the way i drove out? I'd prefer *not* to shuttle back - but only would consider that option if i was likely to miss my flight. Anyway, don't go out of your way to arrange for a shuttle - I should be fine. Thanks for the info and good luck on your excursion.

Hey, folks. I was planning on doing part of the Arizona trail Dec 19-22. My route will be from the traditional start to Tucson, which I'm hoping to complete in 2 days. I'm trying to plan carefully, as I have to fly out of Phoenix for X-mas the morning of the 23rd. Once to Tucson, I was thinking I would take roads back to Parker Canyon Lake. Can someone suggest a good route? I'll sacrifice *some* safety for expedience, i.e wide shoulder paved over less trafficked dirt. Or would anyone be willing to give me a lift? I'd be willing to pay gas plus a negotiated fee (could pay in CO micro-brews if that's your thing). Thanks!

Hey, folks. I was planning on doing part of the Arizona trail Dec 19-22. My route will be from the traditional start to Tucson, which I'm hoping to complete in 2 days. I'm trying to plan carefully, as I have to fly out of Phoenix for X-mas the morning of the 23rd. Once to Tucson, I was thinking I would take roads back to Parker Canyon Lake. Can someone suggest a good route? I'll sacrifice *some* safety for expedience, i.e wide shoulder paved over less trafficked dirt. Or would anyone be willing to give me a lift? I'd be willing to pay gas plus a negotiated fee (could pay in CO micro-brews if that's your thing). Thanks!

Wondering if anyone has bikepacked this area. If so, what was your route? Where did you start? Are the roads getting to the park worth biking as well? TIA for any info.