Backpacking in Arizona's Superstition Mountains

You and a few friends just returned from a hot, weekend backpacking trip in the Superstition Mountains outside Phoenix, AZ. It was the first trip for one of his friends, Alan, who is slightly overweight and unfit, had a difficult time with the heat, distance, and elevation changes. Monday morning, the day after the trip, Alan called you complaining of very sore leg and back muscles; he said he could hardly get out of bed and taking 600 mg of ibuprofen didn't help. 

What do you think might be wrong with Alan, how do you find out, and what should you do? Click here to find out.

Don't know where to begin or what to do? Take one of our wilderness medicine courses. Guides and expedition leaders should consider taking our Wilderness First Responder course.

Looking for a reliable field reference? Consider consider purchasing one of our print or digital handbooks; our digital handbook apps are available in English, Spanish, and Japanese. Updates are free for life. A digital SOAP note app is also available.