i wouldnt call it backpacking per se, but i live really close to the Tonto National Forest.....i hike it all the time....it goes from saguaro cactus forest(lol @ forest), all the way up to pine forest and snow....its got abandoned mines, rivers/creeks, a couple of lakes in its borders...actually i think its one of the bigger national forests in the country....i usually carry a 3 quart camelback, plus two 1 quart canteens, and i use most of it on a round trip hike, plus a firearm and plate carrier(im afraid of javelinas)....its a nice walk and workout